Pastor and Staff

---

The Reverend. Dr. Gary Percesepe was called to be Interim Pastor  of Open Door Congregational Church  in June, and began his ministry with us on July 6, 2025.  Previously Pastor of Keawala'i Congregational Church on Maui, Gary is married to  Resea, who remains  on Maui awaiting the sale of their house there,  along with Ashton (20), Elizabeth (Resea’s mom), and Søren, an energetic Standard Poodle and neighborhood ambassador of joy!

Gary was ordained to pastoral ministry in 1996 and holds his ministerial standing with the United Church of Christ. Together, Gary & Resea are the parents of adult children living in Baltimore,  Atlanta,  and Washington, DC ,  and have six grandchildren, including a set of twins.

Dr.  Percesepe holds a master’s degree in theology from Denver Seminary, a master’s in philosophy from University of Denver, and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Saint Louis University, and has done postgraduate study at Collegium Phenomenologicum, Perugia, Italy. He has taught philosophy and theology at many universities, including Fordham University, University of Dayton, Wittenberg University, and Saint Louis University.

In his thirty-year pastoral ministry Gary has served Congregational, Presbyterian, and American Baptist (ABC) churches. Throughout his ministry he has demonstrated his ability to adapt, lead, and persevere though challenges that were unique to each church. 

Gary is the author of twelve books, including Moratorium: Collected Stories, named by Kirkus Review as one of the top 100 Indie books of 2022, and several collections of poetry.  Excerpts from his spiritual memoir-in-progress have been published recently in The Sun Magazine. He is an avid golfer, paddler, reader, and skier.

Gary would love to spend time “talking story” with you! Call the church office or send him an email at garypercesepe@gmail.com to set up a time for a visit!