Dr. Rhonda Myers began serving as our Interim Pastor in June 2023. She comes to us with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Liberal Arts from Ramapo College of NJ, a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Her doctoral thesis was a study of Courageous Leadership among people of faith, with the Old Testament story of Queen Esther as the biblical foundation for her study.

Pastor Rhonda is married to another Presbyterian pastor, the Rev. David Myers. Dave has primarily been a transition leader since Rhonda was called to her first church in Wood-Ridge NJ a number of years ago. Dave is now serving Highlands Presbyterian Church in Allendale NJ.
Pastor Rhonda has 28 years of pastoral experience. Before joining us in Verona, Pastor Rhonda served 3 churches in New Jersey. In addition to the former Presbyterian church in Wood-Ridge, she served as pastor to Presbyterian churches in Franklin and Springfield. She was also pastor to the Chapel Lane Presbyterian Church in Midland, Michigan and interim pastor at the Presbyterian church in Goshen NY.

Rhonda and Dave have 3 adult sons, all of whom live in New Jersey and are happy to have their parents nearer to them again. They also have 2 grandsons who bring them great.
Rhonda enjoys her role as transition leader and looks forward to working with the church and in the community as we move toward a new day and a new pastor.

Our choir & music director is Chaequan Anderson “Chae” (pronounced Shea, like the butter).  On May 15th, 2022 Chaequan directed our choir for the first time and showed us his mastery of both the piano and organ as we listened to the prelude, hymns, anthem and postlude.  Many members had the opportunity to speak with Chae during coffee hour, but for those of you who would like to know more about Chae, here is a short synopsis:

Chae is currently the Associate Director, Conductor and Cantores (choir director) for the Princeton Girl choir and the Founder and Executive Director of a professional vocal group called the Glassbrook Vocal Ensemble.  It is Chae’s intention to continue these positions as he pursues his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Rutgers University which he expects to complete by 2024.  Chae holds a BA in Music, Vocal Studies from Westminster Choir College.  He is also the Director of the Middle School Choirs at Montclair Kimberly Academy. Chae will complete his master’s degree this spring.

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On a more personal note, Chae and his wife live in West Orange.  Chae describes himself as an extroverted introvert which this author interprets as someone who is outgoing and friendly but inwardly thoughtful.  He enjoys conversation with people of all ages and plans on attracting, teaching and engaging our youth (and adults) through playful and fun musical activities. 

Most of my life I’ve been a resident in Essex County currently living in Caldwell, NJ and a 2006 graduate of Caldwell University. 

After a 40+ year career as a Senior Account Manager in Group Insurance working for several major companies, I retired.  Thence, I explored other opportunities where my skills would be a benefit to others.  After a bout with Covid 19 in March of 2020, I began to do a job search.   A true miracle;  I came across a posting for First Presbyterian Church of Verona(FPCV)  was hired and loving it!

This Church and all its about, the Pastor and the people of faith whom I’ve met here have made an impact on my life.  I found a home and it’s not a job, it’s a Blessing!

I came to the First Presbyterian Church of Verona for the first time on June 24, 1963 and I have been here ever since! I moved to New Jersey from Quitman, Georgia when I was 11 months old and have lived in this area all my life. I have two children and two grandchildren.