Reverend Dr. Evelyn Lavelli
Minister

Reverend Dr. Evelyn Lavelli was raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she was a member of Foster Memorial Church, and ordained in the United Church of Christ on October 21, 1990 at Mittineague Congregational Church in West Springfield, Massachusetts. She proudly claims, "I have belonged to the United Church of Christ all my life."

A 1990 Masters of Divinity graduate of Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, she first felt called to parish ministry when she was confirmed in 1971. Her great interests are preaching, visiting parishioners, especially those homebound and in nursing homes, nurturing children and youth and ecumenical endeavors. She earned her three-year Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program administered by the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) in May 2007. 

Her preaching style is comfortable and inviting, yet dynamic and powerful. Her messages of faith come straight from her heart and attest to her care for the congregation and her love of God. Rich with theological reflection, her often passionate sermons soothe the soul, encourage good deeds, provide perspective in our changing world, and, ultimately, serve to bring the congregation together as one church family.

Reverend Dr. Lavelli began her ministry with Pilgrim Church in 1998. She and her husband Gary live in Harwich and have two grown children, both married, and one granddaughter and one grandson.