St. Stephen’s Welcomes New Youth and Children’s Ministry Head

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Ridgefield announces the appointment of Sue Vogelman as its Associate for Youth and Children’s Ministry, effective July 1. After a year of discussion, research and prayer, it became evident to the church leadership that a full-time position was needed to fulfill its goal of creating a robust program that would reach families with children of all ages and levels of engagement within the church community.                          \

A job description was posted in early spring 2023, and a seven-member committee, including the Rev. Whitney Altopp, rector of St. Stephen’s, interviewed multiple candidates before offering the position to Ms. Vogelman.  “Sue’s energy, creativity, spirituality, and communication skills were seen as clear assets to St. Stephen’s,” said Lauren Tarantino, co-chair of the interview committee.                                         

Ms. Vogelman brings a wealth of experience to the position. A certified elementary teacher with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and political science from the University of Rochester, she has held positions in public and church educational settings. She is the former Director of Youth and Family Programs at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Woodbury, CT) and Trinity Episcopal Church (Newtown, CT).   Ms. Vogelman has also served as classroom teacher, paraeducator and long-term substitute in the Westport and Newtown School Districts.

 “Sue will be immediately planning a week-long Vacation Bible School at the end of this summer, while simultaneously reaching out to families to get to know them and their interests in a shared life of faith,” said Ms. Tarantino.  Rev. Altopp adds, “St. Stephen’s is blessed to have found Sue to help fulfill our mission of embracing the love of God by loving our neighbors.”  

Caption: Sue Vogelman (left), St. Stephen’s Associate for Youth and Children’s Ministry, and the Rev. Whitney Altopp, rector of St. Stephen’s.