Church Staff

First Congregational UCC welcomed Tanya Sadagopan to serve as pastor in September 2015.
Tanya grew up in Ohio and Florida.  She graduated from Texas Christian Univ with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and earned a master in sociology from The Ohio State Univ.  She completed her Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.  She has experience as an assistant pastor, senior minister and minister of Christian Education and Family Life.  Pastor Tanya and her husband Sriram, have 2 teenage children; son Nishanth and daughter Nandini.

Becky grew up in Whitewater, WI, attended UW-Whitewater, and worked there for 36 years.  She has lived in Janesville since 2003.  She is married to Gregg, a landscape designer, and they have 2 adult married children and a grandson and granddaughter.  Becky is a quilter, she also loves reading, word search puzzles, playing dominoes, bridge, and cribbage.  She invites you to visit our beautiful, old, historical church and enjoy the music from our fantastic pipe organ, her favorite part of our church.

 

 

Denise grew up in Janesville but after marrying her husband, Doug, they moved away.  They returned to Janesville in 2014 and are enjoying being back in this great city and state.  Denise is an avid tennis fan and enjoys playing cards with family and friends plus taking her dog, Tillie, on walks.

 

Dr Brian Knutson began as our Director of Music in 2004.  He directs our Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir.  He is currently retired from the Janesville School District, and has also taught extensively at the college level.  Brian is a bass-baritone and brings a smile to the face of church members when he sings in church.  Brian is married to Jan Knutson.  They have three adult children and four grandchildren.  Brian also enjoys teaching tennis and has been a part of many musical productions here in Janesville.

Jan Knutson is the organist/pianist at First Congregational Church. She has been involved in church music since she was 13.  She has served as an organist and church choir director at Lutheran and Christian Reformed Churches throughout her career.  Jan is also the Parker Arts Academy Coordinator at Parker HS.  She is married to Brian.  They have three adult sons, two of whom are choral directors and one an environmental engineer. They love spending time with their four grandchildren.