One house, many rooms
About Us
You might know us as the historic building on the corner, but we’ve always been so much more. We are ‘one house, many rooms’ inside and out – a place to nourish body, mind, and soul.
We are dedicated to enriching the community of Ridgefield, CT, and the surrounding areas through a vibrant blend of artistic expression, uplifting music, transformative leadership programs, and a welcoming inclusive space for our community partners.
Nestled within our walls you’ll find art galleries, a soon-to-arrive cozy coffee shop, a tranquil outdoor path, a labyrinth, a wind phone for moments of reflection and peace, and a food pantry to nourish the body. We aspire to be a creative and inclusive hub where every corner sparks inspiration and every event fosters unity.
Who We Are
Deborah Rundlett
Director
Deborah Rundlett is director of the Meetinghouse and pastor of Ridgebury Congregational Church. Debbie is passionate about the leader formation of people of all ages and committed to reclaiming the Commons for Ridgebury and the extended area. When not at the Meetinghouse, she is either facilitating strategic planning for purpose-driven organizations, coaching cohorts or leading global conversations toward the flourishing of people and planet.
Carole Bishop
Operations Manager
Carole Bishop is the Operations Manager for The Meetinghouse. Carole worked for 32 years in the telecommunication field and brings her organizational skills to The Meetinghouse. Carole is responsible for keeping efficient financial accounts and processing income, invoices, and payroll. She also ensures the historic buildings are appropriately cared for and maintained to provide a safe and welcoming environment for the community. She is also part of the sexton team along with Heather Thomas.
Visit the RCC Page
Heather Thomas
Sexton
For Heather, her call as sexton is grounded in the care of people and campus. Through her ministry of hospitality, she provides a place for the community to gather for spiritual formation, learning, service, and fellowship. Working as a team with Carole Bishop, they play a vital role in ensuring that the Meetinghouse and Shields Hall are clean and welcoming.
Visit the RCC Page
Sara Vokes
Sara Vokes, Music director, found her way to The Meetinghouse through serendipitous grace. From singing opera to teaching voice, to directing choirs, she creates the space for people to bring their whole selves: in worship, in fellowship, in healing, in service. Whether at concert, in worship, as a student, or on retreat, Sara engages the whole person in the journey! https://www.saravokesmusicstudio.com/
Jim Pelgrift
Jim Pelgrift is the Meetinghouse storyteller, who loves people and their stories. He has always had a passion for community and in particular the arts. He believes that the arts—music, literature, and visual—are essential not only for the care of soul, but also as an intentional social practice for our times. The act of creating bears witness to our shared humanity and need for prophetic imagination.
Visit the Community Page
Heather Cochrane
Heather Cochrane is a Biology teacher with a passion for the environment. This passion led her to develop a hands-on curriculum for children and youth to connect with the earth and learn how to grow things. The Farm at Ridgebury is committed to permaculture: that is integrating land, resources, people and the environment through mutually beneficial synergies. She also is our Moderator!
Charlotte Camillos
Program Support
How does the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and a contemporary art gallery prepare one to become a part of the Meetinghouse team? Given the importance of the arts at The Meetinghouse, this experience is essential. Add to that a Greek husband (who died of cancer in 2017), 15 years in Brazil where two children were born, and the building of a home on Mopus Bridge in Ridgebury, and you have just the right combination of experience to provide program support, especially for the Arts!
Elizabeth
Rappaport
Program Support
Priscilla Prentice
Social Media & Website
Priscilla Prentice designs and maintains the website and social media accounts for The Meetinghouse.
https://priscillaprentice.com/
THE MEETINGHOUSE
Ridgebury Congregational Church
602 – 605 Ridgebury Rd.
Ridgefield, CT 06877
Hours
Gallery Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 2 – 4 PM
or by appointment.
One House, Many Rooms
You’ll find us on both sides of Ridgebury Road