The Rev. Carolyn Peck is the new pastor at First Congregational Church.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — First Congregational Church looks to "rebuild" with a new pastor and music director.

The Rev. Carolyn Peck and music director Michael Daunis both have joined the church in a collective front to reconnect it to the community.

"The first year often Is getting to know and understand who we have here, what kind of worship space we have, and places we can create for folks that is inviting, inspiring, and enables people to find themselves touched by the presence of God," Peck said. "So in that sense we are still figuring that out."

Peck said she wants to focus on changing the way people see church and make it more hands on. She added she would like to find ways to involve both the elderly community and busy families with young children.

Peck, a Berkshire County native, said she came into the ministry later in life. After working in marketing for years, she found her self-drawn to her church.

"I was filling in as the substitute organist in my home church … in Lenox, and I had lot of conversations with my pastor," Peck said. "I found myself being drawn, unbeknownst to me, to the ministry, and I wanted to explore it."

Peck graduated from Boston University School of Theology in 2001. From there, she interned in Pittsfield and was a pastor in Hinsdale for eight years.

She said she was happy to come to First Congregational because of its more urban location in the middle of the community where she can connect with other churches. First Baptist, All Saints Episcopal and St. Elizabeth of Hungary are within a  few blocks.

"I wanted to be able to be involved in a community where we could … help people understand what church is about today," she said. "It was important to me to be centrally located and it seemed to just be a good fit."

Daunis said he, too, would like to focus on connecting the community, but through the tangibility of music.

"Music is an active thing. When you sing a song it’s not like you are writing a formula; you are actually doing something and a lot of people can connect with that, Daunis said.  "Music can bring people back into a church like this. They will want to see what is happening."

Daunis, a Pittsfield native, said he has been studying piano and organ since the age of 8 and started playing organ in church at 15. He studied music theory and composition and, later, education.

He said he has been teaching music for nearly 20 years at all levels throughout Massachusetts and now is a staff accompanist at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

"I come with a pretty strong instrumental and choral background, and I really enjoy conducting and leading groups," he said. "I think it really shows. I think I have had a lot of success with the people I have worked with."

Daunis said through his many shifts in career he has always been involved in music ministry.

"All during the time I was raising a family and teaching, I would play for churches on weekends so it has been a permanent thing in my life," Daunis said. "I really have grown to love it . and have shared the gift of music with a lot of people."

Michael Daunis, First Congregational's new music director, has worked with other churches in the area.

Daunis said he wants to focus on expanding the music program, which is known for the two concerts its puts on every year. He said he is excited about the Dec. 14 North County Christmas concert. He said it will feature volunteer singers form the Berkshires.

Both Daunis and Peck said they greatly enjoy the connection between all of the non-profit and interfaith groups in North Adams. Peck said the connectivity makes their efforts stronger.

"They all have a good structure so we all don’t feel like we are little groups trying to push something we are doing," Peck said. "Together there is more of a connection with these groups and more of a connection with the community."

Peck said although they had to take off running once hired, they are excited for the opportunity and the ability to engage members of the church and community.

"We are excited and nervous all at the same time," she said. "It is a challenging time, but it can be a really good opportunity." 

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