About our Pastors
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Testa Hrynyk
Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Jennifer Testa Hrynyk (pronounced her-REN-ick) joined First Congregational Church in March of 2022 as its senior minister. Before that, she served as one of the pastors at Community Congregational Church in Short Hills, NJ, for over 16 years, where her focus was initially on children and youth. Over time, her call evolved to include a variety of ministry areas, including outreach, adult education, church management, and worship leadership.
“The community of Westfield is one that is near and dear to my heart. My first childhood home was in Westfield, my parents both grew up in Westfield, and my earliest preschool experience took place at First Congregational Church! Coming to FCC feels like coming home.”
Jennifer holds a Doctor of Ministry from Emory University – Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA, with an emphasis in Church Leadership and Community Witness, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The College of New Jersey. Jennifer holds dual standing with the United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church (USA). She is also trained as a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator, a premarital and marriage enrichment program.
Prior to her ordination in 2005, Jennifer was a Seminary Intern for Worship, Education & Youth at Watchung Avenue Presbyterian Church in North Plainfield, NJ. Prior to that, she was Youth Director at Osceola Presbyterian Church in Clark, NJ. She began her career at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield as part of the Leadership Team of the Agape Soup Kitchen, and the Christian Education and Youth Intern.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be part of a church in a community that has been in my family for four generations. With all my being, I believe that God has envisioned a future filled with the hope that only God can offer, and I pray for the joyful discernment of what that future might hold for me and for the First Congregational Church of Westfield, and the impact that we can have together in the community.”
Jennifer and her husband, John, live in Springfield, and enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and spoiling their nieces and nephews. She is also an amateur photographer and cake decorator.
Jennifer can be reached at Jennifer@fccofwestfield.org or by calling the Church Office at (908) 233-2494.
Marybeth Doctor
Associate Pastor
Marybeth Doctor was called to serve as the Associate Pastor at First Congregational Church in September of 2026. Marybeth is a graduate of Drew Theological School, where she earned her Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree in 2025. She is a candidate for ordination in the United Church of Christ.
Marybeth began her professional career in early childhood education and was the founder of two schools for young children, including an interfaith preschool at Christ Church in Summit, NJ. She completed an internship at Salem United Church of Christ in Doylestown, PA, after which she served as a hospice chaplain in the Princeton area.
“Serving the community of Westfield is a full circle moment for me. I grew up in Scotch Plains and lived in Summit for many years. Even though I’ve moved around throughout my adult life, this area has always been home.” Marybeth lives with her longtime partner Christopher, their two teenagers, and two adventurous dogs. She enjoys hiking, cooking, and buying too many books (most of which she does get around to reading).