Rev. Dr. Brian R Bodt, Pastor

The Rev. Dr. Brian R. Bodt is not quite older than dirt, but close.  After 47 years as an ordained United Methodist pastor, he came out of retirement in March 2024 to serve Woodbury UMC half-time.  He also infiltrates Congregationalists in Fairfield by working for them part-time in pastoral care.   Blessed with four wonderful sons, two “daughters” and three grandchildren, he is doubly blessed by being married to Carol Galloway, a physical therapist in Fairfield.  They reside in Woodbridge.  Brian likes to sing, ski, run and play with all kinds of trains.

Christopher Shay, Minister of Music

Christopher Shay graduated from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music with a Bachelors degree in piano performance and a Master of Music in Teaching with a focus in choral music. His choirs at Shepaug and Greenwich High School won top awards and toured internationally including performances at St Paul’s, London; Notre Dame, Paris; Honolulu, Helsinki, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. Chris retired from teaching in the public schools but continues to teach at the University of Connecticut.

Chris directed the 90 voice Connecticut Choral Society for 12 years.  Chris began working in churches while he was a college student and never stopped.  Carolyn joined the church choir and that changed everything.  They’ve been married for 47 years and have two sons and 6 grandchildren.

Matti Paparazzo, Administrative Assistant

Mathiah “Matti” Paparazzo is a native of Bethlehem who moved to Woodbury when she met her husband in 2018. She started working here at WUMC in 2022 alongside her other church job in Bethlehem. Besides work, Matti enjoys her favorite hobbies of horseback riding, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her husband, daughter, 2 dogs, 15 chickens, and a British Shorthair cat.