Leadership Team
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Rev. Steve Kasanovich, Pastor/Elder
Pastor Steve, is a licensed and ordained CCCC (Conservative Congregational Christian Conference) minister. He is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania with a degree in Theology and Christian Ministry, and had previously served as a pastor at Mayflower Church in Kingston, Massachusetts prior to being called to Chichester. He’s been married to his wife Shirley, who works at the Chichester Central School, for over 35 yrs, and has three children, ranging in age from 26-34 yrs of age. Pastor Steve enjoys building and racing hot rods, hunting, and fly fishing in his spare time.
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Marc Chronis, Elder
Marc has been attending Hope in Christ Church since 1995. For the past 20 years he served first as deacon and has been an elder for over 16 years. Marc is a stone mason and builder. He and his wife Lisa, have two daughters and six grandchildren. Marc is an avid outdoorsman and hunter. His life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
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Todd Russell, Elder
Todd has been attending Hope in Christ since 2003. He first served as deacon and is now serving as an elder. Todd is a production planner at Saint-Gobain in Merrimack. He and his wife Laurie have 4 children ranging from 12 to 21 years old. Todd and Laurie have been involved with, and now lead, a small group focused on marriage which has helped them and others to grow closer as husband and wife, as well as to the Lord. Todd enjoys swimming, running, shooting, grilling, various other outdoor summer activities, and black & white movies.
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Don Beland, Elder
Don has been attending Hope in Christ Church since 2017. Don retired in 2020 from his career in mechanical engineering. He and his wife Debbie have two children and four grandchildren. His son Andy, and his wife, lead our Youth Group. Don’s hobbies are camping, bicycling, woodworking, hunting and fishing. Don and Debbie have led a young adult’s group for seven years and will continue this ministry at Hope in Christ Church.
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Derek Valenti, Elder
Derek has been attending Hope in Christ Church since 2021 and has served there in many capacities, most recently by leading the Sunday Worship Operations Team. Derek has spent the past 24 years in the contact center customer service space and is currently working as a contact center consultant for Capgemini Inc. He and his wife Michelle have two adult boys Tomas and Deven. Derek likes to spend his free time with his family, playing softball and disc golf. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 28:7
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Katie Shaw, Office Manager
In addition to being the church secretary and office manager, Katie also works at CareNet in Concord, one of our local Missionaries, when she is not working here in the office at Hope in Christ. Katie, her husband Bob, and son Rob, enjoy spending time together camping, biking, volunteering, and attending robotics competitions during the school year. Katie also enjoys baking and crafts. Her favorite Scripture verse is Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we cannot see”
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Laurie Russell, Worship Leader
Laurie leads our Worship Team and has been attending, along side her 4 children and husband & Elder Todd, since 2003. Together, Laurie and Todd lead small group studies and help with children & youth ministries as well.
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Shirley Kasanovich, Kid's Church Coordinator
Shirley leads our Children's Ministry, and is married to Pastor Steve. She works at Chichester Central School and has a passion for helping kids understand both the Truth and Grace of Gods love in their lives.
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Josh & Lizzie Planchet, Youth Group Leaders
Josh & Lizzie have been married for over a year and help in our Music and Tech ministries as well. Josh has a heart for reaching the youth with the Gospel, and Lizzie writes her own amazing devotionals, designed for girls and young women!