The Reverend Philomena Hare

Pastor and Teacher

I am passionate about sharing the Good News of God’s transformative love with everyone I come in contact with, especially people with their backs against the wall. I earned my undergraduate degree from Emmanuel College and masters degrees in social work and theology from Boston College School of Social Work and Boston University School of Theology. The relationships and friendships I developed as a social worker, working with individuals, families, and communities coping with daily stress, profoundly influenced my call to serve a local church. Since my ordination, I have served local churches in Hingham, Weymouth, Sandwich, and Hyannis. I also served as a hospital chaplain. I came to the good people of FCC Wareham in 2020 during the Pandemic, and I am blessed and inspired by their love, wisdom, and commitment to the community. Together, we show up daily to listen to the still-speaking voice of God calling us to make God’s love and justice real in all the places where we live, work, and play. I am a devoted wife and a proud parent of one son claiming his place in the world. When I’m not teaching, preaching, or leading, I enjoy traveling, especially pilgrimages, cooking, reading mystery novels, and spending time with family. In the community, I serve on the boards of Cape Cod Council of Churches, Latinix-in-Action, and the Massachusetts Woman’s Home Missionary Union. Please visit for Sunday worship, events, or for no particular reason. You are always welcome here. Reach me at fccwarehampastor@gmail.com or www.linkedin.com/in/revphilomenahare

The Reverend Dr. James W. Fraser

Interim Pastor and Teacher

The Reverend Dr. James W. Fraser brings a profound depth of both pastoral devotion and academic excellence to our community. A dedicated minister and leading historian of education, Dr. Fraser has spent his life bridging the worlds of faith, scholarship, and community service.

For two decades, from 1986 to 2006, Dr. Fraser served as the pastor of Grace Church Federated, guiding the congregation through years of spiritual growth and shared ministry. His pastoral roots run deep, beginning earlier in his career as an associate pastor at the Church of the Covenant and as a research fellow at Auburn Theological Seminary.

Alongside his long-standing ministry, Dr. Fraser has built a distinguished career in higher education. He is currently a professor of history and education at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, where he has also served as department chair. Deeply committed to global learning, he also serves as the Dean of Education for the University of the People and is a past president of the History of Education Society. Throughout his academic journey, he has held key leadership positions at several prominent institutions, including serving as the founding dean of the Northeastern University School of Education.

Dr. Fraser’s academic foundations include a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and teaching credentials from NYU. He holds a Master of Divinity (cum laude) from Union Theological Seminary and earned his Ph.D. in the History of American Education from Columbia University.

Whether in the pulpit, the classroom, or administration, Dr. Fraser’s life work reflects a passionate commitment to nurturing both the mind and the spirit.

Tony Furtado

Minister of Music

Growing up in a traditional Portuguese household, music was a big part of our lives. Pop played the concertina and harmonica. Mom AKA Aida loved to sing.
My love of the organ came from listening to Bob Ralston playing the organ on the Lawrence Welk Show.
I was organist at the North Tiverton Primitive Methodist Church from 1980 until 1995, when I moved to Falmouth due to a job change.
For a few short years, I played piano with the praise band at Second Church UCC in Plymouth, when I moved to Sagamore Beach. I also helped them purchase a new organ and filled in for their organist when needed.
Most recently, I was the organist at the West Dennis Community Church from 2008 until 2022.
I am looking forward to serving this congregation to the best of my ability. But mostly, I look forward to being a part of this marvelous faith community.

Candy Corthell

Office Administrator

Candy  serves as the Office Administrator for FCC Wareham, bringing strong organizational skills and dedication to her role. A resident of Plymouth, and graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Candy balances her professional life with a deep passion for history and community. She is an avid genealogist and a proud member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, alongside several other historical and genealogical societies. Outside of the office, Candy loves embracing the coastal lifestyle through swimming, painting, and kayaking. Above all, she treasures spending time on the beach and creating lasting memories with her family, which includes her three children and four grandchildren.

Ms. Susan Whitaker

Sales Associate

Susan comes to the Next to New Thrift Shop from a partnership with the Senior Community Service Employment Program in New Bedford. Her work history and love of fashion formed a perfect union with the Thrift Shop. “Serving the community is a bonus. Therefore, I love what I do!”

Rich Cotton

Sexton

Rich serves as the Sexton at FCC, but to anyone who steps through our doors, he is far more than that—he is a cornerstone of our church community. Over the years, Rich has become a permanent fixture at FCC, generously dedicating his time and leadership to numerous boards in various capacities. Beyond his tireless work keeping our facilities running smoothly, Rich is best known for his wonderful, friendly personality. Possessing a warm spirit and an approachable nature, he is truly loved by everyone who knows him and embodies the welcoming heart of our congregation.