The Rev. Amjad J Samuel
Lead Shepherd
I knew church from my mother’s womb. I experienced Christ through the many transformative ways I saw so many people around me choosing to be the instruments of God’s grace. I studied theology at schools that included Duke and Yale. I grew in faith because I witnessed first hand the goodness of a loving and faithful God. I serve because Jesus empowered us with the Holy Spirit to make disciples of all nations.
Julie Ayer
Executive Leader
My name is Julie Ayer, and I wear many hats! I am a School Counselor, mother, wife, daughter, friend, animal advocate and one of the executive leaders at The Table. In my spare time I enjoy curling up with a good book, crafting, and hunting for sea glass along the Milford shoreline. I enjoy taking trips with my family to Boston, Newport, Block Island and Florida. As a result of being part of The Table, I have come to realize there is a difference between knowing about God and being in a relationship with him. It is this relationship that challenges me and pulls my attention away from myself and toward the needs of others. Since I was a young child, the line of the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” has always stood out to me. It is in that line that God challenges us to “get up and go!” There’s work to be done! I view myself as God’s instrument. I am nourished by his faith in me and know that through my actions and the collective efforts of a caring, supportive community, I will be able to make a difference in the world.
Janet Baldwin
Executive Leader
Hello! I am Janet Baldwin. I live in Shelton with my wonderful husband, Jim. We’ve been married for nearly 56 years. Jim is one of those guys who doesn’t say much, but is always there to support me and the family. He greets everyone with a smile.
We have a son and a daughter who have gifted us with 5 grandchildren. The youngest is 11 years old and the four older ones are 20, 21, 22 and 24. When we are together, which isn’t often enough, we enjoy playing Parcheesi, Uno, and Farkle! There are always games and of course, their favorite foods!
Before I retired, I was a teacher for 30 years. I taught one year in kindergarten, twenty years in first grade, and nine years working with teachers and students in kindergarten through grade 6, as a Reading and Language Arts Consultant. My time teaching was rarely dull and I often referred to my students as the chocolate chips in my cookie! So true!
I have been part of the Table since its beginning a little over a year ago. No matter how I am feeling, when we are together for worship, there is joy that is contagious!
I find that worshipping with music, praying together, discussing Scripture, and community outreach, are strengthening my relationship with Jesus.
In addition to being an Executive Leader, I am an active participant in our Saturday community meals. I invite you to join us!
The food is always delicious, the worship music is uplifting, and the sharing of ideas about the Scripture reading is amazing! There is so much to learn from one another!
But the best part is getting to know the wonderful people who attend.
So join us on Saturday nights, at 5:45, at the First Baptist Church Hall, 178 Leavenworth Road in Shelton. Really hoping to see you there!
Chris Renz
Executive Leader
I live in Shelton with my wife Amanda and our three daughters. In addition to being on the Executive Leadership team, I also lead The Table’s Bible Study (Thinking it Through). When Father Amjad asked me about 5 years ago to help lead Bible Study, it was frightening, as that was not something that I grew up doing (reading or discussing the Bible). But with the support of The Table community, we have built, together, a space for discussion where people from all backgrounds and level of experience have a say. My favorite part of our Table community is the fact that we are continually pushing what we can and should be doing to grow our individual and communal relationships with Jesus. We aren’t doing things just because “that’s how we’ve always done this”.
Mary Dorland
Scribe
Hi, my name is Mary. I live in Shelton with my husband, Bob and my son, Jack. I am a nurse for 42 years now (yikes)so caring for others has been my passion for a long time.
At The Table, I help care for the needs of the community through the free weekly meal and the Blessing Box. I participate in the weekly Sunday service to learn from the Bible, reflect and pray as I grow more into my life with Christ. I am grateful for the many blessings God has given me and hope to share them with others.
Amanda Renz
Scribe
My name is Amanda, and my husband Chris and I live in Shelton with our three daughters. Once upon a time, I went to school to become a music teacher.. Once one kid became two and then three, my career changed as the family’s needs demanded. Multiple debilitating health issues and the pandemic sidelined all furtherment of my previous careers and any further degrees, so I found myself learning more and more about faith and our Lord and developing a personal relationship with God. In the same breath, raising teenagers provided the perfect excuse for learning about social media, video making, and more computer tasks than one would think helpful, but they are! Add a dash of a natural tendency for organization (doesn’t everyone label their label-maker?), which sums up much of what I do at The Table, including taking minutes. I sing, organize, plan, and post- does anybody want to join me in these efforts?
Lori Alterio
Blessings Abound
Lori is… we don’t know where she is. Most likely with friends someplace. Stay tuned.
Scott Colvin
Blessings Abound
I am retired and enjoy life with my wife Sandy and our dog Dutton. Every day is a new adventure with family and friends. I also like reading, exercising, and exploring new ways to keep mentally active. As I get older I find the Bible to be an increasingly significant resource in my life. Scripture helps me balance my daily activities as well as the ups and downs associated with them. Thankfully, The Table offers numerous ways to compliment all the items cited above. Focusing on continual service to God by loving others in an atmosphere free of institutional burdens is a wonderful blessing!
Jeanne McMannus
Blessings Abound
I made a personal decision to receive Christ as Lord of my life 51 years ago. Jesus Christ has given me true life with this commitment to Him. I have been a church participant with many of the Table members for about 25 years. Currently I am serving in the Blessings Abound Ministry.
