Interim Pastor
Peggy J. Griffith
Pastor Peggy brings a unique blend of leadership experience and deep spiritual commitment to her role as Interim Pastor at Faith Community Church.
After more than 25 years in project management and organizational development in the corporate world, she answered God's call to ministry. Peggy is a graduate of the Wisconsin Congregational Association's 3-year Lay Ministry Training Program.
Peggy's passion is sharing the light and love of God with a hurting world through biblically-based preaching and authentic relationship building. She is a long-time Congregationalist and has served the Congregational community in numerous capacities, including Moderator for the Wisconsin Congregational Association. Peggy is also the creator and host of the Next Door Gospel podcast.
Currently, Peggy also serves as Director of Development for the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches (NACCC), where she works to support the growth and vitality of Congregational churches across the nation. She resides in Milwaukee with her husband John, and three fur children of the feline variety.
remembering
pastor stu
Rev. Dr. Stu Merkel
Rev. Dr. Stu Merkel, "Pastor Stu", was the pastor at Faith Community Church in Franklin from 2009 until he lost his battle with cancer in June 2025. He was a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary MDIV and DMIN. He acted as our spiritual leader, an inspiring friend, and our creative preacher. A lifelong Christian of the Congregational tradition who served churches in San Diego, Hartford, CT, Gurnee, IL, and then Franklin. He was also president of the Wisconsin Congregational Association Ministers Fellowship and taught Spiritual Formations for the NACCC Lay Ministry Training Program. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lynn, and their children and grandchildren.
Pastor Stu’s life reflected faith, love, and generosity. He spent decades as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, a true friend to many, and servant of Christ. His love and genuine care for all those around him truly left a lasting impact.
He constantly poured into the lives of others. He was always available, present, and thoughtful. His absence is deeply felt by our Faith Family and community.
We take comfort and true joy knowing that Stu is now in the presence of his Savior. His greatest love. Though we experience grief, it is not without hope. He has entered into the fullness of life with Christ.
