Pastor William (Bill) Rivera

- Associate Pastor and Counselor

BACKGROUND:

Pastor Bill became a Christian at age 17 and enlisted in the United States Navy shortly afterward. Arriving at his first duty station in San Diego, California, he was challenged by some men to “Take up his cross, follow Jesus as a disciple, and commit himself to fulfilling the Great Commission of Christ." Pastor Bill earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, in Belton, Texas (1986), and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies (Youth and Family Counseling) at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Hamilton, Massachusetts (1990).   He was ordained for the Gospel ministry in 1986 at Belton, Texas. 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

  • Director of Multicultural Affairs and Immigration Practice for the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families

  • Human Development Adjunct Professor at Connecticut College

LIFE:
Pastor Bill is married to his wife Rosie Rivera. They are the parents of five children and seven grandchildren. 

“I am a coconut addict. I enjoy fishing and cooking. I love wrestling with my grandkids. I would let them win at first, and as they get tired that’s when I win”

Pastor Benji Suprice

-Associate pastor of Children and Youth

Benji Suprice is the youngest of three, born in Boston Massachusetts to a loving Haitian family--who knew how to pray. Growing up, Benji attended Church and in the process fell in love with God and His people. Church was a place of fellowship, culture, good food, and sermons that led people closer to God. Church was home. At 13 he was baptized and began preaching to youth and adults at First Haitian Baptist Church of Boston. Later on, Benji graduated from Gordon College in 2018, with a BA in Biblical Studies and Sociology. After spending two years in Charlottesville, VA working at the University of Virginia, Benji moved to New London in August 2020 and got married to Grace Martino in May 2021.

Benji now works as a Children and Youth Pastor at Church of the City and as a campus minister through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Conn College and is hoping to expand to our 4 other local campuses in the next 3 years.When not telling stories or dreaming of impacting the world, Benji is likely spending time with his wife, practicing videography, following the latest fashion trends, or listening to music.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

  • Intervarsity Staff Leader at Connecticut College