MARK NILSON, Senior Pastor
Mark Nilson is in his seventh year as Sr. pastor at Salem after serving five congregations from coast to coast. Post-pandemic ministry is undoubtedly the most challenging of his tenure, and because of that, the most rewarding demanding a “breaking away from rigid sets of beliefs to the full embrace of Jesus’ single most concise directive – to love” (McLaren, The Great Spiritual Migration).
Mark’s focus throughout his ministry has been preaching, pastoral care, community involvement, interfaith and ecumenical commitment, and social justice. This is his third occasion living in MA, having grown up in Worcester, returning after being married, and today called as Senior Pastor. Mark’s hobbies are gardening, working out, and fly fishing. Mark is married to Robin an interior designer in Boston. Together they share two sons and their incredible spouses: Aaron, married to Rachael, living in Seattle, and Chase, married to Hector, living in Houston.
BRADFORD HENDRICKSON, Organist and Choir Director
In addition to being a lifelong member, Brad has served Salem for 40+ years. He received his early training at All Saint’s Church, first as a choir boy and then as assistant organist to Henry Hokans, his principle teacher. After 50 years, Salem completely refurbished it’s primary sanctuary organ. It is Brad’s greatest delight bringing this instrument to its greatest depths and heights.
Brad is a member of the American Guild of Organists, and is well known in the greater Worcester area.
Brad enjoys golf and spending time at his home on Cape Cod with his family and friends.
MAGGIE SELIGMAN, Office Administrator
Maggie joined the staff at Salem Covenant in October of 2015. She and her husband, Alan, reside in Holden and have one daughter, Ami, of Worcester. Maggie is a member of the Congregational Church of Holden.
Maggie loves photography, Maine beaches, walking, challenges and laughing. She brings an enthusiasm to her work that is infectious.
Maggie shares her gifts with a second employer, Trailside Communications of Worcester. Maggie’s favorite employment: 18 wheel, short-haul truck driver.
DAVE NOLAN, Facilities Coordinator
A retired educator, Dave Nolan worked for Worcester Public Schools for thirty-six years concluding his primary vocational life as an administrator at Burncoat High School.
Dave is married to Debra, a retired physical therapist, and both have been members at Salem Covenant Church since 1981. Together they have two children: Greg, who resides in San Diego, CA, and Elizabeth Nolan-Stack of Lowell, MA. Elizabeth and her husband have two daughters.
Not one to stay idle, Dave bicycles, enjoys landscaping, reading, photography, travel, and community volunteering. His favorite job: summer Sports Camp Director.
LYNNE ORSTED, Church chair
Lynne has been a strong guiding force at Salem serving as chair for many years. Multi-skilled, Lynne has worked as a legal assistant in Worcester for her entire career which will conclude in November of 2022. Gifted for leadership with great relational acumen, Lynne provided a key stabilizing presence during the provisional months between pastorates and in guiding the merger with Salem’s sister congregation, Bethlehem Covenant Church in 2018. We look forward to how God will use Lynne in retirement.
Lynne has been the frontrunner in many key developments, holding to Salem’s treasured values while urging growth and expansion through new initiatives.
Lynne has two grown daughters, Lisa of Northampton, MA, Amanda of Maryland, and two grandchildren both of Maryland.