Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.

-Psalm 84: 3-4

The Reverend Westley Conn

Westley Conn is a teacher and pastor, ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the United Church of Christ. Since 2014, he has served the Memorial Church of Harvard University, the University’s worshiping congregation for students, alumni, community members, as well as faculty and staff. The dual nature of this church reflects Wes’s passions and interests: ministry and education.

Wes started with the Memorial Church as Director of the Church School. During this time, he helped broaden the congregation’s ministry to young people, expanding faith formation specific to teens and reestablishing the confirmation class. Upon his ordination in 2017, the church afforded him the opportunity to serve the congregation as one of its clergy in the position of Ministry Fellow.

By collaborating with staff and leaders in the congregation, Wes reshaped Christian education for adults, enhanced worship leadership at the daily service of Morning Prayers and grew outreach to students through programs like Bereavement Group. He is also found preaching at Sunday services and developing new worship services, like the church’s first service for Easter sunrise. In addition to Sunday worship, he tends to weddings, memorials, and baptisms.

As clergy, Wes also mentors a cohort of eight students in their work as Church School Teachers and provides support for seminarians in the church. He helps these students navigate their responsibilities to congregants and one another, while also encouraging them to embrace their roles as church leaders. He is known for his approachability and care with first-time visitors and regular congregants.

Having grown up in the church, Wes learned early on the ways in which faith communities offer a space of grace amidst the changes and chances of life. He hopes to help others see and experience the goodness of dwelling together as a community of faith.

When not at church, Wes can be found spending time with family and friends, or reclining on the porch with a good book and a beer. He is enamored by French culture, while struggling to speak the language. Wherever Wes travels, trying new foods is a serious priority. Wes doesn’t have any pets or children, but he has taken on the millennial trend of tending houseplants. Be sure to ask him about his growing collection of nativities.