Staff & Ministry Leaders

The leadership at Oasis is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for our church. If you have questions for any of our staff or ministry volunteers, feel free to reach out and email them [click on their photo] or call our church office at (203) 439-0150.

  • Dennis Ritchie

    Pastor & Elder

    What movie or novel character do you most identify with?

    -Forrest Gump - there is a beautiful simplicity that he views and lived his life by.

     

    If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1?

    -A free Harley Davidson for everyone who wanted one

     

    What are two things on your Bucket List?

    -To see the Northern Lights in Alaska and to travel to Jerusalem and walk in the foot steps of Jesus

     

    What’s your favorite Bible verse?

    -Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

     

    What is the last book you read that you found difficult to put down?

    -Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael Horton

     

    What makes you stop and go “Wow!”?

    -The reality of how much my wife Sandi loves me. I am amazed that I am so lucky!

     

    What are you passionate about?

    -People knowing and understanding how much God loves them and wants the very best for them.

     

    What was your first job?

    -Working on a dairy farm, I had all the dirty jobs. 

     

    What was your first impression about Oasis?

    -Well, since I was part of the team that planted the church my first impression was “This is the most amazing church in the entire world!” And it still is!

     

    What might someone be surprised to know about you?

    -I cry at the end of Undercover Boss, every time!

     

  • Jim Talbot

    Board of Finance Member

    What movie or novel character do you most identify with?  

    -Samwise Gamgee

     

    If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1?   

    -I would make cake one of the major food groups

     

    What are two things on your Bucket List?   

    -Visit the Grand Canyon; try hang gliding

     

    What’s your favorite Bible verse?  

    -Romans 8:38-39

     

    What is the last book you read that you found difficult to put down?   

    -The Fionavar Tapestry trilogy

     

    What makes you stop and go “Wow!”?   

    -My grandson, Gus

     

    What are you passionate about?   

    -Making something, fixing something or painting something

     

    What was your first job?  

    -Grocery bagger at Cheshire IGA for $1.85/hr

     

    What was your first impression about Oasis?   

    -It felt like my church home, even though it was the very first service at the Southington Grange

     

    What might someone be surprised to know about you?  

    -I have had a broken arm, a broken nose, a broken rib, a broken finger and a broken collarbone, most of them from playing softball


  • Mike Gadwah

    Elder & Missions Ministry Leader

    What movie or novel character do you most identify with? 

    -I have no clue how to answer this.

     

    If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1? 

    -Religious Persecution.

     

    What are two things on your Bucket List?

    -1) buy a bucket. 2) make a list.  (I don't believe in bucket lists)

     

    What’s your favorite Bible verse?

    -Ephesians 6:19-20   -   Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

     

    What is the last book you read that you found difficult to put down? 

    -The Merlin Trilogy by Mary Stewart, specifically the first book, The Crystal Cave.

     

    What makes you stop and go “Wow!”? 

    -The stupidity of the human spirit.

     

    What are you passionate about? 

    -World Missions - Haiti in particular.

     

    What was your first job?

    -Fry Cook and Ice Cream Scooper at a local (since closed) Dairy Bar - Greenbackers' Dairy in Meriden.

     

    What was your first impression about Oasis? 

    -I'm home.

     

    What might someone be surprised to know about you?

    -When I was in high school, I would take my pet raccoon for a walk - he'd be on a leash and I would be riding my unicycle.

  • Sue Gerace

    Board of Finance

    What movie or novel character do you most identify with?

    -Ariel from Little Mermaid (Adventurous)


    If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1?

    -Food would have to be given away to the needy from stores & restaurants, not thrown away.


    What are two things on your Bucket List?

    -Give away one million dollars & visit Israel.


    What’s your favorite Bible verse?

    -Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”


    What is the last book you read that you found difficult to put down?

    "In Pursuit of Love, One womans journey from Trafficked to Triumphant"

    A true story by Rebecca Bender


    What makes you stop and go “Wow!”?

    -Ocean Scenery


    What are you passionate about?

    -Helping people in need


    What was your first job?

    -Waitress, Farm Shop Cheshire. Used to be located where Bank of America is in the Marshall’s plaza


    What was your first impression about Oasis?

    -I was on the original prayer team so, just waited on God for His leading


    What might someone be surprised to know about you?

    -I’m number 4 of 9 children.

      



  • Maureen Bingham

    First Impressions Team


    What movie or novel character do you most identify with?

    -Jiminy Cricket


    If you ruled the world, what would you change on Day 1?

    -No one would have to worry about having enough food. Also, there would be ample time to take a nap!


    What are two things on your Bucket List?

    -1) Go to Maine. 2) Own a house with a fireplace.


    What’s your favorite Bible verse?

    -“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38-39‬ 


    What is the last book you read that you found difficult to put down?

    -“Hospitality Ministry”  by Greg Atkinson


    What makes you stop and go “Wow!”?

    -Sunrises and sunsets. 


    What are you passionate about?

    -Helping my friends and family in anyway I can. 


    What was your first job?

    -Cashier at Duchess Restaurant. 


    What was your first impression about Oasis?

    -The people here are so nice, This feels like a church family.


    What might someone be surprised to know about you?

    -I was once a radio DJ.