Staff

Senior Minister

(she/her)
(401) 479-6791 (cell)
revelizabeth@beneficentchurch.org

Elizabeth is a graduate of Northwestern University (with departmental honors) and Harvard Divinity School (awarded the Hopkins Share for Ministerial Promise and the  Billings Prize for Pulpit Delivery). She was ordained in the United Church of Christ and served churches in Boston, Chicago and San Francisco before shifting to hospice chaplaincy for a few years. She returned to parish ministry when she was called to be Senior Minister of Beneficent in 2019. Elizabeth has been active in the UCC denomination on national, regional and local levels and has organized extensively in local interfaith communities. She has taught Christian education at every age and stage and written more curriculum than is probably healthy or normal.

Since she was a young child, Elizabeth has been in love with the Christian clock and is happiest when taking it apart to see what makes it tick. She quarrels with scripture and the Christian tradition constantly but she is dug in deep and here to stay, all the while formulating her next irreverent thought. Elizabeth has an adult daughter, Abigail, a writer, musician and costume designer who lurks around Chicago scattering mischief and dress pins. Elizabeth shares her home with a rescued chocolate lab named Rosie and way, way too many books. She runs or rides a stationary bike daily and loves to do the kind of elaborate cooking that uses every pan in the kitchen cabinet. And there is usually a large Coke in her car’s cup holder.

Associate Minister (Designated-Term)

(he/him)
(401) 479-6960 (cell)
revjermaine@beneficentchurch.org

Rev. Jermaine L. Pearson, MDiv, has been a member of Beneficent since 2018. He is an active participant in the congregation and is often tasked to preach, lead prayer, and give lectures at the church regarding church mobilization and outreach. Pastor Jermaine was the first Black male to be ordained through the Rhode Island Association of the United Church of Christ and currently is an At-Large Member of the Rhode Island Council of Churches.

When not serving the Beneficent community, Pastor Jermaine often can be found performing in local theater productions with The Gamm Theatre, Trinity Repertory Company, and Mixed Magic Theatre. He recently wowed crowds at Roxy Regional Theatre in a performance of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple. His portrayal of Mister earned him a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical for Nashville’s First Night Awards.Pastor Jermaine earned his Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications-Public Relations from Columbia College Chicago in 2009 and completed his Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2016. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Management & Leadership from Pepperdine University.

Pastor Jermaine is an advocate for the arts and personally infuses art into ministry as means of social justice. He is an avid writer, actor, singer, preacher, and spoken word artist and can be seen around Chicago and Providence spreading the Gospel through various artistic forms.

Minister of Music (Interim)

(she/her)
(401) 228-1366 (secure voicemail)
music@beneficentchurch.org

Beginning piano lessons at age 7, Frances has strived to share and expand her music career. While still in high school, she joined The Good News Kids, an ecumenical singing group that toured the country spreading the gospel. During those same years, Frances started studying piano at the University of Rhode Island. After graduating high school, she enrolled at Roger Williams University majoring in music and theatre. Frances was accepted into their extended-course program in London, England, where she spent a year in advanced studies.

To “support” her career in music, Frances started working as an insurance field examiner in Boston. She continued for the next fifteen years working as an examiner by day, and working cabarets, supper clubs and theaters at night in Boston, MA and Chicago, IL.

In 2007, Frances returned “home” to church. She became the Music Director at Community Baptist Church in Newport, RI in 2007. In 2011, she took the position of Worship Leader at Luther Rice Memorial Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD. 2013 brought Frances to Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Newport, RI as their Director of Music Ministry. She also is the Artistic Director of RPM Voices of Rhode Island.

Director of Christian Education

(he/they)
(401) 714-4850 (cell)
education@beneficentchurch.org

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Jaquel (he/they) is an activist, educator, and burst of energy. Jaquel is a product of public school, graduating from Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Georgia. After graduating high school, Jaquel pursued a degree in Christian Education by enrolling in Ohio Christian University where he majored in Leadership in Ministry. During his undergraduate years, Jaquel served as a Youth/College Pastor for Word of Love Christian Church in Atlanta, GA and Lead Sunday School teacher for Tri-Cities Church in East Point.

Jaquel obtained a Master of Art in Religious Education from The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) where he also served as the Vice-President of the Student Christian League. After graduating from the ITC, Jaquel enhanced his education by serving as Director of Christian Education, Youth Pastor, Charter School Board Member, Religious Life Program Coordinator, and by serving in many other vocational roles.

Jaquel currently serves as a National Board member for the Association of United Church Educators (AUCE), representing the Southern Region. Since his return to Atlanta in 2021, Jaquel has served as the Program Coordinator for Sisters Chapel of Spelman College. During that time, Jaquel served as the Co-chair for the 2022 and 2023 Baccalaureate Ceremony, Sister Chapel E-Board Advisor, and an Inaugural Lavender Graduation Committee Member.

In his spare time, he looks to create The Eunuchs Closet, a religious safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, and spend time with his Parti Poodle, Ella.

Office & Communications Manager

(she/her)
(401) 331-9844
office@beneficentchurch.org

Michele brings years of solid professional experience, including more than 20 years working in the world of marketing and communications. Her resume includes a track record of successful copywriting, creative development, and managing projects for a variety of employers and clients in print, digital, and event marketing. An organized and effective leader, Michele has a history of bringing to life new ideas and projects.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland who lived in Pennsylvania before moving to Rhode Island in 1997, Michele has a Bachelor’s degree in English from Bucknell University. She is a committed volunteer who has served in a number of roles for organizations as diverse as Sts. Matthew and Mark Episcopal Church, Dorcas International Institute, and PeaceLove Studios. She also is an ordained Episcopal deacon.

Michele brings to her role at Beneficent a positive attitude, an understanding of how to serve effectively, and a strong work ethic.

Finance Manager

(she/her)
(401) 228-1368 (secure voicemail)
finance@beneficentchurch.org

Heather brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience to her role as Beneficent’s Finance Manager, with a focus on process improvement to ensure consistency and transparency. Her proficiency in QuickBooks and varied work history make her a perfect fit for the wide variety of tasks required of our Finance department.

After attending Salve Regina University in Newport, Heather completed several accounting courses at Community College of Rhode Island while working a full-time job as an office manager. She’s worked for a number of nonprofit organizations in the area – including a theater company, Jewish synagogue, and a local farm which is also on the National Register of Historic Places.Born and raised in Rhode Island, Heather is an avid reader, always trying new culinary skills or can be found on the beach collecting sea glass. She also is the mother of two children, one cat, and two dogs.

Facilities Manager

(he/him)
(401) 479-3202 (cell)
maintenance@beneficentchurch.org

Facilities Manager Edmund (“Eddy” works, too) describes himself as a jack of all trades and master of one: he is committed to the betterment of anything he works on. Edmund enjoys blending a passion for the arts with his diverse resumé and unique life experiences to attain personal, spiritual, and professional growth through the “canvas of life.”

A/V Technician

(he/they)
(401) 753-2773 (text only)
av@beneficentchurch.org

Jake is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, photographer, and filmmaker. He has been an avid performer and songwriter for over 10 years. Since 2020, he has taken an active role in the Providence music community, and is currently an audio engineer at News Cafe in Pawtucket, RI. His experience on stage as a performer combined with his interest in audio/video production has brought him behind the scenes to ensure others benefit from having a sturdy audio mix and video feed.

Aside from hanging out at shows, you can find Jake on his relentless Ice Cream Quest on instagram, which he describes as “a quest to try EVERY flavor of ice cream EVER.” The decision to embark on such a quest was very easy and he encourages people to send in recommendations of where to try next..

Church Custodian

(he/him)

David has worked in the cleaning industry since 1986, for a wide range of organizations across the region. When not at work, David enjoys spending time with his wife Nancy (they’ve been together for 30 years), as well as boating, traveling, and gardening. David joined the Beneficent team in 2024. 

Church Intern and Nursery Attendant

(he/him)
intern@beneficentchurch.org

Elijah is a senior at Johnson & Wales University in the Interdisciplinary Studies program studying Food Media and Culture. His experience in the foodservice industry and as a lifeguard led him to discover how fulfilling childcare is for him. With the open and accepting community at Beneficent, he jumped at the opportunity to be a Nursery Attendant.

Despite being one of ten kids himself, Elijah continues to find joy in such responsibilities and he attributes this to the children he cares for. To him, nothing is more awe-inspiring than seeing a child happy but knowing he’s the cause of that happiness is everything.

When his work day is done, Elijah loves to simply be himself. Cook a delicious meal, write a couple thousand words, or even bust out a 5k in under thirty minutes.

Nursery Attendant

(she/her)

Sharon has been an early-childhood educator for 35 years. She likes to travel the world and reads lots of books, and she brings that spirit to her care of Beneficent’s youngest.

Nursery Attendant

(he/him)

Stiven – who joined the Beneficent team in 2024 – loves building Legos® with his cousins, watching Marvel movies, and perfecting his planting hobby. He spends his free time reading a good book, or volunteering at community art programs.

Parking Attendant

(she/her)

Devine joined the Beneficent team in 2023.

Parking Attendant

(he/him)

Cory joined the Beneficent team in 2024.