Liberty Community Church is so more than what you see on-stage on Sunday morning. We're proud to introduce you to our amazing staff, the heart of this ministry.
Staff
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Ralph Purificato
Senior Pastor
Ralph grew up in Hamden, CT, and joined the Hamden Fire Department in 1981. Shortly after getting married in 1980, he began feeling the Lord tugging on his heart. It was during this time he desired to find out all he could about Christianity and shortly thereafter he and his wife both dedicated their lives to the Lord.
As the founding pastor of Liberty in 1996, Ralph had the challenge of juggling a full-time job as a firefighter as well as a full-time pastor. It wasn’t until 2002 that Ralph retired from the fire department to devote his energy to full-time ministry.
Ralph and his wife, Reyna, have three children and live in Wallingford, CT.
Contact info: Ralph@LibertyCommunity.com
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Joe Martucci
Elder/Mens Ministry
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Tom Oppelt
Praise Team Leader
Hey! I'm Tom. I'v been here at Liberty since 2003. I love it. I’ve been playing bass on the praise team since I came here. A few years ago I was asked to step up and be the music director. Now, I oversee the music here, making sure we're playing to the best of our ability with the talents we have. We strive to edify the church and please God with the music we play. Lyndsay and I try our best to pick out some good music that rings true to what the bible, and subsequently our church, teaches. I attend Liberty with my wife Alli. I'm an electrician. When you can't find me at Taco Bell, I'm usually out golfing or riding...but my favorite hobby is lounging. If you have any questions, or want a good book suggestion, you can find me at church or email me at
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Reyna Purificato
Women's Ministries
As you may have guessed by the last name, I am married to the pastor. I joke that when God “called my husband”, I answered the call and said, “the number you have reached is not in service….”. I mean, I would never imagine He would turn a living room Bible Study in 1996 into a church, and yet here we are, part of this great church family He has gathered. My favorite part about “Liberty Girlfriends”? – It’s definitely the girlfriends I get to hang out with and serve alongside. Some lead or help in service ministries like our Sewing/Crochet ministry that does local and international outreach projects, or the team that coordinates Back-to-School and Christmas projects for our local Domestic Violence Shelter. Others lead Bible Studies, Secret Sisters, host retreats and conferences, or give us Pasta-making lessons, all to encourage us and help us grow closer to Christ and each other. There are plenty of opportunities to connect, to grow and serve here. Visit Liberty Girlfriends on Facebook, and ‘like’ our page to stay in the loop. Contact at Office@LibertyCommunity.com
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Brian Mezick
DR Missions
Brian leads groups of volunteers from Liberty each fall on a short-term mission trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic. The mission team provides desperately needed mobile medical clinics, construction, and food distribution to the bateys and barrios of La Romana, DR. The trip is a special time for those from Liberty to serve others while growing together with their church family. Brian was also appointed by Liberty to serve on the board of directors of the Dominican Republic Mission Team, where he serves as the chairman of the non-profit organization that coordinates the missions work.
You often seen him on Sunday mornings starting off the worship service with announcements and sharing about special events. Brian also helps with the men’s ministry and serves as an usher. He occasionally preaches from time to time. He has also been enlisted as the church bus driver!
He was raised in a Christian home and attended West Woods Christian Academy. After college he returned home to CT and felt conviction to be in fellowship at a local church with other believers. Brian has been part of Liberty since 2009 and the rest is history. Brian lives in Wallingford and when he’s not serving the Lord, he’s out serving papers as a CT State Marshal. Contact: Office@LibertyCommunity.com
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Larry Dvorsky
Mens Ministry
Larry leads the men’s Ministry at Liberty. This involves working with the individual leaders of all of the men’s ministry groups (Bible study, Men’s dinners/breakfast, Camp Spofford retreat, etc.).
He and his family have attended Liberty Community church since 2015. When we decided to go “church shopping” after attending another church for close to ten years. The first stop was Liberty and we have been here ever since! The whole family has found value beyond attending on Sunday, whether it be children’s church, the youth ministry, women’s groups or the fellowship amongst the members.
His family consist of his wife Cathy and kids Bob, Rebecca and Jacqueline . The kids all attend a Christian school and are heavily involved in sports and music. Larry enjoys back country snowmobiling, learning to play the guitar and hanging out with his family.
Larry can be reached via e mail
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