Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership

Rev. J. Michael Cobb
Pastor, Pronouns: he, him, his
Michael Cobb was appointed to Woodbury UMC in 2021 after serving churches in Rowayton, Yorktown Heights, and Putnam Valley. He is passionate about ministries of justice and inclusion, and enjoys bringing his entrepreneurial experiences and enthusiasm for various pop culture fandoms into ministry.
Before recognizing his call to ministry, Michael worked in business communications, focusing on public relations and branding for financial companies ranging from startups to managing public relations and marketing for two business units of a major international energy company. His nonprofit professional work has included advocacy for homeless and immigrant populations with the Association for Religious Communities (ARC), and working for sexual justice and education in faith communities and in society with the Religious Institute. Other nonprofit work has included the National Black Justice Coalition advocating for African-American LGBT civil rights, plus diverse consulting positions.

Christopher Shay
Organist & Choir Master
Christopher Shay is the Organist and Choir Master of the Woodbury United Methodist Church. He conducts the Adult choir, the Bell Choir, and collaborates with the Praise Band. The Methodist Church facilities includes a three octave set of Schulmarick handbells, a Rogers combination pipe organ, and two Yamaha stage pianos.
Chris first joined the Methodist Church in 1975 shortly after graduating from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. He recently retired from teaching music in public schools but continues to teach at the University of Connecticut.
Once Chris heard Carolyn sing 44 years ago, he decided he couldn’t live without her. Now they have six grandchildren.