Rev. David Howell Rev. David Howell is the Senior Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, United Church of Christ. He holds a B.A. from Stanford University, and an M.A. and M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion, with studies in Drama, Improvisation, and Religious Education and the Arts. He has co-authored several musicals including Matthew, Mark, Luke & John, Average Joe, and 39 Books, and his church has an active and varied arts ministry including intergenerational musical productions. He has taught improvisation, drama, and puppetry as part of the CARE Youth Ministry and the Arts course, and he also serves on the Board of Directors for the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ.