Rev. Judith VanKennen

Pastor

Rev. Judith VanKennen is our pastor. She has led us through times of extreme conflict and trial and was instrumental in transforming our church from survival mode to becoming a loving and welcoming church, reaching beyond our walls. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies in 2002, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She did her graduate studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. She was awarded her Masters of Divinity in May 2008.  She was ordained by the Black River/St. Lawrence Association of the United Church of Christ on April 25, 2010.

She was trained by Lombard Mennonite Peace Center in conflict transformation grounded in family systems theory. She uses this training in churches that are in conflict and in family settings as well, helping them navigate through times of division and volatile disagreement. She serves the wider church as the Black River/St. Lawrence Association mediator and member of the Church and Ministry Committee. Pastor Judy has served the United Church of Christ, New York Conference as a member of the Conference Board and is now the Vice-Moderator of the Conference Board.

Pastor Judy loves teaching, preaching, leading worship through music, leading retreats and painting icons in the Russian orthodox tradition.

James Phillips

Organist/Choir Director

James Phillips studied piano and organ with Anne Eberhardt from the age of four. He became an organist at Sacred Heart Church, Massena at the age of eleven. Mr. Phillips held this post for seven years, playing five Masses every Sunday.

He attended Crane School of Music and taught music in the schools of Schenectady and Massena for several years. From there he moved to Los Angeles where he was under contract with Columbia Records as a recording artist. While in Los Angeles, Mr. Phillips recorded with several well-known acts and appeared on several national television shows.

Mr. Phillips returned to Northern New York where he performed and recorded with several musical groups from the area and in 1991 became organist and music director at Sacred Heart Church.

Mr. Phillips is currently organist and choir director at both St. John’s Episcopal Church and Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ, Massena New York.

Greg Sharp

Custodian

Greg Sharp is our custodian. He is dedicated to keeping our church in top shape and does not disappoint.

Kathy Dunkelberg

Bookkeeper/Treasurer

Kathy Dunkelberg is our bookkeeper/treasurer. She has also served as deacon for two terms.

Mary Jo Fairbanks

Financial Secretary

Mary Jo Fairbanks is our Financial Secretary, making deposits and recording giving.  She has served as a Trustee and hosts our annual church picnic at her home on Wilson Hill.