Hello friends at First Pres! It seems very natural for me to be back acting as your interim Organist, Choir Director and Music Administrator. You may know that I also have a similar position at St Ambrose Church in Endicott, where I have served for four years. It has taken some juggling of my schedule to do both, but so far the two responsibilities have been manageable. You may also know that I served at First Pres from 1996 to 2002 in this position. In many ways it seems like coming home, and it is good to be greeted so warmly.

I have served as a musician for many years at Baptist, Evangelical Free and Episcopal Churches in the Southern Tier. I received a B.A. degree in Church music from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, with a major in organ, and studied voice with Gerald Graham of the Tri- Cities Opera and appeared with The Chamber Opera, The Summer Savoyards, Broadway at Binghamton, and Binghamton University Chorus as a baritone soloist.

I take great joy in being God’s son, and I love to be around those who are led by the Spirit and are committed to loving God and neighbor in a sacrificial way. I know God’s presence through the witness of others, through worship and especially through music. Ken Medema’s song “Lead the Way” expresses my faith attitude well. It says:

There’s no way in this world that I can be
all the things that Love means for me to be
But as long as morning breaks another day, Lord, I’m yours;
I ’ll follow, lead the way.”

I look forward to what God’s plans are for me in ministry here at First Pres and pray for God’s will to be done during this time of discernment. God bless you all!

We welcomed Walter to our Music Ministry Staff in November. As he and his wife, Kristin, and daughter, Tessa, move into our community, be sure and welcome them to our church family.

Bio and Picture Coming Soon!!!

Janet assumed the position of part-time secretary at First Pres., her home church, in 2006 after “retiring” from a 15-year elementary school teaching career and several business positions. Most recently she was employed in the Human Resources Department of Partners Trust Bank. She has also worked at colleges, a Wall Street investment banking firm, a paper mill and a television station. At this time in her life, Janet is hoping to use her work experiences and talents to help serve others here at First Pres- a direction she has felt God calling her to for some time. She looks forward to taking a more active role in helping further the vision and ministry of First Pres.

Janet and her husband, Harry, in addition to being active members of First Pres., enjoy music, reading, travel and time with family.

Carol joined First Pres in 2003 after relocating from California. She has recently joined the office staff as a part time secretary. Carol worked for many years in the software industry in various software support positions. She enjoys traveling and outdoor sports.

Carol is also involved with the Spiritual Gifts Ministry within the church. The goal of this ministry is to help members discern their spiritual gifts and ministry passions, and match them with ministry opportunities within the church.

Bill retired from the U-E school district where he served as an elementary school principal for many years. He was not planning to begin working again right away. But “when a minister named Devine” called to talk to him about the nursery school and its needs, Bill took some time to pray and discerned that it would be both fulfilling and that he could offer the N.S. what they needed. Bill brings to us knowledge and experience in security, UPK, expansion, shared space and restructuring of space, as well as oversight of staff and programs.

The Pre-School is nationally accredited and also in partnership with the Union Endicott School District as a site for Universal Pre-Kindergarten. Although non-sectarian, the Nursery School is a mission of the church as we seek to build bridges between nursery school families and this congregation.

Peggy Wheeler, a teacher here for 7-8 years, has also been hired as the Director of Education. In this new position, she will work closely with Bill on many things, but will have a particular emphasis upon nurturing and mentoring the teachers, especially those who are new to the program.

Dennis has been in charge of maintaining the church facility for years. His responsibilities include cleaning, repair, security and special projects which use his gifts of craftsmanship. Dennis has become an integral and valued friend of the church. Dennis has two grown children and enjoys wood working and summer recreational opportunities on the finger lakes.

Gerry has recently been hired as our part-time bookkeeper. He comes to us as he finishes up his year-long position as the Office Manager for the Franklin Graham Festival. Gerry has an extensive business background, and we appreciate his willingness to share his gifts with us in this capacity. Gerry and his wife have four children; their youngest daughter is still at home.

Denise, in addition to her full time work at Professional Home Care, is responsible for opening, closing and readying the church for worship on Sunday mornings. She considers this work part of her service to God and the church. Her husband, Tom, graciously helps with this responsibility. Everyone feels welcome with Denise's gift of hospitality; a friendly smile and a sweet laugh.

Hemant Tandi and Saima Naik serve as part-time custodians at FPC, in addition to their full-time work at EIT and Wilson Hospital respectively. They have two daughters, Shelley and Hosanna. The Tandi family moved to the US in 2002. They are passionate about a mission in their native India that they founded and continue to direct, The Grace and Peace Mission in Orissa. It includes an orphanage, medical clinic and ministers to the lepers in the jungle area of Orissa.