OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Elizabeth Duffy
Pastor
Pastor Elizabeth has served as Pastor of Zion UCC since 2010. She lives in Amherst with her husband and two children. Rev. Duffy has a Masters in Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology and a Bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University with a double major in Government & Religious Studies. Feel free to email or call Pastor Elizabeth if you have any questions at all.
Susan Clark
Christian Ed Director
& Choir Director
Sue is a lifelong member of Zion UCC, with her family coming from the original church in Buffalo. She has grown up in the church and been an active member her whole life. She leads the Chancel Choir at 10:30 and she teaches and directs Sunday School at 9am. All of the kids love her and call her Mrs. Sue.
Charlotte Gilmer
Secretary
Charlotte Gilmer grew up at Zion UCC. She is now a mom of a teenager and serves as the church secretary. Charlotte is in the office, Mondays through Thursdays from 3pm to 6pm.
Ron Janiszewski
Treasurer
Ron is a member of the church and on the staff as church treasurer. He does everything from chaperoning youth mission trips to taking care of the church finances.
David Ward
Praise Band
David joined the Praise band back in 2010, and he has done a spectacular job leading music at 9am ever since! David plays the guitar and sings along with his wonderful wife, Bethany.
Arrow Fitzgibbon
Praise Band
Arrow is our pianist for the 9am service. Arrow is a multidisciplinary artist, focusing primarily on music composition and performance. Arrow has built a reputation as an accompanist and composer for dance and theater, working with UB’s dance department and several other notable organizations. Arrow plays the piano, synthesizer, organ, percussion, guitar, french horn, and more. Arrow joined us in 2015. Arrow identifies as non-binary, and uses the pronouns they/them.
Bethany Ward
Praise Band
Bethany sings in our praise band at 9am and plays the piano when Arrow is out of town. She has a beautiful voice and she’s also a high school music teacher!
Marcel Ross
Praise Band
Marcel has been a part of the praise band ever since 2010. He sings and plays the guitar and it’s often Marcel’s voice telling us to rise and sing as we begin worship on Sunday mornings.
Melanie Hachten
Organist
Melanie is a member of the church and has served as church organist for over 20 years. During the holidays you’ll also often see her adult children (also musicians) accompanying her for special musical pieces.
Gail Sweeney
Bell Choir Director
Gail has been leading the bell choir for many years, and she’s always looking for new people to join the bell choir! Gail always says, “if you can count, you can ring.” The bell choir plays the third Sunday of every month and on holidays.
Tim Schlegel
Consistory President
& Head Usher
Tim grew up in the church, left for a while, and then came back as an adult. Now he’s an active member, a head usher at 10:30, and currently the Consistory President. If you have any questions about the church, Tim’s happy to talk with you!
Ken MacDonald
Head Usher
If you come to 10:30 worship, you’ll be greeted by Ken MacDonald. He serves as Head Usher and he has previously served as church treasurer. Ken will always be happy to greet you on Sunday morning and answer any questions you might have.
Jason Whalen
Head Usher
Jason joined the church on his own when he was a teenager, and he hasn’t missed a Sunday since! He’s now our head usher at 9am and he is an active member of the Youth Group.
Brianna Grine
Nursery Staff
Brianna has been going to Zion UCC her entire life. She has 5+ years experience in childcare and she loves kids and wants to provide a safe and fun environment for them during the worship services. Brianna is in the nursery during the 10:30 service to watch children ages 7 and under.
Sam Caci
Nursery Staff
Samantha has been going to Zion UCC for 8 years. Has 5 years + experience in child care and she loves caring for the little ones. Likes providing a fun atmosphere for kids to learn and socialize with each other while worship is in session.
Marilyn Stewart
Community Rentals
If you’re looking to rent the fellowship hall or a classroom for a party or an event, Marilyn is the person you’ll need to call or email. Contact the office via phone or email and we’ll connect you to Marilyn.