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 college student and serves as the church secretary. Charlotte’s hours fluctuate, so please email or call if you need anything.
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
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, and a head usher. Tim has previously served as Consistory President and serves on the New Member Team.
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.
Allison Roberts
Nursery Staff
Allison staffs the nursery during the 9am service. She is excellent with babies and young children and will keep them safe and help them have fun during the worship service. Allison is a student at the culinary institute.
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.
Kalee Mielke
Student Minister
Kalee Mielke will be a pastoral care intern at Zion UCC starting at the end of January. Kalee is a seminary student at Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, NY and is pursuing her Masters of Divinity. Kalee is hopeful to begin the path to ordination. She looks forward to serving as well as learning in various pastoral roles. Kalee recently finished her chaplain residency program in the hospital and nursing home settings, and is currently a Hospice Chaplain. She is eager to build community and connection, and to be mentored by Pastor Duffy.