Meet our staff and officers
Rev patrick heeryPatrick began his ministry as called pastor at Westminster in May of 2016. Patrick is a native of Cincinnati, OH, and a graduate of Ohio University and Princeton Theological Seminary. Ordained in 2011, Patrick began work with the Presbyterian Mission Agency as associate for social witness and managing editor of Unbound, an online interactive journal of Christian social justice. In 2013, he became the editor of Presbyterians Today, the national magazine of the PC(U.S.A). Patrick and his wife Jenna, also a pastor, are excited to be in Auburn, engaged in congregational ministry. They are the parents of two young children, Emerson and Josephine.
Contact Patrick at pastor@westminsterauburn.org. |
melanie tooleMelanie began working as Westminster's Administrative Assistant in December 2014, after many years experience in administrative work, most recently with the Institute for the Application of Geospacial Technology at CCC. She lives in Auburn with her husband and young son.
Contact Melanie at office@westminsterauburn.org. |
Lori rhodes pettitWestminster is blessed to have an organist the caliber of Lori Rhodes Pettit, who can master the church's challenging Skinner organ, and direct the choir at the same time. Lori also directs the church's handbell choirs, and is a private teacher of piano and voice. She welcomes new members to the Westminster Choir, which rehearses 7:30-9pm Wednesdays (except in summer).
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Chris Patch, Youth and Children Ministries
Chris coordinates the REACH (Relate, Explore, Act, Care, Help) ministries for children and youth. Chris has a masters in theology from Northeastern Seminary, and lots of experience in leading formal and informal small groups and workshops for adults and children. In prior years, he worked in education, project management, restaurants, and as a chef. |
Noel Cregg, Children's Worship Center Leader
Noel has a Bachelor's Degree from Buffalo State College in Elementary Education, and experience teaching preschool and elementary education in Las Vegas, Nevada. She's worked at the after school program at Genesee Elementary School, as a Park Director for the city playgrounds, with the YMCA summer program, and with Freedom Camp, a summer camp for children with disabilities. |
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Jill Fandrich, Communications
Jill is a elder who produces the monthly newsletter, and manages the webpage, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts for the church. She's a graduate of Colgate University and SU's Newhouse School of Public Communications. Jill has been a Westminster member since 1980. |
church officers
The Session
The Session is made up of Ruling Elders elected and ordained to a ministry of
spiritual leadership, governance, and discipline.
Rev. Patrick Heery, Moderator Rob Schemerhorn, Clerk of Session Diane Lehner, Ass't Clerk of Session
Class of 2023: Paul Dungey, Crystina Brooks, Jack Hardy, Rich Newman
Class of 2024: Rob Schemerhorn, Ann Wiley, Rina Hernandez, Diane Lehner
Class of 2025: Thomas Fessenden, Linda Russell, vacant
The Deacons
Deacons are elected and ordained to a ministry of compassion, hospitality, and service
to those in need, both within and outside the church.
Christina Thornton, Coordinator Amy Sargent, Moderator Ernie DeCaro, Scribe
Class of 2023: Jackie Darquea, Noel Cregg, Suzanne LaPrease, Kim Patch
Class of 2024: Beth Loomis, Gary Coon, Ruth Bentley
Class of 2025: Ernie DeCaro, Amy Sargent, Christina Thornton
Ministry Teams
Short term "ministry teams" plan the worship, education, mission, and membership programs of the church in 2-month seasons. Read more about the ministry team process here.
The Session is made up of Ruling Elders elected and ordained to a ministry of
spiritual leadership, governance, and discipline.
Rev. Patrick Heery, Moderator Rob Schemerhorn, Clerk of Session Diane Lehner, Ass't Clerk of Session
Class of 2023: Paul Dungey, Crystina Brooks, Jack Hardy, Rich Newman
Class of 2024: Rob Schemerhorn, Ann Wiley, Rina Hernandez, Diane Lehner
Class of 2025: Thomas Fessenden, Linda Russell, vacant
The Deacons
Deacons are elected and ordained to a ministry of compassion, hospitality, and service
to those in need, both within and outside the church.
Christina Thornton, Coordinator Amy Sargent, Moderator Ernie DeCaro, Scribe
Class of 2023: Jackie Darquea, Noel Cregg, Suzanne LaPrease, Kim Patch
Class of 2024: Beth Loomis, Gary Coon, Ruth Bentley
Class of 2025: Ernie DeCaro, Amy Sargent, Christina Thornton
Ministry Teams
Short term "ministry teams" plan the worship, education, mission, and membership programs of the church in 2-month seasons. Read more about the ministry team process here.