Meet Immanuel's Staff
|
I began as the Administrative Assistant to Immanuel in July of 2009. During that time, I also served part time as Associate Pastor in addition to my administrative role from January 2018 to December 2020. I am a Certified Lay Minister in the Methodist Church as well as a Certified Spiritual Director. I serve as a Spiritual Director with the UNYUMC Spiritual Directors and am a staff Spiritual Director at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse. I love interacting with others and sharing our faith journeys in all these roles.
I have many favorite Scripture passages but one of my most favorite is Isaiah 41:10. “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” It brings me great comfort to remember that God is with me in all aspects of my life. I appreciate this congregation for so many reasons, but one of my favorite things about them is their generosity. Time and again I have been in awe as they step up to help others, help the church, help the community and most of all support our young people. I enjoy camping, especially at our camp in the foothills of the Adirondacks. I feel especially close to God when I am in nature. My family is very important to me, I love spending time with my husband and 2 adult daughters and their significant others. I also love to read. |
|
I began my service as Choir Director at Immanual in June 2023 after serving as accompanist since October 2017. I’ve always lived close to the churches I served and for 22 years, I was a block away from the First United Methodist Church in Vincennes, Indiana where I was Director of Music. There was an Irish Cross on the steeple that I could see from my bedroom window that got me started in a prayerful way every morning. I have a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University and for nearly 40 years, conducted the choirs at Vincennes University. We were a 2-year college, but had one of the few handbell programs in the country for community colleges.
I have so many favorite Scriptural passages and most have presented themselves to me by way of choral music. I learned so many of the great Psalms that way when studying and performing Renaissance and Baroque choral settings of them. And of course, the many choir anthems that we sang in church choir or at my Ecumenical Hymn Sings that involved many of the local churches and schools. That said, a Scriptural passage that has been indelibly written across the tablet of my heart is from Romans 8: 38-39: “Nothing will separate us from the love of God.” A full reading of the verse tells everything: “[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” As I have read, “This verse emphasizes the absolute and overwhelming victory that God gives to the believer through Christ. Believers are supremely victorious because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. God allows nothing to separate us from his love.” Besides spending time with my wife, we enjoy visiting our adult children in Indianapolis and Atlanta and of course, the grandbaby!! I love taking my blue heeler mix on walks and now that I’ve had cataract surgery, I can really see God’s work in the meadows and the trees. I love driving to Skaneateles and every time I see the lake, I think surely, God is in this place. |
Michael Passarelli
Accompanist |
Michael Passarelli is a Syracuse native, CNY based jazz pianist, and educator.
After attending Ithaca College, Michael moved back to his hometown to begin a professional playing career. Regularly performing at places such as the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Riley's Restaurant, The Sherwood Inn, The Green Gate Inn, as well as many Armory Square venues, he has worked with notable musicians and artists including Joe Carello, Tom Brigandi, Dunham Hall, and Nancy Kelly. In addition to performing regularly in the local music scene, Michael continues his work as an educator teaching clinics and private lessons, as well as working at several local schools and colleges. |
|
I began my service as Kidz Club Coordinator at Immanuel in January of 2023. Although I am new to the community, I hope to use my talents given by God to nurture the faith of the children whom I will teach. I am grateful for all the patience and help this congregation has given me so far to make sure I make the most of this wonderful opportunity!
One of my favorite scriptures comes from Galatians 6:9, which states: "So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time if we do not give up." I have always been taught to adhere to the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (another favorite scripture of mine), but I found more importance in treating others with respect, even if they have different beliefs. Whether it be using my talents to comfort others or partake in community service, I have found my faith through acts of service. I am currently a student at Onondaga Community College, majoring in Music. My main instrument is the piano, but I have experience with voice, guitar, flute, and percussion. I am also a part of OCC Singers and OCC Choir. When I obtain my associates, I expect to transfer and obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy. My hobbies are painting, water coloring, and petting my three adorable cats. |
