Rev. Matthew Stengel began as pastor of Greece United Methodist Church on July 1, 2011. Previously, he served United Methodist churches in Corning & Big Flats, Fredonia, Macedon Center & South Perinton, Marilla, Medina, and Limestone, beginning in 1986.
He graduated from Amherst High School near Buffalo, SUNY Geneseo, and Colgate Rochester Divinity School. He was ordained in 1988.
Matt has been married for over 30 years to Rev. Dr. Cathy Hall Stengel , currently pastor of the Rush United Methodist Church. They have three adult children. He enjoys woodworking, gardening, and fixing things that are broken.
Matt believes that faith and good works belong together.
A word from Pastor Matt – “I receive Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior but I know that I am called with all christians not to keep it to myself but to take my personal relationship and make it a public ministry. That public ministry is one of personal piety, stewardship and working for social justice.
The picture to the right is from mission work in Project Chacocente in Nicaragua. He is most happy when working and serving others.
Random Fact - Matt's favorite cookie is Chewy Oatmeal Raisin
Coordinator of Music Ministries
Sharon Neary
Send EmailSharon joined GUMC in 1986 and started accompanying the choir. She slowly worked her way to directing the children's/bell choir and then became the Associate Director of Music. 14 years ago she became the Coordinator of Music Ministries. Sharon graduated from Brockport State and Nazareth College with a Degree in Music Education. She recently retired from the Music Department at Greece Olympia High School.
Sharon and husband Tom have been married for 40 years. They have two children, Alaina and Cory, who are both married. They have a granson Hudson Thomas James. They also have 2 dogs, 4 grand-puppies, 1 grand cat, and 2 grand bunnies!
When you don't find Sharon at church, you might find her reading, singing, playing the piano, hiking, swimming, kayaking, or cheering on her daughter in a marathon.
Random Fact - Sharon's favorite cookie is anything with chocolate in it!!
Praise Band Director
Ed Klingenberger
Ed joined the staff January 2016, but grew up in this church - he was even baptized and confirmed at GUMC.
Ed has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music (emphasis in Studio Composition) from SUNY Purchase. He currently teaches private lessons on multiple instruments and is also an Adjunct Professor at Niagara County Community College, where he teaches a class called Rock Ensemble.
Outside of work and church, Ed enjoys writing and recording his own music, board games, baseball, and road trips.
Random Fact: Ed's favorite cookie is chocolate chip, after much deliberation.
Organist/Pianist
Rob Klingenberger
Financial Secretary
Bill Kostyshak
We welcome Bill as the new Financial Secretary, effective January 2016.
Bill grew up in Michigan, where he earned his Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and then an MBA.
After a few moves throughout his career, he settled in the Rochester area about 20 years ago.
Bill and his wife Lisa have four teenage/young adult children. In 2016, one will graduate from college, two will continue their college studies, and the youngest will complete high school and start college.
Bill is actively involved in Boy Scouts and enjoys being a Merit Badge Counselor for Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, and Citizenship in the World, American Heritage, and a new Boy Scout Merit Badge -- Signs, Signals and Codes.
Random Fact - Favorite cookie - chocolate chip .
Church Treasurer
Linda Parker
Linda has been the treasurer at Greece UMC for over 25 years, and is also an Accounting Administrator at Leo J. Roth Corporation.
Greece United Methodist Church has been a part of Linda's life since before she could walk. Her mom told the story of her climbing up the stairs in her little dresses in the old church building when she was just a toddler.
She has 3 children, 5 step children and their 13th
Linda and her husband Dave enjoy travelling and treasure the times they spend with their family.
Random Fact - Linda's favorite cookie is Coconut Macaroon
Rev. Matthew Stengel began as pastor of Greece United Methodist Church on July 1, 2011. Previously, he served United Methodist churches in Corning & Big Flats, Fredonia, Macedon Center & South Perinton, Marilla, Medina, and Limestone, beginning in 1986.
