Brockport church welcomes new pastor

Brockport church welcomes new pastor

The congregation of Brockport United Methodist Church has a new spiritual leader. The Reverend Karen Snyder was appointed pastor by Bishop Violet Fisher, bishop of Rochester. Snyder began her assignment on Sunday, July 1. She succeeds The Reverend Sinnathamby Thevanesan.

Snyder, who prefers Kit to Karen, brings 27 years of experience and a diverse background to her assignment. Originally from the Chautauqua area, Snyder earned a bachelor of arts degree in music at Davidson College in North Carolina. She attended seminary at Duke University, also in North Carolina, and earned a master of divinity degree. Later, she went back to school, earning a master of business administration from Saint Bonaventure University. "Most recently, I was pastor of the Hope United Methodist Church in Niagara County," Snyder said. "I was there for eight years." Prior to that assignment, Snyder and her husband, David, taught at Africa University in Zimbabwe, Africa. "We get around" she said, laughing. "Zimbabwe has been a British colony," Snyder explained, "so English is their official language even though most people also speak a native language. We picked up a few words but everything was taught in English."

David is teaching marketing at Canisius College in Buffalo. The Snyders have two adult sons, Jeremy and Wesley.

Snyder has high praise for her new flock. "It seems to be a very happy congregation," she said, "and a healthy congregation. People work very well together. "They're interested in missions. They're very ecumenically minded. We have tremendous potential with our youth program." Snyder also noted that the congregation has a good sense of its history as well as a desire to move forward. "They haven't presented me with any challenges," she said, "it's just joy."

Nevertheless, the details of moving have created some problems such as, Finding things," The Snyders are new to Brockport so they are still learning their way around the area. "Also, getting used to different people and who's who and what's what and who does what. That's why it takes so long to really be comfortable," Snyder said.

In addition to her zeal for adventure, Snyder believes she has strong organizational skills. "I would like to see the church continue to be strengthened," she said, " and to grow in our sense of mission both locally and beyond. We do that and everything else will fall in place. It seems to be definitely headed in the right direction."

Although she is still searching for things - such as the light switch in the church - Snyder says she is happy in her new surroundings. "Everyone has been very gracious and very welcoming," she said, "and we deeply appreciate that."

Brockport United Methodist Church is located at 92 Main Street, corner of Erie Street. Worship is at 10 a.m. on Sunday. The building is handicapped accessible; use the entrance off the parking lot. For information, call the office at 637-4240, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon.