Family Info: Penny and I started our adventure of marriage and raising a family in 1984 in Dallas, Texas. We have three sons and one daughter-in-law.
Penny has been a life-long Educator—serving as a Teacher, Counselor, and Administrator. She is now the Youth Development Administrator for the Onondoga, Cortland, & Madison Counties BOCES at Thompson Road.
Matthias is married to Emma. Matthias serves with the 1982nd Forward Surgical Team of the Army Reserves and is completing a Pre-Med degree at the University of Rochester. Emma is completing a Master’s in Special Education at Roberts Wesleyan College.
Marc is completing a Master’s of Business Administration at the University of Rochester.
Michael is finishing his Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI.
Education: Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary.
1. What I appreciate about Marcellus UMC
Our church family walks its talk—there is a great commitment to sharing the love of Jesus in practical ways through helping people in need, serving the community, reaching out in Missions trips, building people up in Small Groups, the list goes on and on… There is also an eagerness to keep learning and growing—we value the past and we work together to find ways to be relevant and helpful in the present.
2. If you had an unplanned (spontaneous) day off from work what would you do?
I like to be active—so I would go on a hike, go skiing, or go explore new areas. I also like to share time with my wife—it is always a privilege to laugh and learn together.
3. What traditions in your family enhanced your spiritual growth?
Some of my favorite faith moments came from studying a One Year Bible for children together as a family—when we could celebrate the heroes of faith and grow in our vision of how God wanted to guide and strengthen our lives. We also had some great experiences of serving together on a Mission trip to Washington DC and Mexico.
4. If you could trade places with anyone for a day who would that be?
I’d be fascinated to see more of how Abraham Lincoln got through the challenges of the Civil War. I would like to be present on the day of the Gettysburg Address and see how he helped to heal a broken nation.
5. What is your bucket list (if money and time were unlimited, what would you do)?
Visit John Wesley’s major sites in England. Go to Africa—especially Liberia, South Sudan, Africa University in Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Ski in Switzerland. Dive in Tahiti.
Most important—live a life that is pleasing to Jesus, enjoy as much time as possible with my family, and spend eternity in heaven!
