Senior Pastor - Rev. Matt Golibersuch
Rev. Matt has served the Upper NY Conference and the Former WNY Conference of the United Methodist Church for the past 20 years as an ordained elder. He received degrees from Niagara University and United Theological Seminary and has also been trained in the art of Interim Ministry at the Northeastern Jurisdiction UMC Intentional Interim Ministry Training in 2004 and the Transitional Interim Ministry UMC Training Seminar in 2016. Prior to that, he worked in the transportation business for 17 years. Rev. Matt has been married to Darlene (Willert) of Elma, NY for 33 years. They have three adult children and two grandchildren, Peter (Angela & Isabella) of New York City, Allen (Kayla & Jack) of Alden, NY and Gretchen of Rochester, NY. Rev. Mattʼs passions include practicing the presence of God through the use of Spiritual Disciplines. His approach to life is to live it fully alive, fully awake, and fully engaged. He feels closest to God when undertaking works of restoration- whether it be restoring an old wooden boat, an old home, broken relationships, or helping churches overcome the challenges they face.
Rev. Matt has served the Upper NY Conference and the Former WNY Conference of the United Methodist Church for the past 20 years as an ordained elder. He received degrees from Niagara University and United Theological Seminary and has also been trained in the art of Interim Ministry at the Northeastern Jurisdiction UMC Intentional Interim Ministry Training in 2004 and the Transitional Interim Ministry UMC Training Seminar in 2016. Prior to that, he worked in the transportation business for 17 years. Rev. Matt has been married to Darlene (Willert) of Elma, NY for 33 years. They have three adult children and two grandchildren, Peter (Angela & Isabella) of New York City, Allen (Kayla & Jack) of Alden, NY and Gretchen of Rochester, NY. Rev. Mattʼs passions include practicing the presence of God through the use of Spiritual Disciplines. His approach to life is to live it fully alive, fully awake, and fully engaged. He feels closest to God when undertaking works of restoration- whether it be restoring an old wooden boat, an old home, broken relationships, or helping churches overcome the challenges they face.
Congregational Care Pastor - Rev. Rebecca Naber
Becky is a provisional Deacon in the UMC. Called to pastoral care, her journey in caring ministry began 15 years ago at the First United Methodist Church of Springdale, Arkansas, as a Stephen Minister and Leader, and a Christian counselor at The Bread of Life Food Pantry. Upon returning with her family to Upstate New York in 2014, she served for a year as a student palliative care chaplain at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She has completed her course work for UMC Certification in Older Adult Ministry and is the new chair of Older Adult Ministries of the Upper New York Conference. In addition to her provision of pastoral care at Baker UMC, Becky travels across the Conference teaching her course, “Sharing Your Hope: Christian Visitation Ministry” and consults on building visitation teams in local churches. She and her husband, Eric, reside in East Aurora, NY with their two young adult children.
Becky is a provisional Deacon in the UMC. Called to pastoral care, her journey in caring ministry began 15 years ago at the First United Methodist Church of Springdale, Arkansas, as a Stephen Minister and Leader, and a Christian counselor at The Bread of Life Food Pantry. Upon returning with her family to Upstate New York in 2014, she served for a year as a student palliative care chaplain at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She has completed her course work for UMC Certification in Older Adult Ministry and is the new chair of Older Adult Ministries of the Upper New York Conference. In addition to her provision of pastoral care at Baker UMC, Becky travels across the Conference teaching her course, “Sharing Your Hope: Christian Visitation Ministry” and consults on building visitation teams in local churches. She and her husband, Eric, reside in East Aurora, NY with their two young adult children.
Director of Youth & Family Life Ministries - Lisa Doutt
Lisa Doutt is the Director of Youth and Family Life Ministries. She has been working in Youth Ministry and Christian Education for over 20 years, and she still likes it! In addition to local church ministry she has been a Western PA Conference Youth Advisor and was District Youth Coordinator for the Erie-Meadville District of the Western PA Conference for two years before moving to the Upper New York Conference of the UMC. She believes relational ministry is the key to working with youth and children. Lisa holds a BA in Communication Arts/Theatre – Religious Studies from Allegheny College and a MA in Youth Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, sports, spending time with family and friends, and sleep!
Lisa Doutt is the Director of Youth and Family Life Ministries. She has been working in Youth Ministry and Christian Education for over 20 years, and she still likes it! In addition to local church ministry she has been a Western PA Conference Youth Advisor and was District Youth Coordinator for the Erie-Meadville District of the Western PA Conference for two years before moving to the Upper New York Conference of the UMC. She believes relational ministry is the key to working with youth and children. Lisa holds a BA in Communication Arts/Theatre – Religious Studies from Allegheny College and a MA in Youth Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. In her spare time she enjoys traveling, sports, spending time with family and friends, and sleep!
Music Director, Organist & Praise Team Leader - Jeffrey Thompson
Jeffrey Thompson has been organist at Baker Memorial since 2002. He studied organ with Judy Congdon at Houghton College and David Bond in Buffalo. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists and performs several recitals each year. He oversees the music program at Baker, serving as leader of the contemporary Praise Team, accompanying the choir, and working closely with Bob Sowyrda and Mary Jane Bartlett to provide a diverse musical worship experience. He is an active tenor soloist in the WNY region. His works full time as an emergency physician in Buffalo, but considers music and ministry his greatest passions. He is also a volunteer youth leader.
Jeffrey Thompson has been organist at Baker Memorial since 2002. He studied organ with Judy Congdon at Houghton College and David Bond in Buffalo. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists and performs several recitals each year. He oversees the music program at Baker, serving as leader of the contemporary Praise Team, accompanying the choir, and working closely with Bob Sowyrda and Mary Jane Bartlett to provide a diverse musical worship experience. He is an active tenor soloist in the WNY region. His works full time as an emergency physician in Buffalo, but considers music and ministry his greatest passions. He is also a volunteer youth leader.
Choir Director - Bob Sowyrda
Administrative Assistant - Kris Logel
Bell Choir Director - Mary Jane Bartlett
Mary Jane is currently director of the Baker Bell Choir. She holds a BS in Music Education from Crane School Potsdam and a M.Ed. from the University of Buffalo. Mary Jane has taught vocal music at all levels in area schools as well as private lessons. She has directed and sung in Baker's Choir and has presented programs with Baker's Children's Choir. "Directing the Bells of Baker gives me the opportunity to serve the Lord and continue teaching, which I love to do".
Mary Jane is currently director of the Baker Bell Choir. She holds a BS in Music Education from Crane School Potsdam and a M.Ed. from the University of Buffalo. Mary Jane has taught vocal music at all levels in area schools as well as private lessons. She has directed and sung in Baker's Choir and has presented programs with Baker's Children's Choir. "Directing the Bells of Baker gives me the opportunity to serve the Lord and continue teaching, which I love to do".