Senior Pastor - Rev. John Loeser
Pastor John was raised in Kenmore, NY, and has been a member in the United Methodist Church since 1975. As a young adult he served Kenmore UMC caring for their buildings and grounds for 22 years. During his time at KUMC he became involved in many aspects of local church ministry, which led him to sense God's call to pastoral ministry. He began his post secondary education at age 40, and left KUMC to enter seminary 5 years later. He has served in pastoral ministry since 2009, was ordained a full Elder in the Upper New York Annual Conference in 2016, and received his DMin (Doctor of Ministry) in 2020. Pastor John's passion is leading people in Christian spiritual formation opportunities, Bible studies, pastoral care, and Christian mentoring. His personal interests include exploring God's world, walking and biking for exercise, and fixing things that are broken.
Pastor John was raised in Kenmore, NY, and has been a member in the United Methodist Church since 1975. As a young adult he served Kenmore UMC caring for their buildings and grounds for 22 years. During his time at KUMC he became involved in many aspects of local church ministry, which led him to sense God's call to pastoral ministry. He began his post secondary education at age 40, and left KUMC to enter seminary 5 years later. He has served in pastoral ministry since 2009, was ordained a full Elder in the Upper New York Annual Conference in 2016, and received his DMin (Doctor of Ministry) in 2020. Pastor John's passion is leading people in Christian spiritual formation opportunities, Bible studies, pastoral care, and Christian mentoring. His personal interests include exploring God's world, walking and biking for exercise, and fixing things that are broken.
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. She and her husband, Eric, reside in East Aurora, NY.
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. She and her husband, Eric, reside in East Aurora, NY.
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 active in the Western PA Conference as a Conference and District Youth Advisor and works with the Niagara Frontier District of the Upper New York Conference. 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, biking and hiking, sleep, and spending time with family (especially her daughter, Janelle). John 17:23 - "I am one with them and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then the world's people will know you sent me. They will know you love mu followers as much as you love me."
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 active in the Western PA Conference as a Conference and District Youth Advisor and works with the Niagara Frontier District of the Upper New York Conference. 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, biking and hiking, sleep, and spending time with family (especially her daughter, Janelle). John 17:23 - "I am one with them and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then the world's people will know you sent me. They will know you love mu followers as much as you love me."
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.
Administrative Assistant - Kris Logel
Financial Secretary - Corinne Pazder
Treasurer - Adam Holtz
Treasurer - Adam Holtz
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."