Team

Rev. Vicki Burtson

Rev. Vicki Burtson is an authorized minister with over 32 years of experience in varied ministry settings. Baptized in the UCC, she grew up in the United Methodist Church but eventually returned to the United Church of Christ. Vicki is a graduate of Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA (Bachelor of Music Education) and Drew Theological School in Madison, NJ (Master of Divinity).

Vicki was a high school choral director for five years, then a clergyperson in ministry settings that included local churches, camping and retreat ministries, Conference administrative ministry, and campus ministry. Her call to serve the Homer Congregational UCC began in February of 2017 and she enjoys relating to people of all ages and in all stages of life. Her passions in ministry include creative and vibrant worship and enabling people in the congregation to use their gifts for ministry. Vicki is excited to serve this family of faith where thoughtful and compassionate people are committed to sharing resources and building bridges to welcome all people.

Vicki lives with her wife, Belinda, and together they enjoy music, theater, traveling, and the birds & seasons of upstate New York.

Pastor Vicki will be retiring at the end of July. This position will be updated as information regarding an interim pastor and a settled pastor becomes available.

Gary Harrington

Sexton

Gary Harrington takes care of church facilities, inside and out. If it has to be moved, cleaned, set up, re-arranged, spruced up, or otherwise maintained, Gary is the person to see.

Anne Wingard

Office Administrator | office@homercc.org

Anne is the person you are most likely to speak to if you call or visit the church during normal business hours. She has a multitude of responsibilities and is a resource for just about any question on the church’s schedule, policies, and procedures.

Joe Ford

Director of Music

Joe Ford is our Director of Music. He directs our choir of 8-16 singers who provide inspiring music for our 10:30 a.m. worship each week from September to June. Joe also works with soloists and small ensembles to provide a wide range of special music. Joe is a talented instrumentalist in his own right, holding a master’s Degree in Music Performance, Saxophone, from Ithaca College. Joe also coordinates the other musical groups of the church, supporting and helping schedule the occasional children’s choir, children’s bell choir, and adult bell choir.

Sheri Saddlemire

Director of Children’s Ministry | children@homercc.org

Sheri Saddlemire is our Director of Children’s Ministry. She organizes and leads faith formation, nursery, children’s time, and messy church. Sheri has spent many years working with children in various roles. In 2021, she received her degree in Christian Studies from Grand Canyon University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Beezlee and Hector, while reading a great book.

Stefanie Fellows

Designated Program Administrator and Director of Youth Ministry | youth@homercc.org

Stefanie Fellows is our Director of Youth Ministry. She helps lead the youth group by organizing times to gather for discussion and fun activities. The goal is to encourage and guide youth as they grow in their faith and further discover themselves. She has many years of involvement working with children and teens in various capacities. Her experience includes time as a camp counselor, past involvement in Christian education programs, and her work as a school-based counselor.

In addition to this role, she is our Designated Program Administrator. This position was created to provide additional support for the work and mission of our church in various ways as we prepare for and undergo the transition of hiring a new settled pastor.