Rev. Monica Styron
Interim Pastor
Monica is a native Californian raised in San Diego while spending her summers in Northern Wisconsin. She graduated from Monmouth College, Illinois with a year at Schiller University in Ingersheim, Germany. Rev. Styron graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Masters in Divinity and was ordained by the United Presbyterian Church USA in Washington DC (now Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.). Her service in the church has included a variety of ministries - as pastor, pastoral counselor, hospital chaplain, mission supply in East Jerusalem, executive director of an interfaith organization, and 10 years’ experience serving five congregations as an Interim pastor. Rev. Styron has lived and worked in Washington, DC, Massachusetts, Upstate New York, Maine, California and Florida. Her interests focus on nurturing spiritual development, organizational integrity, education, interfaith relations, social justice issues, and Palestine/Israel.
Peggy Surdam
I grew up in a military family and lived and moved around the country 8 times before moving to Central New York and meeting & marrying Dan more than 30 years ago. I began working in the Church Office in 2001 as the Business Administrator/Treasure (the Church BAT!) and I have 35 years experience in Bookkeeping, Accounting, and event scheduling among numerous other things. I am responsible for the Church finances, record keeping, scheduling building use, overseeing maintenance projects and anything else that comes through these doors! I find my purpose here very rewarding and never a dull moment. And I love my Church Family who care, nurture, and support me in what I do. I am so blessed to be a part of this Church.
Brian AcklesAdult Choir Director
My love of sacred music can be traced back to his experience as a very young child at Frist Presbyterian Church. In fact, I have been attending choir practice with my mother since before he could even remember. I can recall returning to Skaneateles each summer vacation and singing alongside my extended family under the direction of his grandmother and choir director, Gertrude Osborne. Participating and leading the ministry of music at First Presbyterian Church has been a long standing family tradition for the Osborne and Ackles families, and I am thankful for the honor to serve and continue the tradition into the next generation.
I have a Bachelor in Music Education from Westminster Choir College and a Master of Music in Music Education degree from the University of Texas, San Antonio. I have been a K-12 music educator in the public school system since 1985, and for the past 15 years I have been the High School Vocal Music Teacher for the Marcellus Central School District. I have been blessed to serve as choir director for the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Episcopal denominations over the last 30 years. I am an active performer and conductor in the Central New York area, and finds joy in serving as a guest conductor at senior high all-county festivals, and in singing with the Syracuse Vocal Ensemble. My summers are spent on Skaneateles lake as a captain for the Mid-Lakes Navigation’s mail boat and dinner cruises.
Sue Grady
Bell Choir Director
Sue Grady has served as Director of the Handbell Choirs from 1985-present. Prior to directing handbells, Sue served as Youth Choir Director from 1982 to 1985. Sue graduated from SUNY Oswego with a BA in elementary education N-6 and a double major in music with special certification in piano pedagogy. She has also completed studies leading to Handbell Musician Director Certification. She has been employed by Skaneateles Central Schools as a primary level teacher 1975-present.
Eduardo "Eddy" Hernandez
Sexton
peggy@skanpresby.org
Eddy was born in San Salvador, El Salvador Central America but was raised in Pennsylvania. He has served as the church custodian since 2010 and he is in charge of general maintenance and cleaning of the building and Sanctuary, also has many years of experience working with the School District of Skaneateles. Eddy is at the Church most days working and arranging the classrooms and meeting places for the ministry of the church. Eddie is married to the love of his life and has three wonderful boys. If you have a recommendation or suggestion about the maintenance of the church please contact our church administrator peggy@skanpresby.org
Lori Sherriff
I have had the privilege of working with infants to preschoolers since 1997 to present. Most of my encounters are with first time parents leaving their precious child in my care during church services. The enjoyment that I get out of playing and exploration with each little girl and boy is the highlight of my week. My education and experience includes being an assistant preschool teacher, a lead teacher of infants, and working with special needs children. I posses the tools to be patient, caring, and loving for the little ones that are in my care. If there are any questions for me please feel free to stop and talk a while. I would enjoy meeting everyone, especially your precious little ones.
Jessica Boyce
IT Administrator
Jessica Boyce is the IT Administrator for the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles. Her focus is primarily on website and social media needs. She will also be developing content for email updates and other First Presbyterian publications. You will also see Jessica working around the community as the Marketing and Events Manager for the Skaneateles Festival. She studied international business and arts management at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio, and is very happy to be back in the Central New York area.
97 East Genesee Street