Asbury United Methodist Church

Asbury United Methodist Church

2008 Officers

Meet Asbury's Staff

Pastor:
Rev. Leon VanWie has been a United Methodist pastor for over 35 years, serving churches in Western, Northern and Central New York before being appointed to Asbury in August 1998. He received his Associates Degree from Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, his Bachelors in Arts from SUNY at Geneseo, and his Masters of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in Rochester, NY. He and his wife, Margie, have four daughters and eight grandchildren.

Chancel Choir & Praise Band Director:
Catherine Mowers is the director of the adult Chancel Choir which performs weekly at Asbury and also directs the Praise Band. She was granted a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education/Voice, with an additional concentration in instrumental music, from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam and holds a Master's Degree in Education from Oswego State. Mrs. Mowers was a teacher at Sandy Creek Central School for 16 years, instructing beginning elementary band, general music and serving as Musical Director for the drama club. Currently, she teaches privately and has a studio band comprised of mostly home school students. She is also an adjunct instructor of music at Jefferson Community College and director of North Country Music Society (a community choral group).

Agape Ringers Director:
Lynn Morgan is the director of the adult beginner's bell ringing group at Asbury. Prior to that she was the Children's Vocal Choir Director for nine years. She is active in the Chancel Choir, the Asbury Ringers and also is a substitute organist. She received a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from SUNY Oneonta and her Master's in Library Science from the School of Information Studies at Syracuse University. She retired as the library media specialist in 2006 and currently she is a professional story teller, traveling to China in 2006 telling stories.

Assistant Bell Director:
Susan Snell assists directing the advanced adult bell ringers and also coordinates the music program at Asbury. Susan also participates in the Chancel Choir. She received a Bachelor's of Arts in English from SUNY Potsdam and has completed work towards a Master's degree in Speech and Drama at SUNY Albany.

Children's Bell Choirs Director:
Nicki Gill is the director of the Youth Handbell Choirs. She has been involved in the music program at Asbury since she was a child. She briefly directed the youth handbells while she was in high school. Nikki attened SUNY Geneseo, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She went on to receive her Masters in Reading from SUNY Potsdam. Nikki currently teaches 1st grade in Watertown and is a member of the Asbury Ringers

Organist:
Mrs. Lisa Smith is our primary organist at the 10:15 AM traditional Worship Service. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. She received the Outstanding Student Teacher award, the Julia E. Crane Memorial award, the Crane Certificate of Merit, and the Departmental Scholar award. She also has a Master's Degree in Reading.

Associate Organist:
Bina West plays mainly for the early chapel service and when needed at 10:15. She is a graduate of Ithaca College, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree. While at Ithaca she majored in vocal music education, with her performance area - organ. She also holds a Masters of Information Studies degree from Syracuse University. She is a Media Specialist at General Brown Junior Senior High School and has been a member of Asbury for over 40 years.

Children's Vocal Choir Directors:
Allison Rhode is a co-director of the Children's Choir. She is a student at South Jefferson High School. She plays the piano and sings in the chorus and a select chorus at school. She has been in the school musical and is on the soccer and track teams. She is also a member of the Wesley Ringers and the Asbury Ringers.

Brynne Sturge is a co-director of the Children's Choir. She goes to Watertown High School and has been involved with band for six years. She also particpated in choir and two junior productions while in middle school. Brynne plays field hockey and lacrosse. She will graduate in 2010.

Asbury Ringers Director:
Sue Gamet is the director of our advanced adult bell group. She is also the high school vocal music director and department head at South Jefferson Central School in Adams. In the fall semester she teaches music classes at Jefferson Community College. She also teaches private piano and voice. Multiple times she has been recognized in Who's Who by her students. She received her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. Her major was Music Education with concentrations in Piano and Piano Pedagogy. She is active in the Chancel Choir and Priase Band.

Assistant to the Pastor for Membership Development:
M. Max Bovee has been an educator since 1961 and an administrator since 1965, retiring from South Jefferson in 1997. He later served 4 years as interim administrator, including a year at Ohio Street School in Watertown. His responsibilities include small group ministry and fellowship opportunities.

Child Care Workers:
Lenora Forbes provides child care during our traditional Sunday morning worship service at 10:15 AM and for various study/fellowship events throughout the month. She also works with BOCES providing child care at a local school.

Brenda Cooley provides child care during our traditional Sunday morning worship service at 10:15 AM and for various study/fellowship events throughout the month.

Administrative Assistant:
Bonnie Weston - Prior to joining the Asbury staff she was secretary to the City Manager of the City of Watertown under Ronald G. Forbes for over a decade. She has an Associate's Degree in Data Processing and is a Certified Integral Qigong Instructor and taught Taoist Tai Chi for nearly ten years. She is most likely the person who will answer the phone and provide assistance when you call the church office.

Cleaning Services:
Frances Goutremout provides cleaning services to the church. She is also a member of the Agapé Ringers and the Chancel Choir.

Maintenance Services:
Gerald Holder handles the maintenance and repairs of the buildings and grounds around Asbury. Jerry enjoys Nascar racing, local stock car racing, and local school athletic events.