First Presbyterian Church Staff

Temporary Supply Pastor Rev. Dr. Barry Downing         phone: (607) 748-9861              e-mail: barrydowning @ yahoo.com   Pastor Downing, who was ordained in 1967, served the congregation of Northminster Presbyterian Church from 1971 to 2001.  Currently in semi-retirement, he has agreed to work part time for First Presbyterian Church while they search for a designated pastor.   Office Hours: Tuesday 9:00am-11:00am

Pastoral Associate Rev. Dr. Bianca Podesta Phone: (607) 329-4845                            e-mail: bbpodesta@verizon.net Ordained as a United Methodist Minister, Rev. Podesta has served the First Presbyterian Church as their visitation minister for seven years.  In addition to her visitation schedule, she shares the preaching duties with Pastor Downing.  Office Hours: by appointment

Minister of Music  Jill Gardner Phone: (607) 722-4219                 e-mail: music-firstpres@stny.rr.com Soprano, Jill Gardner, is an accomplished opera singer who has excelled in performances in major cities across the U.S.  During the summer months Jill can be seen performing at the Glimmerglass Opera House in Cooperstown.  In addition to her operatic talents, Jill is Co-founder, Voice teacher, and Music Director for A Singing Actor's Studio.  Her duties at First Presbyterian include directing a program of choirs and serving as Artistic Director of the Jubilee Arts Concert Series. Office hours: by appointment

Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries Diane Tolentino Phone: (607) 722-4219                            e-mail: dtolentino@stny.rr.com Diane has a B.S. in Education from SUNY Geneseo and has been working as a Christian Educator for the past 7 years.  Blessed with a natural love of children, Diane is responsible for providing activities for children and youth on Sundays as well as presenting the weekly Children's Message. Office hours: Mon.- Thurs. 9:00am-4:00pm

Senior Bookkeeper Vanessa Warren Phone: (607) 722-4219                         email: acct-firstpres@stny.rr.com  Vanessa can be found in the church office almost anytime early in the week but you can be guaranteed to find her there on Tuesdays from 8:30AM until 4:00PM. You can also reach her at the e-mail address above any day of the week and responses to your questions are handled within 24 hours. The finance office maintains contribution records as well as accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget tracking, facilities use, payroll and reporting.  Any requests for payments need to be in the office by Monday morning to be processed the next Tuesday. Reimbursements must be accompanied by receipts and the check request voucher that can be obtained in the church office. The vouchers must be approved by the chair of the committee responsible for the line budget line that will be charged.

Clerical Support Judie Larkin Phone: (607) 722-4219              Fax:   (607) 722-4210       email: firstpresbyteria@stny.rr.com The purpose of Judie's position is to provide support in an efficient and effective operation of the Church office and is accountaable to the Head of Staff.  Additional responsibilities include master calendar, weekly and special bulletins, working with boards and committees for complete church records, maintain annual directories and reports to the congregation and Presbytery.

Sexton Dave Schneider Hours: Sunday 8:00am-11:00am     Mon-Thurs. 3:00pm-8:00pm