Meet Our Staff

Rev. Joanne S. Utley

Pastor Joanne is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, and began serving the Mount Kisco church and its community on July 1, 2018.

“I envision my ministry as one of weaving together relationships to strengthen connections to God. Sometimes I am weaving the first strands of an understanding of God; other times, adding texture to a faithful life; and still yet, mending a faith that has been tattered by some kind of pain or suffering.

For me, this plays out in the dual ministries of parish pastor and conference communicator. As a second-career clergy person,

I find that both venues provide opportunities to empower and equip others to be, and build up, the Body of Christ.

I have long been challenged by the simplicity and power of Micah 6:8, and consider it the scriptural mantra of my ministry: “

. . . what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” My heart for mission has been shaped by six trips to help in the New Orleans recovery, and work for social justice around the issues of hunger, immigration, and gun violence.

I am most passionate about caring for our neighbors by meeting them where they are, creative worship that engages all the senses, and Christian education for all ages.

I welcome the opportunity to be a part of a truly collaborative environment where a diversity of ideas, opinions, and beliefs is encouraged and embraced.”

Pastor Joanne has previously served New York Conference churches in Pawling, Poughquag, Roscoe, East Branch, and Bridgehampton, N.Y. A native of central Ohio, she has lived in New York for nearly 30 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ohio University, and a master’s of divinity from Drew Theological School.

Paul Martinez

Director of Music

Paul Martinez directs the choir and often adds his voice to their anthems. He also accompanies all of the congregational singing on piano or organ. Paul has worked as a music director, vocal coach, and accompanist for more than 15 years at young adult programs, including the Vivace Conservatory for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, Random Farms Kids’ Theater in Westchester County, and Astoria Performing Arts Center’s Summer Stars program in Queens.  He has also served as pianist for both the English and Greek services at the Steinway Reformed Church in Astoria.