The Reverend Richard Allen has been a United Methodist pastor for 25 years, and has served the Sayville UMC for the past ten. He received his divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. His church interests include Bible study, youth and contemporary Christian music; his outside interests include volleyball, the beach and modern instrumental music. He typically visits Starbucks twice a day, which is why some of his sermons seem overcaffeinated.
Regina Eger has been our office administrator for over 16 years. She is the first person visitors see and the first person that callers hear, and in addition to being a wonderful administrator, she is also a welcoming and friendly presence in our church. The office always smells lovely, because it is filled with Yankee Candles. Regina’s favorite scent is Vanilla Lavender. But please do not ask her to light the Vanilla Caramel candle, because a couple years ago, someone mistook the scent for that of “Burning Church” and called the pastor because they thought the church was on fire!
Lee Schaarschmidt is our music director and the leader of our church choir. He is also the music director for Centereach High School, where he conducts the band during school musicals. For the past two years, he has also been the captain of our church’s softball team, the Seraphim. Lee can play a lot of different instruments, but is especially fond of the guitar. The entire Schaarschmidt family is musical as well. Deb, Becca and Rachel often help out at church services with voice, guitar, flute, viola, ukulele, maraca and anything else they can find!
Bill Brosnan is our church organist. As a self-taught musician, he has come to epitomize the value of hard work and dedication. Bill is also a former New York State School Superintendent of the Year, and when he’s not here, he enjoys working on his new home in Iowa. When Bill saw the photo on the left, he asked, “When are we getting that new organ I saw on the church website?” Wow, wouldn’t that be a great memorial gift!
Tanae Izumi is our church pianist. She is also a local teacher and is currently finishing her final degree in preparation for full-time local employment. One of her favorite songs is Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Tanae also loves Disney movies, Glee, and the beach. If a Disney movie ever screened outdoors at the beach while people were singing and dancing, it would be her best day ever! As part of our church’s youth leadership team, Tanae also helps to plan youth and lead youth events throughout the year.
Pam Austin and Dot Gaynor are our church sextons. They help to keep the church shiny and clean. Pam and Dot can usually be spotted holding coffee cups from 7-11. They are also avid fans of the Yankees and Giants. They have some really high hopes for the Yankees in 2013 and are pulling for Derek Jeter to make an amazing comeback from off-season surgery.
