Ministry Team
Our Pastor : Reverend Alecia Reeves-Freeman
|
June 2018
As we plan for better weather; vacations, graduations, family reunion, weddings and other events, I would like to remind you of a gift. Though you cannot see it, smell it, hear it or feel it, you can surely live it. That is the gift of LIFE. I am saying this because, if we have life, we can have faith. Faith becomes a lasting resource when all else fails. Hence, we still have the breath of life and faith at Fisk. As you plan for the next few months, hold unto faith; do not lose it, bury it and toss it away. But also, take a leap of faith and send an extra gift to the church to enhance ministry and mission of Christ’s church this summer. I am affirming this because life is a gift and as we live, we can live a life of faith and leave a legacy of faith by our giving and sharing. Have a blessed, enjoyable and safe summer. Happy Summer! Pastor Alecia |
Minister of Music : John T. Bybee II
|
John earned a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Organ from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Throughout his life, he has followed a calling to a vocation in music ministry, serving Presbyterian, Methodist, Christian, Baptist and Lutheran churches as organist, pianist and music director. An accomplished worship organist, he has considerable expertise in blending classical, traditional, praise, contemporary, jazz and gospel music styles. He is creative, enthusiastic, energetic, and passionate, taking to heart the scripture “Sing unto the Lord a new song,” inspiring and leading the congregation to sing her song. He is dedicated to creating a vibrant music ministry through servant leadership.
John provides organist services for weddings and funerals throughout New England; he is also a church organ consultant, and offers private instruction in piano and organ. In addition, he enjoys an “encore” career as a Life and Leadership Coach, creating lives of significance through intentional living. John is an avid reader of nonfiction with emphasis on issues of leadership, theology, current events and wellness, and embraces vegan and minimalist lifestyles. When not creating beautiful music or coaching clients, John may be found exploring New England, taking advantage of Boston cultural events and enjoying friendships. Professional memberships include the Boston chapter of The American Guild of Organists, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, The United Church of Christ Musicians National Network, and The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts. John may be reached via email at fiskmusicministry@gmail.com |
Trumpeter-in-residence : Danny Venora
|
Danny joined our growing Music Ministry in September 2016 as we strive to build and enhance a more vibrant worship experience.
Danny hails from West Hartford, CT and is a recent graduate of the Yale School of Music, where he earned his Master’s degree in trumpet performance. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in music education and trumpet performance from the Ithaca College School of Music in 2013. While a student, Danny performed with the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble and Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and the Yale Philharmonic. He is also a past winner of the International Trumpet Guild Scholarship Competition, and a former member of the Ithaca College Trumpet Ensemble, which placed fourth at the National Trumpet Competition in 2013. Danny has performed as principal trumpet with the Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra in northern PA, with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra in Ithaca, NY, and with the Hartford Independent Chamber Orchestra in Hartford, CT. In summer 2015, he was a Norfolk Chamber Music Festival fellow with Brickhaus Brass, a brass quintet formed at the Yale School of Music. Danny is currently employed by the S. E. Shires Company, which produces and sells some of the worlds finest trumpets and trombones. Danny moved to Natick, MA this past July. When not working or practicing, he enjoys playing chess and attending live music performances. He is a lifelong baseball and soccer fan |
Youth Fellowship Leaders : Bingxin Xu and Tian Zhang
|
Our youth are busy - with mission work, fun and fellowship activities and growing in faith. Youth Fellowship meets most weeks - either after worship for lunch, fellowship and a program or for a specific special event at another time. See the calendar for the complete schedule and check our our MYF page for pictures and more information.
Bingxin Xu received his master of science degree from Cornell University and moved to Natick, with his wife Tian Zhang, right after his graduation in 2012. They feel blessed to settle down in Natick and Fisk Church, and felt called to be Fisk's Youth Fellowship Leaders in 2015. They are looking forward to leading and growing up along with the youth. Bingxin and Tian may be reached via email : fiskyouth@gmail.com |
Administrative Assistant: Joanne Fitzgerald
Our church office is open on Monday - Friday, 9:00 to 1pm, September through June. If you call the office (508)653-1674 or email fiskoffice@fiskumc.org, Joanne will be the person who answers your call or responds to your email. She is the welcome face when you stop by, always quick to help and certainly helps our busy congregation stay connected and informed.
Rev. Cheryln Gates
Rev. Gates is a Deacon in full connection in the New England Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, with certification in the area of spiritual formation. Her primary appointment is to the Order of Deacon, offering leadership and direction to deacons, diaconal ministers and deaconesses in the Conference as well as many inquiring and provisional deacons. Rev. Gates’ secondary appointment is to Fisk Memorial UMC in Natick, MA. Her years of local church ministry include preaching, teaching, children’s choir and retreat leadership.
Other work in the New England Conference includes Annual Conference worship visuals and liturgical design, Eucharistic minister, the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Spiritual Formation Initiative work group.
Her interests include membership in the Order of Saint Luke, theology of the mystics, visual/fabric arts, native flute playing, Native American spirituality and genealogical research, as well as authoring several hymns and poetic reflections.
Cheryln's Blog
Other work in the New England Conference includes Annual Conference worship visuals and liturgical design, Eucharistic minister, the Board of Ordained Ministry, the Spiritual Formation Initiative work group.
Her interests include membership in the Order of Saint Luke, theology of the mystics, visual/fabric arts, native flute playing, Native American spirituality and genealogical research, as well as authoring several hymns and poetic reflections.
Cheryln's Blog