Interim Pastor Todd

Pastor Buurstra grew up in Comstock Park, MI, a suburb of Grand Rapids. He graduated from Calvin College in 1981 and served as an RCA Mission Associate in Yokosuka, Japan until 1984. There he met and married his wife, Natsuko. After graduating from Western Theological Seminary in 1987, Todd served as called pastor of three churches in Montague, NJ, West Ottawa, MI, and Bridgewater, NJ. Since then, he has been an interim pastor in Middletown, NY, Keyport, NJ and now in Schenectady, NY. Todd has a Doctorate of Ministry from Drew Theological Seminary on the topic of narrative preaching. Todd and Natsuko have raised two young adults: Zachary, 32, and Carissa, 31. He loves all things Japan, kayaking on the Raritan Bay, biking anywhere, and walking Max and Kiki, their rescue dogs.

Youth Education Coordinator

Joani enjoys being outdoors with her dog, photography, creating art, and quilting.

Administrative Assistant 1streformedpub@gmail.com

Darlene has 35 years of experience working as an Executive Assistant currently retired from General Electric.

She enjoys people and the community being a life long resident of Schenectady currently residing in Rotterdam.

She enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with her family.

Business manager | 1streformed@gmail.com

Hi, my name is Oksana Podoba, and I am your new business manager and I feel blessed to work for you. I have a bachelor’s degree in banking. I also graduated from L’viv’s National University in Ukraine with my master’s in audit accounting. I am also a public notary, if you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out. I currently attend the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Watervliet. I am looking forward to this great partnership.

Facilities Manager | nelson1680@gmail.com

Gary enjoys the challenges that come with maintaining old buildings. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Bookeeper

I have 37 years banking experience, first as AVP for FNB Scotia, Implementation Specialist/Trainer for IA Systems Loan Origination Systems and Fidelity Information Services BancPac Loan Support Analyst. Went to Suffolk County Community College for Data Processing and received a banking diploma from American Institute of Banking. I have two daughters and six grandchildren. I also continue to research my family history that my father started years ago.

Director of Music

Corine has an MFA from Carnegie-Mellon and has performed in operas, concerts, and Equity Theaters such as Cap Rep, Pittsburgh Opera, Saratoga Opera, and Opera Festivals in Germany, Austria, Italy, and France. She has been a concert soloist in Europe, Barbados, St. Croix, Maine, and locally with Octavo Singers, Albany, and Schenectady Symphonies. She has been a choir director and orchestra conductor for High Schools, Union Presbyterian, and currently First Reformed Church. She teaches Voice at Union College and her private students have appeared on Broadway, summer opera festivals and in Europe.

Church Musician / Organist | caplanm4@gmail.com

Max Caplan holds an M.M. in Composition from the Hartt School of Music and a B.A. in Music and Classics from Union College, Schenectady. He is the staff accompanist at First Reformed Church in Schenectady, Union College, and Congregation Gates of Heaven in Niskayuna, and a frequent collaborator with local chamber groups such as the Musicians of Ma’alwyck and Siena College’s Clare Ensemble Singers.

Custodian / Sexton

Dave loves spending time with his dog Buddy and watching Sci-Fi movies. You may see him in the neighborhood walking with Buddy.