Whereas all the people of the congregation minister to one another - there a a few folks who are also staff of the church. You're invited to meet them on this page.
Karen Cronenberger Chamis
Office phone: 908-245-1611 Home phone: 908-241-1799
KarenChamis@msn.com
Karen serves First Presbyterian as its Pastor. She grew up in Buffalo, New York and began adult life working at the Buffalo Zoo. She states that that translates to ministry in more ways than she can count. She pursued a dual degree in Philosophy and Anthropolgy at Buffalo State College, with minors in Religious Studies and Creative Studies. Her MDiv is from Union Theological Seminary in NYC. She is currently working towards a PhD in Organizational Leadership. Central to her theology is the understanding that Grace is a concept thoroughly beyond the human ability to comprehend - and difficult to accept - but it is nevertheless quite real. Karen is active in the Presbytery of Elizabeth.
When Karen is not pastoring the church, she's often in her craft room or her garden. Karen met her husband, Bill, while reenacting the Revolutionary War, and their daughter, Ella, attended her first reenactment when she was only a few months old. Bill works in NYC, and Ella attends the College of Wooster.
George Lachenauer
George Lachenauer is a native of Hillside, NJ. Following graduation from Muhlenberg College and service in the US Army, he earned a master's degree in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He has been organist and dirctor of music for several churches in New York, New Jersey and Ohio. His musical experience includes performances as a vocal accompanist and singer. He has participated in the composition of the first organ course designed specifically for children and published by Wayne Leupold Editions. He has also written organ demontrators, pieces intended to introduce the organ to children and adults. His organ works based on Hispanic melodies and Gregorian chants are available from Gregorian Institute of America (GIA). He is also a contributor to The Organist's Companion published by Warner Bros. George enjoys reading, language study and Hebrew calligraphy.
Marybeth McFall
Mary Beth is a self-employed musician, specializing in piano accompaniment. She met her husband, Dave doing music with the Celebration Singers in 1983. They continue to do music together with the First Presbyterian Church and the Choral Art Society of New Jersey. Other involvements include the Cranford Dramatic Club, and the Sierra Club. They enjoy camping with tent and canoe: favorite places include the Shenandoahs, the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Acadia and a special lake in Maine.
Mary Beth works with our Children's choir and Bell choir.
Fred Rittinger
Fred is the church sexton and he keeps the buildings and grounds of the church in pristine condition.
