ABOUT OUR CHURCH
Lyndonville United Methodist Church is a small welcoming community church with a rich tradition. Our worship services include both contemporary praise songs and the great hymns of the faith. The pastor preaches Bible-based sermons, often series on books of the Bible. The worship service lasts for about one hour. We share in communion monthly, when all are welcome to participate. Like other churches, we enjoy meals together and greeting one another during the worship service. The pastor participates in the local clergy group. Although a small church, our congregation includes a diversity of ages, and children and youth are part of our family.
Church is not really about a building or a denomination as much as it is about people who are followers of Jesus who support one another in prayer, and reach out to the community in service. Think of church as an extension of what is termed, “the kingdom of God.” God is our King, Jesus is our Lord, and we are led by the Holy Spirit.
Our church has been in the Lyndonville community for generations and continues to provide a safe place for spiritual growth and ministry opportunities. We are known especially for our thrift store in the basement of the church building.
So, if you are looking for a smaller group of down-to-earth folks who want to grow together as the body of Christ, then please check us out. Our worship time includes singing of hymns and contemporary songs and a sermon that is Bible-based.
THE PASTOR
Greetings to the people of the Lyndonville UMC!
Please consider this a getting to know me essay which may illustrate who I am and the way I am.
I was born Pamela Jean Straight in 1954 and raised in the village of Honeoye Falls, graduating from high school in 1972. I have an older brother, Greg who lives in Texas and a younger sister, Judy who lives in Newark, NY. Our Dad, Wally, died about 6 years ago and my Mom, Ann, died this past January.
I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church and from the time I reached school-age, I attended church every morning before school. At age 11, I felt I was called to be a Carmelite nun. (The ones who can’t talk!) I truthfully worked my studies toward this call. Unfortunately, (or horribly) I was raped at the age of 15 and felt my world spin out of control.
At 18, I married a classmate who was in the Navy. We had our first child, Nicholas, when we were stationed in Charleston, SC. Our daughter, Kathryn (Katie) was born in Scotland. And our youngest, Gavin, was our civilian baby born in Rochester.
We settled in Dansville where Jim commuted to Kodak Park and I commuted to the Rochester office of the Girl Scouts. In 1989, Jim was killed DWI in a car accident in Geneseo. The kids were 12, 10, and 6.
I had become disenchanted with the church as we moved around, never feeling welcomed. But, I had many powerful words with God each night following the accident.
By this time, I was working for New York Farm Bureau, covering 10 counties in Western New York. That is how I met my husband, Wes Klotzbach. We raised indoor hogs and I loved it and I miss it. Wes now drives truck for Hi Vue and he passes through Lyndonville twice a day!
During the farming days, I was inspired to get a law degree, particularly in arbitration and mediation. (Two areas I probably didn’t need a degree in because I honed my skills with the teenage foster kids we took into our home.) About 2/3 of the way through my studies, God called me to ministry. I had become a United Methodist a couple of years after we married and had sunk myself into deeper and deeper Bible studies, particularly soaking up the Old Testament which was not studied in my Catholic years.
I argued plenty with God. And cried a lot, thinking of my age and my current studies. But, he won. As soon as I completed my dissertation, I declared my call to my pastor and began the process which included 3 years of seminary for a Masters of Divinity. I was ordained in 2010.
By the time of ordination, we had adopted 6 children from the foster care system. God has graced us with 9 children and 9 grandchildren.
My first year in ministry was at Akron 1st as an Assistant Pastor, Friends in Christ in Fillmore for 5 years, Batavia 1st for 5 years, Trinity in Attica with preaching at Darien for 6 years, and this last year in Cortland 1st. Many of you know that I have also returned to Akron 1st this year as they are now half-time.
I have some medical issues, the worst being scoliosis. But, I love to laugh! And sing! I am known as a 12 minute preacher (make your point and get out!). I have been deeply involved in mission work. I quilt, crochet and organize (not physically). My counseling skills are pretty good. My Bible studies need a timer so I don’t jump to answer the questions. (I am getting better.)
I am in my fourth year as President of the conference Trustees and am involved in the mediations of the Child Victim Act. I am also on the Conference Leadership Team.
Pastor Pam
