Lead Pastor Jeff & Charissa

Pastor Jeff and his wife Charissa served together in the church for many years prior to Jeff becoming the Lead Pastor at River Community Church. Their passion is for people to know God and to come alongside them, so they are equipped to live out God’s purposes in their lives. In addition to serving in their local church, they have a heart for missions, especially to the county of Ukraine, carrying on our church’s special connection to the people of Ukraine.

Jeff moved here from North Dakota and has many stories to share, if you have the time. Charissa loves anything with coffee and will share a cup with you anytime. They chose to live in the Hudson Valley after getting married, having raised their daughters here and welcomed a son-in-law into the family. They love to travel together to new places, especially international.

Jeff: “I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2 ESV

Charissa: “Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3 :18 ESV

Elder Tom & Chris Dick

Tom: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Chris: “For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.” – Luke 1:37 AMPC

Elder Bryan & Jenny Giammatteo

Bryan: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 ESV

Jenny: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:8 NIV

Elder John & Ann Lewis

John: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV