Pastor

Rev. Susan Joseph Rack grew up as a Lutheran in Milwaukee, WI.  She graduated from St. Olaf College with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Religion (with a minor in dance) after which she spent an extra semester of study at Birzeit University in Palestine and Hebrew University in Jerusalem.  Susan served 3 summers as chaplain and curriculum writer for Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center during her seminary years.  She graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Theology in Old Testament. Susan is also a trained Domestic Violence Responder, an authorized Enneagram teacher and a Non-Violent Communication practitioner.

Susan was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament of the PCUSA in September of 2001. She has served as an Associate Pastor for Education in Wilmington DE, and the solo pastor of a small, impactful, out-of-the-box church in Martinsville, NJ for 17 years.  Susan’s passion in ministry is curating spiritual growth experiences in both Christian and Interfaith worship and retreat settings.  She has also been instrumental in building 2 outdoor labyrinths… to date.  All this is in service of fostering a spiritual foundation for Jesus-followers to be equipped for sustained social justice action.

You will likely find Susan working remotely here and there around Trumansburg.  You may also happen upon Susan and her Reverend husband Paul Rack hiking, canoeing or picnicking and reading in a quiet spot under a good shade tree.  Susan and Paul reside in the Village of Trumansburg with their cat Julia (of Norwich).

Music Director: Coming June 1

Stan Stewart is a preacher’s kid who ended up being a church musician. Creating music for worship has been an anchor in his life. “I have witnessed the potential of music in congregations all over the world. I want the music we make to help us open a window to heaven on earth.”

While studying at Brite Divinity School (Fort Worth, Texas), Stan learned the pipe organ from Emmet Smith. His primary piano instructor in his adult years has been Jim Ridl. Though his singing and vocal ensemble work has many influences, he has been deeply influenced by the work of Bobby McFerrin and Rhiannon.

Clerk of Session

Paul Rack is a retired Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PCUSA, having served in 11 churches over 40 years. He also held the position of Stated Clerk in two presbyteries, in which he led trainings for session clerks.