John A. Knarvik, Pastor

Pastor John grew up in the capital district and graduated from Shaker High School in Latham (in 1968!). He completed his undergraduate degree at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he concentrated on social analysis and the sociology of religion. He was active in the Reformed Church of America while here in Albany, but was drawn into the Lutheran church while in college. He completed his Masters of Divinity at Gettysburg Seminary and the Lutheran House of Studies in Washington, D.C. He has served pastorates in western Pennsylvania and central New York before coming to Good Shepherd in 1991. In addition to his ministry with the people of Good Shepherd, he serves on a variety of local and international ministry groups: The Capital Region Theological Center, an ecumenical agency providing education and training for ministry Cornerstone: The Protestant Campus Ministry at University at Albany , an ecumenical group coordinating ministry with, by and for students and staff at SUNY Albany The International Village of Hope, a ministry providing schools, health care, food and housing in a rural area of Haiti. Contact Pastor John...

Alex DiCicco, Music Director

After tutoring music as a college student, Alex DiCicco fell in love with teaching and moved to New York State to pursue a career as an educator. Alex holds a bachelor's degree in music from Franklin Pierce University where he studied piano performance and received a scholarship to compose music inspired by a local sense of place. Alex is currently an adjunct instructor at the College of St. Rose in Albany, where he teaches Keyboard Harmony. Alex is also an accompanist and member of the Mop and Bucket Company, an improv acting troupe that performs around the Capital Region and is based in Schenectady, NY. Alex recently composed and recorded music for "The Hurricane of 1938," a documentary produced by the Public Library of Keene, NH and Cheshire County Television. Outside of music, Alex enjoys New England folk dancing and visiting the farmstands and markets of New York State. Alex is beginning to work with the Senior Choir, and will begin working with the Bell Choir. Now's a great time to join with others to sing and ring!

Our Congregation Council Officers:
Kathy Westerholt: President
Danny Patrick : Vice President
Meg Winters : Secretary
Jeff Emptage:Treasurer