Meet Our Pastors
Russell H. Feroe
Born in Pottstown, PA, I grew up
in nearby Reading and studied engineering at Lehigh University in Bethlehem,
where I began to feel a call to the ministry. I decided to attend Union
Theological Seminary in NYC both for the urban setting and the
non-denominational flavor of the seminary.
Following seminary I served churches in PA and NJ before coming to Westchester
Co. in 1982, where I served three more congregations of varying sizes and
denominational affiliation.
For me the word ‘church’ has always referred to the people, not the institution
and its building, dogma, or rituals. We need the latter to support and challenge
the former, but the focus must continue to be on the people who attend and
participate, with participation being more important than membership. The church
at its best will provide a foundation of stability in an ever-changing and
increasingly insecure world. The church will also challenge us to grow to our
full humanity, reaching past boundaries and preconceptions, to offer healing and
hope to those around us.
I am married to Louise, who is the president of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry,
NY. We have two grown children: Beth, a social worker in Cleveland, OH, and
Peter, a graduate student in NYC. We enjoy all water activities, especially
sailing, although we are currently without a sailboat.
Life for me is an exciting, often challenging, journey. The destination may be
unclear, but the company and the encouragement are wonderful! I hope you might
join us at the FPC in Yorktown and see for yourself!
A Message from Russ
Angela Maddalone Skinner
I was raised in the Bronx,in an Italian-American household. Schooled in the Roman Catholic tradition, I was given a strong foundation in Christianity. God was part of my whole life. I was active in the church as a teen, playing the guitar at the Saturday evening mass every week at my church. My family was always very important to me. I have vivid memories of large family gatherings, lots of food, fun and love. My parents, Joe and Terry, were active in the church and community. They modeled for me a lifestyle that combined a commitment to God and church with a commitment to community. They continue to be an endless source of love and support. I attended the College of Mt. St. Vincent in Riverdale NY and graduated with a degree in nursing. This choice, however fulfilling at times, always left me aware of a "restlessness in my soul." During my college years, I also left the Roman tradition, seeking God and nurturing my spiritual life in other, ways. God eventually led me to the Bronxville Reformed Church where, for the first time, I was introduced to Reformed theology. I became an active member of this community of faith and was eventually ordained a deacon. Over the years, encouraged by the members and clergy of the church, I began to take seriously God's Spirit calling me to serve the church as Minister of Word and Sacrament. My second year of seminary was spent at Huguenot Memorial Presbyterian Church. Nurtured and supported by this loving community of faith, I decided to join the Presbyterian church, and under their loving care began the ordination process. Throughout my spiritual journey, my two children, Joseph, 12 and Chelsea, 8 have kept me busy and humble. They are blessed gifts who remind me constantly of what is important in life. Our favorite family activities are going to amusement parks, challenging each other to ride the fastest roller coaster playing with our dog, Mickie, and going to plays and movies. We hope to explore the beautiful parks hiking trails in the area in the weeks to come. It is with joy that I begin my ministry with the The First Presbyterian Church. It is truly an honor to serve such a gifted community of faith!
