Rev. Christopher J. McCloskey – Pastor
Christopher was born in Ohio to two Michiganders, Tim and Jean, and is the eldest of three brothers, Andrew and Daniel. At a young age his family relocated to the Connecticut shore where he grew up in the small town of Guilford. Christopher’s childhood and young adulthood were hugely shaped by his involvement in the church and in scouting.
Christopher was raised in the First Presbyterian Church in New Haven, CT where he was confirmed and was eventually ordained as an elder.
Christopher is an Eagle Scout and a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, scouting’s national honor society.
During high school, Christopher fully embraced his love of singing that began in church. He joined his high school choir and was accepted into the select choir in his sophomore year. He also performed of musical theater productions including South Pacific and Hello Dolly.
After High school, Christopher attended Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts where he met his wife, Susan while they were both working on a musical production. Christopher also discovered his love of ballroom dance during this time.
His desire to better understanding the human mind and passion for history, led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy with a minor in Ancient Civilizations. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2013 having been inducted into Psi Chi (the International Honor Society for Psychology), Phi Sigma Tau (the National Honor Society for Philosophy), and Phi Beta Kappa.
Christopher received a call to ministry during his undergraduate education at Clark University and enrolled in Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey where he earned his Masters of Divinity in 2016.
He was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament on October 1st, 2016 in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and began his first call a couple days later on October 8th as an installed Pastor at the Brockway Presbyterian Church in Brockway, PA where he faithfully served for over 6 years.
Christopher was called to The First Reformed Church of Scotia and began serving as Pastor in April 2023.
With a song in his heart and a jig in his step, Christopher’s ministry focuses on sharing Christ’s love with the world, and building a welcoming faith community that fosters personal and communal spiritual growth.
Pastor Christopher’s email: pastorchristopher@firstreformedscotia.org
Michael Linke – Organist
Mike has been our Organist since July 2024. Prior to that, he has been an organist at other churches in Upstate NY since 2005. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists and the New York Theater Organ Society. You could say that Mike thrills over Allen organs as he has continually upgraded and owned eleven Allen Organs, including his current 2 manual, 53 stop Allen full Church organ. He enjoys piano and accompanying singing, especially with hymns!
Mike graduated from SUNY New Paltz. He studied music with Patricia Maimone, Director of Music at West Point Post Chapel and Marilyn Marino, North Rockland CSD.
A fun fact is that he played the Radio City Music Hall Wurlitzer Organ during the 2003 AGO pipe organ encounter. Mike is married and desires to enhance ministry in worship music along with his wife, Sarah Cordts.
Hunter X. Harville-Moxley – Choir Director
Hunter is a composer, conductor, and organist with experience with instrumental and choral ensembles. His background in sacred music, video game music, and composition informs his mindful and refined approach to music. Hunter is fueled by his passion for understanding the nuances of cultural music practices. Hunter is a “forever student,” eager to stay in touch with the latest music composition trends through continued coursework and professional development.
Hunter holds an Associate of Science in Pipe Organ Performance from SUNY Schenectady where he studied with Alfred Fedak, a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in composition from SUNY Albany where he studied composition with Max Lifchitz and Choral Conducting with Dr. Michael Pfitzer, a Masters of Arts in Music with a concentration in conducting where he studied choral conducting with Dr. Jamie Kirsch of the Chorus Pro Music and orchestral conducting with John Page of the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra.
Hunter’s email: music@firstreformedscotia.org
Diana Ackner – Director of Education & Kids Hope
Diana and her husband John have been members of FRCS for over 30 years. Together they have been involved in many aspects of church life including music ministry and Sunday school. Their daughter Grace is also very involved in church activities and particularly loves going to Camp Fowler, her home away from home.
Diana was a music teacher in the Guilderland school district for 30+ years and brings a vast amount of experience to her job at First Reformed Church of Scotia. She also brings much experience working with special needs children to her job. This is a passion for her both at Guilderland schools and at home taking care of Grace who has Down Syndrome. Other than music, Diana also enjoys taking ballet and tap with her daughter Grace and making scrapbooks for her.
Diana’s email: education@firstreformedscotia.org
Vicki Hayner – Church Manager
Vicki began her service to FRCS as Church Manager in 2022. Previously, she has served as a Church Administrator for a church in Clifton Park. Vicki feels working here is like “coming home.” She has been a member of West Glenville Reformed Church for over 40 years and have served not only her church but also the Regional Synod of Albany and Schenectady Classis in a number of capacities.
Vicki’s email is: churchmanager@firstreformedscotia.org
Sharon Gaunay – Church Secretary
Since January 2024 Sharon has served as the church secretary at FRCS. She has 30 years of office organization experience with a background in business and nursing. Sharon is married with grown children. She and her husband stay busy taking care of their two large dogs. In her free time, Sharon enjoys cross stitching and going for walks. Sharon is in the church office Monday through Friday from 9am until 1pm.
Sharon’s email is: office@firstreformedscotia.org
Paul Retersdorf – Sexton
Paul is our Sexton. Paul worked at The Costumer for over 30 years as the Maintenance and Shipping Manager, and therefore brings with him decades of knowledge and experience. Paul is kind, enthusiastic, and a team player. He supports some of his elderly neighbors, and enjoys spending time with his boxer puppy, Gracie. In his free time he enjoys camping, fishing, hiking, and refinishing furniture.
Paul’s email: sexton@firstreformedscotia.org
Sarah Cordts – Music Librarian
Sarah has an Associates degree from SUNY Adirondack, a Bachelors degree in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh, and a Masters degree in Library and Information Science from SUNY Albany.
Sarah has sung in many choirs including the Saratoga Children’s Choir, under the direction of Sue Fedak and Alayne Trombley. She sang with the All City Chorus, the Choraliers, the Mountaineers College Choir, Bethesda Choir, as well as several other Church choirs.
Sarah has found herself singing in many different avenues throughout her life. Some of those avenues include: her beloved Second Reformed Church in Little Falls NJ, multiple weddings, nursing homes, musicals around the Capitol District (most recently Cinderella, alongside her husband Mike!), and at Victorian Social Club member events.
With many songs in her heart, she is happy to assist in FRCS’s music ministry.