I was raised in Niagara Falls, and spent my youth playing pickup games of football, baseball, and street hockey. Now I follow the Cleveland Browns, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Philadelphia Flyers. My faith in Christ was nurtured by the preaching of Rev. Dr. David Kofahl, and the teaching of faithful Sunday school teachers and an energetic youth leader. When I wasn’t competing against my friends or receiving a solid United Methodist catechesis (religious instruction) I would be reading the Scripture allowing its words to penetrate my heart and mind.
In my formative years, as a person living with a corrected cleft lip and palate and receiving speech therapy, I gravitated towards Moses’ excuse to the LORD, “’I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue’” (Exodus 4:10). Later when discerning whether to earn a doctorate I ruminated on the LORD’s question posed to the prophet, “’What is in your hand’” (4:2)? In all the seasons of my life, I have found the Bible and/or a resource relating to the Bible in my hand. I stepped out in faith mixed with fear, as the first person in my family to attend college. I had sensed God’s call on my life early and I knew attending college was a prerequisite for ordained pastoral ministry. At Roberts Wesleyan University (Rochester, NY) I studied Religion and Philosophy and studied the Scripture, especially the Hebrew Bible/ Old Testament. Dr. J. Richard Middleton was a capable guide who challenged me to ask questions of the biblical text and to explore the Scripture’s claims.
In 2006, I attended Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) to earn a Master’s of Divinity. I attended Perkins, with the encouragement of a friend I had made at Roberts. I will forever be grateful for Dr. William Abraham’s challenging Systematic Theology class. Dr. Abraham revealed to me the depths of the Christian Tradition and the importance of listening well to differing viewpoints. On the first day of student orientation, I met Carmen. We married three years later. Carmen is from San Antonio, TX and has survived fifteen Western New York winters. She is a United Methodist elder, and will serve the Bowmansville congregation (1/4 time) and work full-time as a Speech Language Pathologist locally. Carmen loves watching Blue Bloods and The Voice.
We have two children, Nathan (11) an introvert who loves fishing, playing video games, and delivering funny-one liners and Nadia (9) an extrovert, who is always on the move, hanging out with friends, trying new foods, and performing gymnastics routines. The kids have multiple fish and a playful five-year old black Labrador Retriever who is always ready to fetch a punted football, return a hockey ball, or swim. Nathan and Nadia will likely toggle back and forth between Bowmansville and Kenmore. As double- pastor’s kids, it is a blessing to know that they have two faith communities that they can depend on to love them as they mature into young adults and grow into our common Faith.
I know myself as a joyful and redeemed child of God through the incredible grace of Jesus Christ. And it took my husband Eric’s request many years ago that we “marry in a church” for me to return to my childhood faith. I heard my call to ministry in my late thirties. At the time, I thought that God must be kidding or be mistaken. Some five years later, and after we had moved to Springdale, Arkansas for Eric’s job, I started divinity school in Tulsa, OK. Upon returning to Eric’s boyhood hometown of East Aurora some four years later, I transferred and finished my M.Div. at Colgate Rochester Crozer (same place as Pastor Matt).
Now as the Holy Spirit has often done in my life, I have been called to Kenmore UMC. I am so filled with delightful anticipation and energy to meet you all, hear of God’s actions in your stories, and see what wondrous things to which God calls us to do together in making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ, Rev. Becky Naber
Director of Music
Susan Schuman
A church musician since age 16, Susan Schuman has been Director of Music at Kenmore United Methodist Church since 2018. Susan is a frequent performer in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chautauqua Symphony, where she performs on piano, celesta, organ, and harpsichord. One of the most sought-after accompanists and coaches in the Western New York area, she is known for her work with both instrumental and vocal soloists. Susan has collaborated with faculty and student recitals at Eastman School of Music, Fredonia State College, University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College, and Canisius College’s Formally/Informal Recital Series featuring members of the BPO. Susan has been accompanist for the prestigious JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition since its inception in 2004. Susan is a member of the Buffalo Chamber Players and a member of the Buffalo State College Music Faculty as well as maintaining a private piano and coaching studio. A graduate of the University at Buffalo with a degree in piano performance, she has also attended Ithaca College and Harvard University.
Jennifer Johnson came to Kenmore in summer of 2020 after 17 years in the college and university system. She has been a member of First United Methodist Church of Buffalo for the past 28 years.
Jennifer is married to Rev. Scott Johnson and has 3 daughters.
Rev. Matthew Stengel retired from Kenmore UMC as of June 30th 2024.
SPRC Says Farewell to Pastor Matt
We say goodbye to Pastor Matt Stengel: You came to Kenmore UMC as the world was rebounding from the great pandemic. We thank you for your leadership and spiritual guidance over the last 3 years. With you, we celebrate your ministry of 38 years. You have served the Lord with gladness - tirelessly, faithfully, and with great compassion for your flocks. Now as the day dawns on the next chapter in your life may God continue to richly Bless you and Cathy and watch over you. May the God of Peace grant you peace now and always. As you depart this place of grace We offer you this parting phrase
"May God's own hand guide all your days,
And keep you safe all of your days."
Staff Parish Relations Committee of KUMC: Amy Andrus, Marcie O'Brien, Bonnie Bright, Kathy McGuire, Ray McCabe, Cathy Miller, Faith Otwell, Mike Turner and former members of SPRC.
