Pastor Aaron Carlson is a passionate community leader, seminary student, and emerging faith leader committed to building inclusive, justice-oriented communities. He formerly served as the Executive Director of Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action, a nonprofit organization that supports older adults in Western New York through volunteer-driven transportation, in-home assistance, and caregiver respite.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, Aaron’s life and ministry have been shaped by a journey through affirmation, rejection, and, ultimately, a deep embrace of God’s unconditional love. His formative experiences—growing up in a supportive household, grappling with exclusion in faith communities, and rediscovering radical hospitality at Emmanuel United Methodist Church—have instilled in him a sense of call to ordained ministry.
A candidate for ordination in the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church, Aaron is completing his final year at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. He served Covenant UMC in Rochester for his supervised ministry year. His theology is deeply Wesleyan, emphasizing the means of grace, Christian perfection, and a God whose love is expansive and liberating. Galatians 3:28: “There is no longer Jew or Greek; there is no longer slave or free; there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus,” guides Aaron’s inclusive embrace of humanity.
Aaron’s leadership philosophy centers on strengthening communities by empowering people to live authentically, advocate for justice, and care for creation. His pastoral vision bridges personal presence with systemic transformation—creating spaces where marginalized voices are heard, healing is practiced, and the church lives out its call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
He is especially gifted in hospitality, contextual preaching, and sacramental ministry, and he finds great joy in walking alongside individuals through life’s transitions. His professional background in nonprofit administration, volunteer engagement, and elder services equips him with a practical, grounded approach to ministry that blends compassion with strategic leadership.
Outside of ministry, Aaron enjoys hiking New York’s scenic trails with his husband Dennis and their Akita, engaging in environmental stewardship projects, and reading historical nonfiction. He is also a dedicated member of Rotary International, where he served as District Governor for District 7090 (Western New York and Southeast Ontario, Canada).
Pastor Aaron is guided by the belief that everyone is made in the image of God and that the church’s mission is to embody a radical welcome where all can encounter the transformative power of God’s grace.
Daniel Williams, Dan is a voice teacher for SU Department of Drama for both musical theatre and acting majors, as well as accompanist for classes. He also teaches private voice and piano lessons through the YMCA, at Tiffany’s School of Dance, and out of his home. He also is a musical theatre and opera performer and music director, having recently played Jane Seymour in Try Me, Good King for Civic Morning Musicals, Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods for Covey Theater, and Dr. Frankenfurter in Rocky Horror for CNY Arts Center, with his next venture will be as music director for Oswego Opera’s Company by Sondheim. Music teaching experiences have been at CBA, Fulton City schools, and currently at Trinity Catholic School in Oswego. For church music, Dan will be leaving his position as Choir Director at Baldwinsville First United Methodist Church to join UUMC but he has also been music director at Faith Journey UMC, teen choir director (pre-Covid) at Liverpool First UMC, cover at Pennellville UMC, and former organist/pianist at Minetto UMC.
David Reich, David relocated to Syracuse in January of 2025 from southern NJ to accept the position of Director of Industrial Pretreatment at OCDWEP. He grew up in the tiny town of Merchantville, attending Trinity UMC – the founding church of the celebration of Children’s day in the Methodist tradition. David has spent many years playing in churches and musical theater productions. Father to six, he enjoys carving out some time each week for his hobbies: high end audio and riding anything on one or two wheels.
