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Reverend Dustin G. Longmire (he/ him)
Pastor Born and raised in Connecticut, Rev. Longmire joined Messiah Lutheran Church as Pastor in August of 2014 after graduating from United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia.
During his time at seminary he participated in clinical pastoral education at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, engaged in a year of local faith-based advocacy work with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), interned with the Lutheran Office for World Community at the United Nations and served as Vicar of Saint Peter's Church in Midtown Manhattan. Rev. Longmire received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Religion (with a focus on Islam) from the George Washington University in the spring of 2008 after interning with the Interfaith Alliance, the RFK Center for Human Rights and a number of congressional campaigns during undergraduate studies. He proudly served on staff for seven summers at Camp Calumet Lutheran in Freedom, New Hampshire. He LOVES to have called Upstate New York his home for over a decade and has served in leadership roles with a variety of local and statewide interfaith justice movements and nonprofit organizations as Co-Chair of the Schenectady County Food Council Advocacy & Empowerment Working Group, past Chair of the Sycamore Collaborative Interfaith Task Force, past Chair of the Schenectady Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and past President of the New York State Council of Churches. He is also a proud member of the Schenectady Rotary Club. His proudest professional achievements include leading the now Sycamore Collaborative to become an interfaith organization in January 2020, his service of Messiah Lutheran Church as Senior Pastor during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Grand Opening of the Rotterdam Community Center in September 2023. Dustin is a spouse, mystic, pastor, mountaineer and urban homesteader in that order. He and his beloved Rae have two lovely little fur babies, Willard Excelsior Bear and Ellowyn Frieda Little. Pastor Dustin can be reached at 518.253.9978 or [email protected].
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Heather Zimmer (she/ her)
Messiah Director of Operations Heather Zimmer has been a lifelong member of Messiah Lutheran Church and is a fourth generation of the Hallett family here in our congregation. In recent years she has started bringing her growing family into the church as well. She has been married to her husband, Yancey since 2018, she is a mom to her 5-year-old son, Pryor and her 1-year daughter, Eloise and has three amazing “fur” babies. Mac, a 10-year-old Border Collie, Millie, a 10-year-old cat and Merlin, a 5-year-old cat. She currently has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and volunteers as Sunday School Teacher. In her free time, she loves to do crafts, enjoy family time and to be outdoors as much as possible. She is looking enjoys having an important role at this already amazing place.
Heather can be reached at 518.364.3216 or [email protected].
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René Dunda-Martin (they/ them)
RCC Operations Manager With a background in chiropractic care and a deep passion for helping others, René brings a holistic and people-centered approach to everything they do. Though René has never practiced clinically, their education instilled a strong understanding of health, wellness, and the importance of meaningful connection.
Outside of work, René is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys camping, hiking, and biking—experiences that constantly inspire appreciation for nature and balance. René also loves cooking and sharing the traditions and stories of their native heritage while teaching others about the rich history that shapes their identity and values. René believes in the power of community, learning, and living with purpose, and strives to reflect that in both their personal and professional life. |
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Reverend Joe Paparone (he/ him)
RCC Community Organizer Rev. Joe Paparone is a tri-chair and coordinator with the New York State Poor People’s Campaign. This movement seeks to carry forward Dr. King’s work by organizing poor and dispossessed people to confront the interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, militarism, ecological devastation, and the distorted moral narrative of White Christian Nationalism. Joe’s background in organizing includes issues of healthcare, labor solidarity, criminal justice, and immigrant rights.
Joe is a lifelong New Yorker, growing up in the Mid-Hudson Valley, near New Paltz. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the College of Saint Rose in 2004 and a Master of Arts in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2012. He is a licensed minister with the Mennonite Church USA. Joe lives in Albany with his wife Lesley and their dogs, Artax and Nym. He plays saxophone in the Victory Soul Orchestra and The Abyssmals, and in his free time he enjoys finding vegetarian restaurants and exploring the Adirondacks via foot, bike or canoe. |
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Grace Fay (she/ her)
Vicar A current student at United Lutheran Seminary, Grace is excited to be joining the community at Messiah! Grace loves playing music (ask her about all the instruments she plays), theatre, and spending time with her niblings. She is a Case Manager at Catholic Charities, while going to school full-time. She is excited to share the love of our God, Three in One, with the world!
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Douglas J. Chilton (he/ him)
Parish Musician Douglas J. Chilton has been the Parish Musician at Messiah Lutheran Church since 1991. He received his music Bachelors from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam, and a Masters Degree from The College of St. Rose in Special Education. Doug has taught music in public and private schools since graduating in 1978. He plays piano on the side and has composed music. To Mr. Doug, the happiest part of his role at Messiah is the warm and family-feeling genuineness of the people. He has two fabulous sons, Daniel and Jeffrey, both of whom have degrees in music. His life-partner-wife-mother-of-sons is Cecile Stewart who Doug refers to as St. Cecile.
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Steve Converse (he/ him)
Bookkeeper Steve is a “money guy” who never met a financial report or a spreadsheet he didn’t like. Having been a treasurer or bookkeeper for a number of for-profit and not-for-profit entities, Steve brings a wide range of experience to bear on the financial affairs of both organizations. His objective is always to see money well spent in service to others. Steve and his wife Judy, a semi-retired ELCA pastor, moved to Rotterdam in 2024 and are loving every minute of it!
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Kristen Olochnowicz (she/ her)
Messiah Custodian Kristen is a lifelong member of Messiah. As the custodian, she is following in the footsteps of her grandfather, father and uncle. She is an AIS Math teacher at Woodlawn Elementary in the Schenectady City School District. Kristen lives in Guilderland with her husband Billy, daughters Grace and Sarah, and her 4 legged children Reyka and Oreo.
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Karen Boice (she/ her)
RCC Custodian Karen has been a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, where faith, service, and community have always been at the center of her life. From her earliest days in Sunday School to her years singing in the church choir, stepping in as parish secretary, and studying to become a liturgical deacon, she has dedicated herself to the life of the church. As an only child, she has always felt that her church family was her true extended family, offering her a deep sense of belonging and purpose.
A graduate of Russell Sage College, she built a distinguished career as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Research and Development at the Research Foundation for SUNY. In that role, she coordinated projects and initiatives across all SUNY campuses throughout New York State—an effort that required exceptional organization, communication, and leadership. Outside of work and worship, she finds joy in gardening, reading, and helping others. She is especially drawn to nature and the calming beauty of the beach, where she reflects on the wonders of God’s creation. Whether serving her community or enjoying a peaceful walk by the ocean, her life is a testament to faith, grace, and gratitude. |