Alma Thompson, Co-Lead Pastor 

Pastor Alma's First Message at Harvest, telling her "God Story" can be heard by clicking here. 

NAME:  Alma Thompson, or, if you're a used to the more colorful hispanic approach to naming:  I am Alma Catherine Kinsey Lehman de Thompson

NICK NAME:  A 4 year old recently called me "Pastor Elmo".  When I was three, I called myself "Me".  Around here I'm known as ~pa~ (which stands for "Pastor Alma", not "Pennsylvania").

FAMILY (spouse, kids, pets, etc.): I've been married 22 years to Brent Thompson, the man of my dreams (mostly happy dreams).  We have the awesome privilege and God-given challenge to be the parents of 3 children, who I think are beautiful, talented and amazing. (And, of course, I'm not the least bit biased!)  Charis - 17, Daniel-15 and Trent-14.

“WHAT I DO” AT HARVEST CHAPEL: I am here, by the grace of God and the power of His Holy Spirit, to see ordinary people transformed into extraordinary followers of Christ. 

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS:  Oh my, must I try to pick just one?!  I like trying new things, especially the staples and favorites of other cultures.  At the moment, whoopie pies, ferrero rocher and wilbur buds sound good.  For dinner tonight I could go for some strips of venison cooked on a stick over an open wood fire, fresh caught fish or maybe some smoked cheese.  I like fresh strawberries, peaches, blue berries and concord grapes.  I like Yerico sweet corn and fresh snap peas.  Truth be told, there are really only 2 things that don't particularly please my palate:  creamed tapico pudding, and fig newtons. 

THE BEST THING ABOUT HARVEST CHAPEL FOR ME IS:  I consider it an awesome privilege that God and my denominational leaders see fit to let me pastor this amazing group of loving poeple.  And, it's just plain fun that Brent and I get to do so together.  Top that with a staff that love God and, seem to actually like us and it just doesn't get any better than this! 

MY MOST ENJOYABLE WAY TO CONNECT WITH GOD IS:  How do I love Him? Let me count the ways...an inspired word from scripture, a spiritual conversation with almost anyone, a walk through the vineyards or along the lake, singing with a piano, wrapped with a blanket in my big brown chair.... 

EDUCATION / HISTORY / ACCOMPLISHMENTS / ETC.:  Hmm, my great accomplishments or unique claims to fame...I have 7 brothers, 4 sisters, 13 siblings-in-law, 21 nieces, 27 nephews, 9 niece/nephews-in-law, 6 great nieces and 2 great nephews.  My great accomplishment is that I can name them all - though I can't seem to stay on top of sending birthday cards! I once helped my father perform a c-section on a cow.  My childhood pets were a lamb named "pickles" and a pig named "pinky."  I took 1/2 year of piano lessons in 4th grade and the rest I taught myself.  I learned to whistle by practicing my flute solos on the bus. Wellsville High School and Houghton College hail as my Alma Maters.  I was a starting player in the 1985 National Women's Soccer Championship.  I ran in one college track meet and set 5 school records. I parachuted on my 18th birthday, October 28th, looking out over beautiful fall foliage and a pumpkin patch. I completed my coursework for ordination while I was a part-time, working mother of three.   My greatest accomplishments in life are the hundreds of regular days that I do regular things, interacting with regular people and, by the Grace of God can end the day with a smile in the mirror.

Brent Thompson, Co-Lead Pastor 

Pastor Brent's first message at Harvest, telling his "God Story" can be heard by clicking here. 

NAME: Brent Thompson 

NICK NAME: Nick names are always adapting and I have been known as Preach, Pastor dude, Brently, and most recently coach firearm. 

FAMILY (spouse, kids, pets, etc.): One great spouse, three marvelous kids, (Charis a fine young lady and Daniel and Trent two talented young guys.)  

“WHAT I DO” AT HARVEST CHAPEL: I serve as co-lead pastor with Pastor Alma.  I personally invest extra ministry time into youth ministries and missions.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS:  Food and I get along very well, so choosing a favorite is difficult.  I do know that I don't have a taste for rudabaga and am not especially fond of black licorice.   If you invite me for dinner I'll probably like it and eat much more than I should. 

THE BEST THING ABOUT HARVEST CHAPEL FOR ME IS:  Being a pastor is the greatest vocation in the world. We get to join the major moments in peoples lives.  We have the priviledge to observe Jesus transforming and redeeming people.  Our time is invested in meaningful, eternal activities and conversations. Staying spiritually healthy is part of the job description.  

MY MOST ENJOYABLE WAY TO CONNECT WITH GOD IS: Walking in the woods and talking out loud to Jesus.   

EDUCATION / HISTORY / ACCOMPLISHMENTS / ETC.:  I have a degree in Bible, Christian Education and Psychology. I'll let God judge any accomplishments.

Pamela Newton, Pastor 

NAME: Pamela Newton

NICK NAME: P²

(P squared for Pastor Pam as it sounds much better than its abbreviation... you do the math!)

FAMILY (spouse, kids, pets, etc.): My husband Wayne and I are originally from the Buffalo/Tonawanda area. We moved to Chautauqua County in 1989. We absolutely love living in Fredonia. I am honored to be married to my husband Wayne for 29 years. We have three daughters. Kelly is 25 and lives in the Buffalo area. Shannon and Hope are 19. Shannon just completed her Freshman year at SUNY Fredonia. Hope finished her Freshman year at Malone University in Ohio. Wayne, amazing husband and father will surely receive an extra reward in heaven for living in a household of four women for so many years. Our family has owned different pets over the years from fish, hermit crabs to cats and dogs. However, some family members are split as to preference of a cat or dog. In the mean time, we are currently the owners of a calico indoor cat whose formal name is Jupiter. Because of her size, she is affectionately called, “Plumpy”. No one, other than Pam, would miss the cat if she were mysteriously eaten by an assassin.

“WHAT I DO” AT HARVEST CHAPEL: I am called to partner with our Lead Pastors. My gifts are varied, but central is a heart to resource people in our Congregation and Community. Main area of responsibilities include: Congregational care, Women’s Ministry, Pastoral minsitries such as preaching, teaching, baptism and ministering to the body of Christ.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS: I really enjoy eating. Anything from liver to chocolate is okay with me.

THE BEST THING ABOUT HARVEST CHAPEL FOR ME IS: Hearing all the unique and personal stories of how people end up at Harvest Chapel and how they came to know Jesus personally. Harvest Chapel is a special place where the Spirit of God has dwelt in an extraordinarily distinctive way over many years. I feel God has been incredibly kind and gracious to allow me to be part of His Church here at Harvest. 

MY MOST ENJOYABLE WAY TO CONNECT WITH GOD IS: I connect with God in many ways such as nature, music and prayer. But the most concrete way God speaks to me is through His Word. I am grateful to be able to have His Word available to me in writing.

EDUCATION / HISTORY / ACCOMPLISHMENTS / ETC.: Prior to being on Staff, I have held several secular jobs including: retail sales, rural mail carrier, nurse’s aid and a published freelance writer. Then in 1992 our family began attending Harvest Chapel. That fall, MOPS began at Harvest. In July, 1995, I was hired as part time Staff of Harvest Chapel. Slowly, over the course of time, I sensed God’s call to enter the ordained ministry of being a Pastor. I received my B.S. from SUNY Empire College. Theological and Biblical study courses were earned through the Free Methodist Church of North America, leading to full ordination as an Elder in the Free Methodist Church in 2004.

Lisa Leavitt, Director of Children's Ministries

NAME: Lisa Leavitt

NICK NAME: Miss Lisa (with the children!)

FAMILY (spouse, kids, pets, etc.): Steve, my high school sweetheart and I married 28 years ago. We have three children, Lindsey, Jared and Olivia. We also have a granddaughter, Angelina. Our pets include Iago our Jack Russel Terrier and one fish named Bubbles. Throughout the summer our pet family usually grows to include tadpoles, frogs, caterpillars and such!

“WHAT I DO” AT HARVEST CHAPEL: I have the best ministry ("job") at Harvest because it includes children and all the people that love to love children, who serve alongside me. My ministry on Matteson St is with children ages birth through fifth grade and includes the nursery ministry, Christian education and special programs and activities to minister to and with children throughout the year. My ministry with the children of Dunkirk on Courtney St. includes Club JAM, our after school program, our 5-Day Club Street JAM each July as well as seasonal events and programs such as our Back to School and Christmas parties.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS: Does candy count? If so, I prefer chewy and flavorful candy such as Hot Tamales, Lemon Heads, jelly beans and.... the list is much longer than the space I am limited to here! As for '"real food,"  I do love steak, crab legs, Caesar salad and ham dinner with all of the side dishes.

THE BEST THING ABOUT HARVEST CHAPEL FOR ME IS: I have grown up in my faith at Harvest so it is a place that really feels like home and family.

MY MOST ENJOYABLE WAY TO CONNECT WITH GOD IS: Prayer journaling and  reading God's Word are the ways that I best connect with God.  Having said that, I also really love being surprised by God and experiencing Him in nature, in people and through music. 

EDUCATION / HISTORY / ACCOMPLISHMENTS / ETC.:  My education includes A Bachelors Degree in Psychology from SUNY College at Fredonia and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo. In addition to my ministries here at Harvest I am also a Psychology Instructor at JCC. I love to teach and doing so provides me another way to minister outside of the walls of Harvest Chapel.   

Nathan Lesher, Director of Youth Ministries 

EDUCATION / HISTORY / ACCOMPLISHMENTS / ETC.: I graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2009. I have B.A. in Economic Crime Investigation (how that fits in with what I do…I have no idea!) I’ve been accepted to Northeastern Seminary for the Masters of Divinity program. It will be a 4 year program and look forward to each step along the way.

RuthAnn Mrowka, Director of Office Ministries

NAME:  RuthAnn Mrowka

NICK NAME:  RAM, Tweetie or from the old high school days “Snurffy Durffy"

FAMILY (spouse, kids, pets, etc.): I am blessed with a wonderful family!  I have been married to Michael Mrowka, a man with a great big servant’s heart, for 22 years.  I have three wonderful adult children and eight lovely grandchildren – Earl (Deanna Keller )Luce and their twin boys, Brendan and Ethan (5), and new little daughter Michaela (5 months).  Aaron (Jennifer) Luce and their three children Austin (9), Aliza (5) and Johannah (1year), Naomi (John) McKnatt and their two sons Luke(5) and Asher (4 in June) who recently moved from Tennessee to Fredonia, New York.  We have one cat, Dottie.

"WHAT I DO” AT HARVEST CHAPEL: Every day at Harvest Chapel is a new experience in which I wear several hats.  I am here to serve Christ by caring for those who walk in the door, call on the phone, and give support to my fellow staff members.  I am referred to as the glue that holds the staff together (they have issues :-) ) or I could also be known as the building manager because the facility is used for so many church and community activities that have to be scheduled.

MY FAVORITE FOOD IS: Almost any kind of seafood and chocolate!

THE BEST THING ABOUT HARVEST CHAPEL FOR ME IS: I really sense the moving of the Holy Spirit at Harvest Chapel through its people and ministries and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

MY MOST ENJOYABLE WAY TO CONNECT WITH GOD IS: Through nature and music.

EDUCATION / HISTORY / ACCOMPLISHMENTS / ETC.:  I graduated from High School and have taken a couple college courses.  My father was a pastor for 28 years and so I grew up in the church.  I am so very thankful for awesome parents who exhibited Christ to me. They have gone on to glory and I miss them deeply, but look forward to seeing them in heaven.  I have sat behind the desk of a church office for a total of 22 years (11 of which have been at Harvest).  I long to be aware, and in tune, to the people and situations that come across my desk or through my door that will be appointments God has made just for me.  He has given me gifts and talents, prepared me through life experiences and relationships which have been awesome examples...  all of which have enabled me to live out Christ's example as I fill my position in Office Ministry.

 Dannette Pelz, Director of Operations Ministries