About

We are proud of our 85 year history in Dobbs Ferry and as part of the Rivertowns community. Read more below about our leaders and history.

We are currently in the Call process for a Pastor. We are blessed to have visiting pastors lead our worship and share their leadership. We also have a dedicated pastor to assist our congregation with emergencies and guidance.

WORSHIP LEADERSHIP

Sharon Brennen

Decon

Sharon has a rich history of service with Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church and the Rivertown communities. She has been a faithful Deacon of our church for over 20 years with a focus on service to our preschool community and work with the food pantry. Sharon had also worked as Director of the Christian Pre-School located at our church for 35 years, retiring in 2012. Sharon enjoys time with her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Heather and granddaughter Riley. Her devotion to God and His work is an inspiration to all who meet Sharon.

Nicolas Neff

Organist

Nicolas Neff studied the organ as a piano major at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. He also took organ lessons at Grace Episcopal Church, White Plains while studying at the Music Conservatory of Westchester. Nick started as the Organist for DFLC in 2016 - a church that he loves for its musical heritage, especially compositions by Martin Luther. Last year, the organ had much needed renovations and an oboe was added through a generous gift from Nick in memory of his late mother, Barbara Neff.

STAFF

Carol Francis

Office Manager

Carol previously studied and worked at Mercy University. Carol enjoys dancing, singing and playing gospel music. Her dedication and commitment to God has been an inspiration to those she meets.

Caroline Farrington

Director, Christian Pre-School

Caroline joined our staff as Director in 2022 after being a school mom for years. This first hand experience along with her years of education and practice in early childhood education have been a blessing to our families.

ADDITIONAL CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEMBERS

Our Council is a leadership team which cares for the operations of the church and offers feedback to the worship leadership. In addition to our Pastor and Deacon, the Council is comprised of members of the congregation and together act on behalf of the entire church community.

Kristen Arone

Council President

Kristen grew up in North Tonawanda, New York which is a city located between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. She attended a Lutheran church while growing up as well as Lutheran schools until 8th grade. She studied at Concordia College in Bronxville, NY where she received a degree in early childhood education. She taught in Lutheran schools for 5 years and then started in the Harrison Public School District. Her family has attended DFLC since 2007. Both of Kristen’s children attended the Christian Pre-School at DFLC where she values the excellent start to their education. She currently serves as the council president and on the altar guild.

David Hutson

Council, Finance, Property

Dave and his wife, Mary (along with their two children), began attending DFLC in 1974. He finds the Lutheran liturgical worship format coupled with the recurring Gospel message of Grace to be renewing every time. Dave appreciates the longstanding mission of this congregation of seeking to serve both our local communities and the needs of people around the world. He retired after 45 years as a social worker in NYC—first as a community organizer and then as a health care administrator. In addition to the Congregation Council, he currently serves on the Property and Finance Committees.

William Sommer

Council, Property

Bill is a valued leader in our church as a regular usher, past Sunday School teacher, and member of our property team. He was born in White Plains and grew up in Ardsley. He went to Paul Smiths College for Forestry. He served with the Army in Korea in 1966. Bill became a member of DFL in 1953 and continues to offer insight on making transitions with positivity. Bill and his wife Nadine have been married for over 52 years and have two children and grandchildren they cherish time with regularly.

Robert McClain, Jr.

Council, Property

Bob has a long history with Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church having been involved in its ministries for decades. He has served as a Sunday School teacher, Assistant Minister, Altar Guild, and now serves on our Property Committee. He is known by all as a faithful servant to God's work and has a willing heart to tackle any task. Bob lives in Dobbs Ferry and has been a part of the Rivertowns his entire life.

Carol Seischab

Council

Carol is a Brooklyn born native New Yorker, having grown up in Queens. She spent 44 years serving various administrative positions within Lutheran and Episcopal Church headquarters, agencies and parishes. These included the Lutheran Church in America’s Board of College Education & Church Vocations, the Division for World Mission & Ecumenism, the Metro New York Synod, Lutheran World Relief, Saint Peter’s Church, and the staff of Episcopal Life. Carol enjoys travel, hiking, baking, making quilts for LWR and NAHA (Native American Heritage Association), and volunteering at the local thrift shop.

Beliefs

Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God's Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God's Holy Spirit is active in the world.

We are a part of God's unfolding plan. We connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God's Word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into the story of the salvation of God's people through Christ Jesus.

History

In 2024 we will celebrate our 85th Anniversary. Our church started in 1939 as a mission driven church. This remains central to who we are and how we look to fulfill God's work through our support. One way we show this is through a continued tradition we call First Fruits. This program identifies key programs to send the very first monies from donations received. These programs include the Christian Pre-School, Dobbs Ferry Food Pantry, Midnight Run, Missionary Support and more.

Our people comes from many backgrounds, yet through our shared love of and from Christ and our common beliefs, we celebrate together to joy of God's unending love. We gladly share this with all and welcome our neighbors to visit us and get to know more about us.

Dobbs Ferry Lutheran Church

43 Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

phone: 914-693-0810

Email: dflutheran@gmail.com