Who We Are
Payne Avenue Christian Church
Established 1888
One hundred and thirty five years ago a few men and women got together with an idea. They dreamed of what could be. They dared to risk. And, they planted the seeds which grew into the church we know today as Payne Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Since August 5, 1888 countless men and women have worked, and sacrificed, and hoped, and prayed and served, and they left behind this place.
They may have been your grandparents or your parents, your neighbors or your friends; maybe they are just names to you, but they left behind something good here at 1459 Payne Avenue, North Tonawanda. Over the years we have been known by many names, but today we remain Payne Avenue Christian Church!
We are: the factory worker, the businessperson, the policeman, the salesperson, the lawyer, the teacher, the nurse, the clerk, a parent. We are a baby, a student and a retiree. You can find us: at the plant, at the store, at the movies, on the job, on the lake, out on the town. We go to the game, the mall and school. We like to volunteer, and lend a hand, and make a witness.
We are an acquaintance, a face in the crowd, a friend. We are just ordinary folks – people called together by God to worship, learn and grow together.
We are just people, and this is our story. More than a building, it’s a faith. More than a name, it’s a heritage. More than a church, it’s a life.
Come, be part of it all… you are always welcome!
Written by the Late Jerry McGlone, Pastor
Rev. Robert Fleming
Minister
Our Minister is Rev. Robert Fleming. He is married to Suzanne, and they have three grown children and six grandchildren.
He was ordained into the ministry in 1980 by the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) in Amherst, NY. He began his ministry with us in 2018, previously serving churches in Cheney, Kansas, Pembroke, NY and Java Village, NY.
Pastor Fleming has also served as a teacher, Disability Advocate, Executive Director of an Independent Living Center, and a Paralegal.
“I would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone looking for a church to unite with. We are an open, diverse, casual and non-judgemental congregation. Please come and join us, on any Sunday with services at 10 AM.
Kimberly Potfora
Music Director
Kim is a senior vocal instructor at Matt’s Music and a head coach on the Matt’s Music Vocal Performance Team and Summer Performance Squad. She also vocal directs for productions at the Lockport Palace Theatre. She is proficient in the execution of all musical genres but specializes in contemporary theatre, traditional theatre, pop and jazz.
Her students have performed at Carnegie Hall, the Lewiston Jazz Festival, in various collegiate musical theater programs, and countless other events and competitions in the WNY area. Kim also performs at different local venues and was previously the Music Director of University at Buffalo’s all-female acapella group, “The Royal Pitches,” where she honed her prolific musical arranging skills.
Marcy DiPasquale
Secretary
She has been more than a secretary over the years tending to whatever needs to be done in the church, for the church and for its members. Her husband has also played a part in helping in various tasks as needed.
If you find you need anything, feel free to call or drop her a line at the church’s email address.
Outreach
Through this Mission we are continuously working to help others in any way we can, both in our own neighborhood and areas surrounding our city as well. We are supporters of the Twin Cities Community Outreach by donating nonperishable food items as well as personal needed items. We have collections for pets as they need our help as well. Recently we have worked with the North Tonawanda Knitters and with their assistance we have been able to reach out to our local schools and Pantries with offerings of warm hats, gloves and scarves. We collect school supplies and fill book bags for students in need. We have had many collections for our Veterans and their families, Friends of the Night People, and various homeless shelters. If we see or know of a need we always try to help in any way we can. We have a very caring and giving congregation which we are all grateful for.
Music
The music program at Payne Avenue Christian Church features all types of music, from traditional worship music to contemporary.
Led by Music Director Kim Potfora, our featured worship music is performed by members of our congregation, and includes a vocal choir, vocal soloists, instrumental soloists, and a bell choir. These groups perform at services throughout the year, but are seen most prominently during the fall and holiday season!
