Our Staff

  • John Elmer
    Lead Pastor

    John grew up in Camillus and graduated from Bishop Ludden High School. He has lived in all kinds of places including; NYC, Pittsburgh, Bangkok and LA. He is a huge yankees fan and really enjoys coaching people.

  • Chris Goral
    Site Pastor – Auburn

    Chris Goral has been a part of the Vineyard for 16 years. She has 3 children and 6 grandaughters. The ministries she works with are Small Groups, Prayer, the Bookstore and Adult education.

  • Tim Wheeler
    Staff Pastor

    Tim Wheeler has been a pastor at the Vineyard since 2006. He oversees outreach and helping people find ways to serve using their gifts. Tim also oversees church building and maintenance. Tim and his wife Melissa are raising three rambunctious little boys in Solvay.

  • Gwen Elmer
    Staff Pastor

    Gwen Elmer has been married to John Elmer for over 25 years and has three great kids; Josh, 22 married to Sarah, Jenni 20 and a Junior in college and Dave 17 a junior in high school. Gwen is a Registered Nurse and has a Masters Degree in Public Health. She overseas the host team, hospitality team, and safety team and is involved in other areas. She loves hiking, running and hanging out with her family.

  • Eddie Feliz
    Junior High Co-ordinator

    Eddie and his wife, Alisha, have been attending the Vineyard for 7 years and have found it to be the "biggest blessing in our lives". The "come as you are and be loved" environment allowed for them to strengthen their marriage and step out in faith to oversee the 6-8 grade middle school kids for the last 4 years. With their 2 boys in tow we have been blessed to encourage and help in the spiritual development of many teens and preteens into a relationship with the Lord. He's Whats Up!!

  • Hye Sung Kim
    International Pastor

    Hye Sung is originally from Korea which is over 7,000 miles away. She has been married to her husband for four years and has one daughter. She recently moved from New Jersey where she served as a educational Pastor in a Korean Church. She is passionate about helping other Asians in the the Syracuse area connect with Jesus. She has connected with Jesus in a new way here, At the Vineyard, and she hopes that others can experience their "come as you are…" atmosphere and enjoy themselves. If you have any questions about the international ministry please contact her.

  • Sarah Elmer
    Artistic Director

    Sarah Elmer has been attending the Vineyard since she was twelve and has certainly found a home among the warm and friendly faces here. Sarah recently got married to her best friend Josh in August of 2007. Some of her favorite things are singing, acting, creating and helping people find out how to use their "favorite things" to bring people into relationship with Jesus. "I hope that you enjoy your time spent here, make sure you say hi!"

  • Nancy Kaleta
    Office Manager/John's Assistant

    Nancy has been attending the Vineyard for 13 years and has been part of the support staff for 12. Nancy and her husband Bill have two children in college and are enjoying the “empty nester” phase of their lives. Nancy serves on the Host Team and gets a kick out of helping people have a good first experience at the Vineyard.

  • Shelly Johnson
    Bookkeeper/Partnership Co-ordinator

    Shelly has been part of the Vineyard since 1999. Having grown up in New England, and being a Red Sox fan, she adds balance and reason to an otherwise mostly Yankee-crazed staff. As a staff member, Shelly is the church bookkeeper, coordinator of the Partnership program and director of the Vineyard Ladies Fellowship. She also teaches a weekly woman’s Bible study. Her passion is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus.

  • Dana Stagnitta
    Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

    Dana has been attending the Vineyard for about 8 years. Dana and her husband Dave are part of the host team. She works at the front desk in the church office, if you stop by or call she will do her best to help you. Dana is also assist Tim in Children's Ministry.

  • Matthew Jones
    Administrative Assistant/Video Guy

    Matthew Jones and his wife Jaime are originally from Virginia. Matthew is an assistant to three of the pastors and also does the video work. He also serves on the Tech. Team and enjoys the technical side of the church.

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