Mel Hayes, Lead Pastor

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Mel and his wife, Karen, have attended the Chapel since 1994. He has served as an elder since 1997, and before accepting the position of Lead Pastor, was the Pastor of Development at the Chapel. Pastor Mel has served as Academic Dean of Believers' School of Ministry and was the director of the Men's Ministry for about 6 years. He also served on the Natural Church Development Team, helping to formulate strategies and programs that guided the Chapel's development. He has a Master's of Divinity Degree from Regent University and recently accepted admission into the Doctor of Strategic Leadership program at Regent University's School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship. He and Karen have been married since 1991.

Rich Ryfun, Youth Pastor

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Rich Ryfun has been at the Chapel since June of 2003. Before coming to Believers’ Chapel, Rich was the Youth Pastor at Abundant Life Assembly of God in Rayne, Louisiana for 10 years. He met his lovely wife, Kelly, there and has three adorable children, Karlie, Gracie, and Thai. BCY Student Ministries is really taking off and Rich has exciting plans for its future. Rich also oversees BC Pulse - a ministry for young adults in their 20s and 30s.

Ann Marie August, Receptionist

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Ann Marie is usually the first smiling face you see when you enter Believers’ Chapel. She also coordinates and participates with the volunteers who minister at the Information Center before and after our services each weekend. The next time you attend a service at the Chapel, stop by the Information Center and say "hello" - you are sure to receive a warm greeting from whomever is serving there! A major joy in Ann Marie’s life are her grandchildren, twin boys Joshua and Billy.

Joel Bialek,
Technical Support Team Leader

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Joel graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University in 1999. He went on to work in the Binghamton area and later returned to Syracuse. For the last seven years he has had his own production company and done freelancing for other businesses. In 2010 he realized his desire to use his talent to further God's Kingdom when he came to work at Believers' Chapel as the Technical Support Team Leader. He's the one you'll find overseeing the audio, video, lighting and all the technical aspects of our services and events. Joel grew up attending the Chapel where he met his wife, Marcella. They have four amazing children.

Tami Davern, Publications

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Tami comes to the Chapel with a backgound in communications. After graduating college, she asked the Lord to give her a job that would matter to people and to His Kingdom. That prayer was answered when she started working at the Chapel in 1988. Her days consist of designing, writing and producing the printed materials that are used to get the word out to the congregation and the community about the Chapel and its events.

Terri Dolson, Executive Assistant

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Terri Dolson is the Executive Assistant to Mel Hayes, our Lead Pastor. Terri has attended the Chapel since 2000 with her husband Mickey, and her two teen-age children, Corey and Justina. Over the years, she has become increasingly involved in ministries, beginning with the Worship Team, as a LIFE Group Leader, in Women's Ministry, Connections Ministry and developed a Card Ministry, all the while working full-time as a medical biller. Terri truly feels this new position is an answer to prayer, allowing her to move more fully into ministry with the opportunity to serve Believers' Chapel using her Administrative and ministry background.

Lauretta Koch, Executive Administrator

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Lauretta Koch has been at the Chapel since 1990 and served for 19 years as Executive Assistant to the Lead Pastor before becoming the Executive Administrator. Lauretta delights in furthering the Kingdom of the Lord and knows that every little task helps build what the Lord has planned for the Chapel. She has an Associate’s Degree in Executive Secretarial and has 10 years experience in the Hotel Industry as an Administrative Assistant and as a Sales Manager. Lauretta and her husband, Jay, have been married over 20 years and have no children, but have had wonderful opportunities to bless other children who are hurting and are in need of direction. They also enjoy spoiling their 15 nieces and nephews.

Colleen LaValle, Book Store

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Colleen LaValle is the Manager of Believers’ Chapel Book Store where she oversees purchasing, sales and service. She and her husband, Jim, have served at the Chapel since 1992 in the areas of marriage, parenting and LIFE Group ministry. Her joy is her three married children and 11 grandchildren.

Bobbi Parody, Finance Administrator
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Bobbi grew up in the Oneida County area and graduated from Vernon-Verona-Sherrill High School. She then earned a retail management degree from Central City Business Institute. She has been in retail sales, customer service and account management for much of her life. Bobbi and her husband, Terry, are active members of Believers' Chapel Canastota where they are involved in children and youth ministries, the worship team and the food pantry. Bobbi divides her days as a bookkeeper and finance administrator for both Canastota and Cicero Believers' Chapels. Bobbi and Terry have three children and two grandchildren.

Tina Silvernail, Director of Children's Ministry

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With a B.A. in Biology and teaching courses from SUNY Geneseo, Tina planned to use her love of children by becoming a science teacher. She was side-tracked, however, by a 14-year management position. During that time, she came to know the Lord as her Savior, attend Believers' Chapel, and serve as a teacher in Children's Ministries. In 1997 she came on staff part-time as a Children's Administrator, a position she held for 5 years. She is thrilled to now be the Director of Children's Ministries. Her deepest desire is to see kids of all ages come to know Jesus as their Savior and grow in their walk with Him. She truly "lives to connect children with God."!!