Our Staff

The Reverend Doctor Paul E. Shoop is the 12th and current pastor of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.  He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree, cum laude, in Classical Languages from Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania, and his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.  Pastor Shoop was ordained into the ministry on June 24, 1978 at Grace Lutheran Church, Buffalo, New York, by the Upper New York Synod of the Lutheran Church in America.  In May 1996 he completed and received a Doctor of Ministry from Colgate Rochester Divinity School.  He has served as Pastor of Saint John’s Lutheran Church, Victor (1978-1986), Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Dansville (1986-1990) and the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Rochester (1991-2003).  Pastor Paul Shoop can be contacted by email at ielcpastor@frontiernet.net.

Dave Ekimoff became our Associate in Congregational Ministries (ACM) in January 2009 after a 28 year career with Eastman Kodak as a Research Chemist.  Dave has been a member of Immanuel since 1992, serving in many capacities including Church Council President, Sunday School teacher, and Finance committee chairman. As ACM, Dave is responsible for developing and facilitating programs for youth and family ministry. He works closely with the Christian Education committee, teaches in the Confirmation and first communion programs, and works with our youth through our LYO. He is exploring the use of milestones to help members of the congregation grow in faith. Dave can be contacted by email at ielcacm@frontiernet.net.

Thatcher Lyman, our Director of Music, joined us in October 2006.  He plays organ and piano for all of our worship services at Immanuel, and directs and accompanies the Senior Choir, Gathering Choir and Children’s Choir.  Thatcher organizes the Music at Immanuel Concert Series from October to June, as well as our Music Camp every August.  He holds Bachelor degrees in Organ Performance and Mathematics from Oberlin College, and Masters degrees in Organ Performance and Ensemble Singing.  He is now pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Eastman School of Music.  Thatcher’s email address is ielcmusic@frontiernet.net.

Marguerite Manning is the director of ImmanuBells, our handbell choir.  She has been a member of Immanuel since 1968 and has served in many capacities, including Church Council President, Senior, Junior and Folk Choir Director Social Ministry Chairperson and Worship and Music Chairperson.  Immanuel has a 41/2 octave range of bells as well as a 4 octave range of choir chimes.  Marguerite encourages members and friends of all ages to share their musical gifts with small, short term choirs also.

Barb Rafferty has served as our Administrative Associate since 2002.  She has been a member of Immanuel since 1968 and has served as Sunday School teacher, on Altar Guild and as a member of ImmanuBells.  Barb can be reached by email at immanev@frontiernet.net.