Our Staff

Dan Schifeling, Co-Pastor
Contact: Church Office tel. (716) 875-3365
e-mail: dan@nativityucc.org

Pastor Dan was called to The Church of the Nativity on August 15, 1979. Today his responsibilities include planning the Traditional worship services, preaching each Sunday (alternating each week between the Contemporary Service at 9am and the Traditional Service at 10:30am) and providing Pastoral Care.

Pastor Dan works with the Church Trustees and on teams including Stewardship, Outreach, Worship, Volunteer Ministries, Personnel and Voice-Buffalo Social Action. In addition he works with the adult leaders of Nativity's Senior High Youth Program and leads various small groups.

Pastor Dan was Ordained in November 1971. He earned an A.B. in Psychology from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, a Masters of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary, and became a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (inactive).

Barbara and Dan Schifeling have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Pastor Dan is an avid reader, enjoys gardening, bicycling, spinning, hiking, and especially Grand-parenting whenever possible!

Beyond Nativity, Pastor Dan values his role as Convener of the VOICE-Buffalo Clergy and Religious Leaders Group. VOICE-Buffalo is a faith-based community organizing project of urban and suburban congregations whose mission is to build the capacity of people to act on their concerns, create a culture of responsibility and accountability for what happens in our community, strengthen and connect our institutions to their communities, and break down the barriers that are deeply dividing our neighborhoods, city and region.

Ruth Snyder, Co-Pastor
Contact: Church Office tel. (716) 875-3365,
e-mail: ruth@nativityucc.org

Pastor Ruth was called to The Church of the Nativity on November 15, 2007. Her responsibilities include planning the Contemporary worship services and directing and playing keyboard with The Praise Team, the "house band" that provides music at the Contemporary service. She preaches each Sunday (alternating each week between the Contemporary Service at 9am and the Traditional Service at 10:30am) and provides Pastoral Care.

Pastor Ruth works with the Pastoral Staff, and on teams including Friendship & Evangelism, Adult & Family Education, Contemporary Theme Team, Endowment Committee and also Marketing. In addition she works with the adult leaders of Nativity's Middle High Youth Program and leads the Women's Spirituality Group.

Pastor Ruth was Ordained in June, 1982. She earned a BS in Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo, a Masters of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Institute of Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Chicago Theological Seminary.

Ruth is married to Kate and together they have four children and one granddaughter. Their dog is named Prozac because there is no better all-natural anti-depressant!

Pastor Ruth enjoys spending time with family, playing piano, is an avid reader, loves going to the movies and also to concerts by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Beyond Nativity, Pastor Ruth uses her training as a Spiritual Director with both individuals and groups. She leads workshops and consults with area churches and other organizations. Her areas of interest and expertise include Enneagram Theory, Systems Theory, Conflict Management, Congregational/Organizational Visioning, Praying with Scripture, Praying with the Arts, and the Spirituality of Dreams.

Dr. Carole J. Harris, Director of Music
Contact: Church Office tel. (716)875-3365
e-mail: ccjjharris@roadrunner.com

Carole Harris joined the Nativity staff in 1999. Her responsibilities include playing organ and piano at Nativity's Traditional Service (10:30am), rehearsing and directing the adult Chancel Choir, the children's Genesis and Junior Choirs, and a High School Choir. Carole prepares and rehearses the Men's Chorus each January and a children's cantata/musical for performance during a worship service each May. She also assists with the Bell Choir.

Carole earned a Ph.D. in Music Theory and Historical Musicology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She also has Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Music and French.

Beyond Nativity Carole is an Adjunct Professor of Music Theory at Canisius College and teaches private piano students. She enjoys working on large musical events with other churches (hymn festivals, etc.) and every other year a Women in the Arts Festival. Other interests include women's music, walking, gardening and her "kids" (her cats!).

Felix Coniglio III, Youth Director
Contact: Church Office tel. (716) 875-3365
e-mail: youth@nativity@org.

Felix Coniglio officially joined the Nativity staff in 2003, but has worked with the church's youth group since 1997. He "grew up" at Nativity, attending church with his mother, grandmother, sister and four brothers.

As Youth Director, Felix is responsible for development of Nativity's youth program, organizing activities for the Senior High Youth Group, recruitment and training of youth workers and leaders, and helping the young people of Nativity develop a sense of faith and belonging.

Felix earned a degree in Elementary Education from the State University of New York College at Buffalo.

Beyond Nativity, Felix is a Teacher Aid at Gateway-Longview's Lynde School. He serves as Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 529 and is a volunteer for SABAH (Skating Athletes Bold At Heart, an organization whose mission it to challenge individuals with special needs and volunteer partners to experience the success, pride, freedom and joy of therapeutic ice-skating while achieving personal growth).

Jane M. Kubacki, Bell Choir Director
Contact: Church Office tel. (716) 875-3365
email: jmkubacki@roadrunner.com.

Jane Kubacki joined the Nativity staff in 1998. As Director of the Bell Choir her responsibilities include care and maintenance of Nativity's prized hand bells, selecting and preparing music, conducting weekly Bell Choir rehearsals and recruiting new Bell Choir members.

Jane earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from State University of New York College at Buffalo.

Beyond Nativity, Jane is a legal assistant at the law firm of Gross Shuman. She directs a Bell Choir at Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral in Lancaster, NY, and also volunteers with Hospice.

Carlanda Meadors-Wilson joined the Nativity staff in 2011. As Church Secretary, her responsibilities include managing the church office and handling layout of the weekly Nativity Notes for Sunday worship and the monthly Nativity News newsletter.

Carlanda has studied Business Communications at Canisius College and Graphic Design at Villa Maria College.

Beyond Nativity, Carlanda is the first lady (Pastor's wife) of United House of God located on E. North Street in Buffalo's "fruit belt" neighborhood. She is secretary of The STOP THE VIOLENCE COALITION INC. which helps families of homicide victims deal with the loss of their loved ones and prevent retaliation from victims's friends. She also produces a magazine and TV show called Black Resource, which promots positive things, places and people in the inner city of Buffalo.

Carlanda is married to Pastor Tyrone Wilson and has four children, Darren (12), Darlanda (14), Lacresha (20), and Tyrone Jr. (21)