Rev. Marti Swords-Horrell grew up in United Methodist parsonages in and around New York City, graduated from Colgate University and Yale Divinity School, and was ordained in 1983. She has served churches in Chicago and Maryland as well as in the Upper New York Conference. Before coming to First UMC Oneonta, she served a multicultural church in Albany and has previously served two reconciling congregations (dedicated to inclusivity). At the Annual Conference level she serves on the New York State Council of Churches and the Upper New York Annual Conference Social Holiness Team, andis a member of the UNY Conference Delegation to the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC which will meet in 2022. Besides devoting herself to ministry, Rev. Marti enjoys working out at the YMCA, swimming, biking, hiking, and camping, as well as cooking and baking, especially for large crowds, and all kinds of music. She is married to Rev. Dana K. Horrell, pastor of Cooperstown United Methodist Church and editor of The Parish Paper (www.theparishpaper.com). Revs Marti and Dana have two grown children: Nathan (wife: Rio), and Maddie, and two granddaughters, June and Frankie. Nate is a labor organizer in the health care field while Rio teaches in the Italian Department at Rutgers University. Their daughter, Madeline, teaches middle school orchestra and guitar in Austin, Texas.

Rev. Marti says: “It is a great honor and privilege to serve this vibrant, creative, and compassionate intergenerational congregation in these challenging times. Together we are living out God’s unconditional love for this community and beyond. Draw the circle wide!”

Mr. Jurgensen holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Liturgical Music from Westminster Choir College (class of 1982) and attended Drew Theological School working towards a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree. He originally pursued a degree in Music Education at Hartwick College (1975-77) where he became familiar with the music program here at FUMC, Oneonta. He and Raymond Paradis, our organist and director at the time, studied organ with Dr. Claire Coci at Hartwick College. While at Westminster Choir College, John studied organ with Dr. George Markey and Robert Carwithen. He was also a founding member of the Westminster Concert Bell Choir under the direction of Donald Allured.

John is a Past Dean of two chapters of the American Guild of Organists and has also taught Middle School and High School band and chorus.

During his career he has given many organ concerts throughout NY and NJ, most notably at Grace Episcopal Church, Broadway, NYC and the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, NYC. Locally, he has performed in several organ recitals in the greater Binghamton-Oneonta area and directed a performance of Mozart’s “Regina Cœli” for chamber orchestra, choir, and soloists at St. Mary’s in Oneonta.

Mr. Jurgensen has been employed here since January, 2005.

Kieran Andrews (he/they) grew up in the United Methodist Church and is now a member at First Presbyterian Church in Cooperstown. His professional background is as an academic librarian and legal/administrative assistant. In 2021, Kieran earned a graduate certificate from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School’s 3-year program in Christian Leadership.