Meet the Staff

FREDERICK YOUNG, ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Pastor Young is a 1987 graduate of Hanover High School and a 1988 graduate of Consolidated School of Business where he earned an associate’s degree in Computer Office Management. In his first career at York College of PA, Fred held several administrative positions. During this period he also received another associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree, majoring in Behavioral Health. In September 1999, Fred entered Lancaster Theological Seminary. While a seminarian, he served as Chaplain Resident for the Behavioral Health and Oncology Service Lines at York Hospital, Well Span Health. As part of a cross-cultural requirement for LTS, he had the opportunity to travel to Cuba. Fred also served as a youth mentor for the Summer Global Exchange of the “Youth Leadership Now” program that involved a trip to Taize, France and Geneva, Switzerland. Pastor Young graduated from LTS in May 2004 with a Master of Divinity degree and was called to be the Associate Pastor of Christ Church UCC in January 2005. Fred and his wife Kara live in York County with their daughter Emily.

Mark A. Boyle, Director of Music and Chancel Choir

Mark is originally from Wethersfield, CT. Mark received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Ball State University in 2002. In 2007, Mark received his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Ball State University. He then attended Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, receiving his Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting in 2010. Mark is currently Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Prior to his current position, he has held numerous teaching positions at Rutgers and Ball State University. Mark has served many congregations throughout the country, as far west as Hawaii and as far east as New Jersey. He has been a professional chorister in various churches, including Church of the Holy Trinity on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. He is happiest, however, when he has had the opportunity to lead vibrant music ministries as Director of Music. His wife, Jane, is an accomplished music educator and pianist and certainly has been integral in both Mark's success as a church musician, but also in his recent completion of his doctorate in choral conducting. Mark enjoys an active career as a tenor soloist as well. In addition to conducting and singing, Mark is also a composer. Mark and his wife Jane live in Conestoga with their two sons, Nathan and Patrick.

RUTHANN RESSLER, CARILLON (HANDBELL) CHOIR DIRECTOR

Ruthann is a graduate of Bayertown Area High School and West Chester State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. In her hometown church, then at Christ Church, Ruthann was a member of he Bell Choirs, and has attended Bell workshops in Allentown. Ruthann is a therapeutic recreation assistant at Lebanon Valley Brethren Home where she also directs the L.V.B.H. Chimers. She is principal second violinist in the Hershey Symphony Orchestra. Ruthann and her family-- husband, Brian, and children Jonathan, Michael and Emily -have been members at Christ Church for many years Ruthann and her family reside near Palmyra.

ALLISON SPAYD, YOUTH AND CREDO CHOIR DIRECTOR

Allison is a graduate of Susquehanna University with a BA in Public Relations and has earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Oregon State University. She was a teacher of Family and Consumer Science for 8 years before taking a break to raise her two young children. Allison has enjoyed a passion for vocal music all of her life. As a vocalist, she has experienced many venues for performance – recently here at Christ Church and playing various roles with Theatre Harrisburg. Allison welcomes the opportunity to work with UCC youth through music ministry as they “make a joyful noise.” Allison lives in Elizabethtown with her husband and two children – Ed, Josie, and Luka.

RAY EDMISON, ORGANIST

Ray began his musical training at the age of five. As a son of a Baptist minister, Ray used to sneak into churches to play the organ until he began taking lessons in Junior High School. While in 11th grade, he was hired as Chapel Organist at Lackland Air Force Base playing for usually two, but sometimes as many as five different denominations each Sunday. Since that time Ray has served as organist for several churches in four states. He is a member of the American Guild of Organists and has earned the Service Playing Certificate in 1985. He has a B.A. in Art History from the University of Colorado and since then has obtained additional schooling in Church Music at Lebanon Valley College. Ray loves to travel and has had the privilege to play many different types of instruments around the world. He is very appreciative of the opportunity to participate in the worship services at Christ Church where he can explore the variety of sounds and styles that make organ music so exciting.