Kristian Snyder

KENNEDY – Kristian “Kris” Snyder began as the servant leader of Kennedy First United Methodist Church on July 1.

Church services have been led by members of the worship committee for a few months until he was assigned to the church. Snyder is from Ripley and is familiar with the rural, farming life. He is a graduate of Chautauqua Lake Central School and received certification in PC Pro, Network Pro, Microsoft Office and PowerPoint through E2CCB’s (BOCES) Information Technology program.

Within the United Methodist Church’s Cornerstone District, Snyder has served as an Ad Board member, Youth Representative, PPRC (pastor parish relations committee) member, church secretary at South Ripley church, Youth Group Coordinator, sound system operator, lead acolyte and has attended numerous annual conferences and other trainings that have been offered or that he has coordinated. He continues to be active in youth ministries within the Cornerstone District. Recently Snyder went to Ontario, Canada, to meet with a church that is working to be a part of the Upper New York Annual Conference. The Cornerstone District is helping to equip laity with Lay Servant Training.

Snyder said he believes in meeting people where they are, creating safe spaces, and listening to them.

“This is especially important during this time of turmoil within the United Methodist faith with several churches disaffiliating from the United Methodist Church in general to become either a Global Methodist Church or an independent, non-denominational church,” church officials said in a news release. “Our church remains a United Methodist church. One of Kris’s goals is to help bridge gaps for those who have experienced pain or disconnection from the church due to disaffiliation, hurt, or generational trauma. Another educational goal is to receive his certification as a Certified Lay Minister with a specialization as a Caring Congregation Minister within the Upper New York Annual Conference.”

The church will host a welcome brunch for Snyder immediately following its 10 a.m. service on Oct. 5.