First Congregational Church of Canandaigua, UCC

Staff

Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen ~ Pastor

Rev. Dawn Garrett-Larsen was ordained in the United Church of Christ in 1988.  She grew up in Elyria Ohio, graduated from The College of Wooster and Andover Newton Theological School. Dawn is a progressive, inclusive, energetic and spirit-filled minister. She and her husband, Jay, have been married since 1992.  They have two adult children, Annie and Jesse, and two golden doodles.  Dawn loves to sing, dance, play games, paddle, hike, read, walk labyrinths, take photographs, and listen to music, especially musical theater!  If you are interested in learning more about her you can visit her website at https://dawngarrett-larsen.wixsite.com/mysite.  You’ll find some of her photography, audio sermons, and a glimpse into the way she approaches ministry on this website.  Dawn’s email address is revdawn@canandaiguachurch.org.

 

Karen Colizzi Noonan ~ Office Manager

Karen lives in Geneva and has a long background of office management, previously working for a senior member of the New York State Senate and for a regional tourism organization. With her late husband, John, she is the mother of  a married adult daughter, Katie, and a proud and loving Nana to Annabella, who is the light of her life. When not enjoying time with her family, she enjoys visiting historic theaters, attending classic film festivals, reading and taking day trips around the Finger Lakes with her friends.
 

 

Denise Morphy ~ Organist

Denise is an accomplished organist and pianist who holds a Bachelor of Music in organ performance from Nazareth College, and a Certificate in Church Music from The Leadership Program in Church Music of the Episcopal Church. She is also a member of the American Guild of Organists. Denise enjoys walking, reading, music, and spending time with her two grown children and grandchildren. She also teaches private piano and organ lessons.

 

Edith Rice ~ Choir Director

Born in Rome, Georgia, Edie received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina and her Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the Eastman School of Music, as a student of Donald Neuen. She is currently teaching music at Thornell Road Elementary School in Pittsford and is Music Director for the Pittsford Mendon High School theatre productions. Edie is a certified adjudicator for NYSSMA, has conducted All-County choruses, and performed with the Finger Lakes Symphony as a violinist and pianist. She enjoys walking, biking and dinners with her family. Edie and her husband, Dan, have three grown children.
 
 

Debbie Lyon ~ Christian Education Coordinator

Debbie has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and an Associate of Applied Science in Natural Resources Conservation from Finger Lakes Community College.  In addition to her civil engineering experience, Debbie has served as a missionary in Guatemala, a school teacher in Belize, and an environmental educator in Vermont and Maine.    Debbie has been a member of this church for over ten years, sings in our choir, and serves on the Social Action Committee.  She enjoys bike riding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and sunset viewing.  Debbie’s email is: ce@canandaiguachurch.org