Dr. Paul D. Alcorn   
Pastor  

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Paul Alcorn.  I have been pastor at the Bedford Presbyterian Church since May 1989.  For me, Bedford Presbyterian Church is a place
  • Where all are welcome, no matter past experience or tradition;
  • Where you are invited to explore and to deepen your faith;
  • Where questions can be asked and issues that affect our lives and world addressed;
  • Where children are welcomed and included;
  • Where youth have an opportunity to explore their faith and their world through direct involvement.
BPC draws people from many communities and from many different backgrounds, which enriches who we are and what we are able to do.  I hope you visit the rest of our web site to see the extent of the programs that we offer and opportunities for outreach in which we are involved. 

Now a little about me. 
I am married and have two sons - one attends college and one attends school in the Bedford Central Schools.  My B.A. is from the College of Wooster in Wooster, OH.  I received my Masters degree and my Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Seminary in Chicago, IL.  Besides my work at the church I also try to be involved in our communities.  I have been a member of the Bedford Central Board of Education and am currently a member of the board for the Westchester County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity.  

If you have any questions about Bedford Presbyterian Church or your own spirituality, I would be glad to talk with you.  Please stop by the church or you can email me at paul.alcorn@verizon.net.  

Rachel Thompson
Minister for Congregational Life


Greetings!

I've served on the staff of Bedford Presbyterian Church as Minister for Congregational Life since October, 2001. I've loved being here and have found this congregation to be harmonious, down-to-earth, volunteerish, very welcoming, God-loving, serious and fun. In my capacity as Minister for Congregational Life, I'm the staff member for the Congregational Life Committee, which coordinates the adult and family program life here, including Bible studies and other adult educational opportunities, small group development, special presentations and social gatherings. I also am the staff to the Deacons who are responsible for welcoming strangers to this place and turning them into friends and members. The rest of my time is spent assisting with pastoral care, working with Paul and John to plan worship services, and writing sermons.

I'm new to ministry, having earned an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in New York City in May of 2000. I have a BA in Theatre from Berkeley and an MS in Communications from the University of Illinois. Before entering seminary, I worked in a variety of arts-related jobs. In 1995, God called, and I went to take one class at Union Seminary. That started me on the path that led to my ordination here at Bedford church in November 2002. I'm married to a Presbyterian minister and we have four children - two recently graduated from college, now working, and two in college.

I'm available by phone at the office Tuesdays through Fridays and by email at rachelthompson@optonline.net more than I should be. I'd be glad to hear from you!

John Lettieri
Director of Music

Hello and Welcome!

I came to Bedford Presbyterian Church in the fall of 2002 as the Director of Music. I feel fortunate to be able to make music in such a wonderful space and with so many wonderful people. Bedford Presbyterian Church possesses many fine musical resources, including an exciting new Martin Pasi organ, timpani, multiple rehearsal spaces, several pianos, handbells and tone chimes, and an extensive choral library for both senior and children's choirs. Many people, from kids to adults, are involved in the music program and it is my wish to help them grow and nurture their talents through music.

I have over twenty years' experience in sacred music and have worked with musicians of all levels and abilities. I've worked in Anglican and Roman Catholic parishes in Manhattan and Westchester, served as organist and choir director for synagogues, and freelanced extensively as an organist, pianist and harpsichordist in the metropolitan area. My involvement with choral music ranges from directing all-professional groups, traditional men's and boys' choirs in the Anglican church, working for the Boys' Choir of Harlem and many years of preparing choirs for church on a weekly basis; all of which I continually find challenging and rewarding. I have BA and MM degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, hold the AAGO certificate from the American Guild of Organists and have also studied at the North German Organ Academy with Harold Vogel. I also teach music as an adjunct professor at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale. In July, 2003, my fiancée and I were married in this church. I feel very much at home here.

We welcome everyone to take part in whatever way they can in the music programs of our church. Please contact me through the church office or by email at lettierijohn@hotmail.com if you have any specific interests or questions, even if it is simply a desire to see, hear or play the organ.

  Church Staff
Laurel Lettieri, Secretary 

Osvaldo Rojas, Custodian 

Andrew Manley, Office Staff, Sexton 

Hope Black, Director - Bedford Bellringers 

Kathy Perry, Director - Cherub Choir