Grace staff



Ray and Debbie Mellett Senior Pastor pastorray@graceassemblyofgod.com debbie@graceassemblyofgod.com Ray and Debbie Mellett are the founding pastors of Grace Assembly of God which began in March of 1986. They met in the Navy and ended up moving into a commune in Kunkletown, PA where Ray was pursuing the dream of a music career. In the midst of the "hippy" movement they had an encounter with the Lord that changed their lives forever. Leaving the music and their former way of living, Ray went to study the Bible at Pinebrook Junior College commuting to East Stroudsburg, PA, working part-time, with Deb caring for their growing family at home. Upon graduation they moved to Mohegan Lake, NY where Ray continued his education at The King's College in Briarcliff Manor, NY earning his B.A. in Biblical Studies. In 1981 they came on staff at Yorktown Assembly of God as youth pastors. A prophetic word and a series of divine appointments revealed that Brewster was their destination. They began their new ministry just following the birth of their 6th child. Now, 24 years later with 4 of their 6 children married and 7 grandchildren added to the family they are very excited about what the Lord is doing at Grace. There is a fresh vision for revival and the church becoming a center for community transformation. Jessica Parsons Associate Pastor/Trustee jessica@graceassemblyofgod.com Jessica grew up in the church and was active in every area of ministry. As a young girl she was crowned as an Honor Star in the Missionettes, the A/G’s Christ-centered scouting program. She was active in our youth group and then went and studied for 4 years at Zion Bible College in Barrington, RI with a major in missions. Having participated in two foreign missions’ trips and four home missions’ trips Jessica plans to launch our own. She is the associate pastor and also heads up our ministry to Arms Acres, a drug and alcohol rehab in the area. She is married to Ryan Parsons and had their first baby, Isaac on January 7, 2010. She is also a member of our church council. Angelo Sarna FUSION youth group angelo@graceassemblyofgod.com Angelo heads up the Fusion Youth ministry. He has a real passion for youth ministry. He knows what it’s like to have questions about growing up. Although he grew up in the church he found himself drifting in his teen years. After coming back to the Lord and to Grace AG, he went to study at Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia. Upon graduation he returned with a vision to see our region impacted with a relevant message of the power of Jesus Christ in a life. He is an avid skateboarder and musician and co-leader of Grace’s church band. Rachel Mellett Connect Groups rachel@graceassemblyofgod.com Rachel heads up our Connect Groups. After receiving a prophetic word that she would be involved in pastoral ministry, Rachel made a career change that would help her center on the things important in her life. After hearing about Hillsong International Leadership College in Sydney, Australia she knew this was the place for her. She studied three years majoring in pastoral ministries and came back to Grace. Rachel began implementing the things she learned. Her leadership skills and desire to see a healthy church culture has made her a vital part of the team. Robin Zanfardino Co-leader of the Worship Team robin@graceassemblyofgod.com In 2007 Robin came to Grace and in her words, “was captivated by the worship, the love, and the kindness of the people here. My first visit ended five years of church hopping and prayer for my very own church home. It was also during one of my first worship services that I felt God speaking to me that I would one day lead worship here. With a seven year break from playing music under my belt that possibility seemed unlikely and frightening.” But that’s just what happened. In addition to her refreshing vocals, she plays guitar, bass, and keyboards, and writes music as well. Her love for the Lord is what comes through when she leads. Angelo Sarna is the other co-leader. Ryan Parsons Head Usher and Financial Peace University moderator ryan@graceassemblyofgod.com Ryan leads a great team of ushers who ensure the proper flow of our worship services. Ryan takes seriously this “gate-keeper” ministry knowing that they are the front line of first impressions the church makes on visitors. He wants them to feel comfortable knowing that we have what they need. Ryan is an entrepreneur and partner in The Brothers That Just Do Gutters making him a very capable moderator for our Financial Peace University outreach to help bring families into a proper understanding of how to handle their finances. Peter Carrion Resident Evangelist and Bible Teacher petercarrion@graceassemblyofgod.com Peter grew up in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY where he was greatly influenced by the HipHop culture. When he received the Lord at the age of 18 he left his DJ'ing at house parties, etc. behind and dug into the Word of God. He was growing so quickly that his then pastor said that he needed to go to Bible College. He then attended Zion Bible College in Barrington, RI where he met his wife Jennifer. They now have three children. In 2000 Peter founded Freedom of Soul Ministries where the Lord brought back his talent as a rapper, break dancer, and DJ to win souls for Christ. Peter teaches our Monday night Bible class and has a passion to raise up a generation of soul winners. In addition to his ministry at Grace he continues to preach at large wanting to see people’s lives touched by the power of the Holy Spirit. Michele LaPorte Nursery Director michele@graceassemblyofgod.com Michele loves children! On February 3, 2010 Caleb was born giving Benjamin Robert (nearly 2 yrs old) a baby brother. Our nursery is growing. Michele does not see this as a baby sitting ministry, but as the first place that children get to experience Jesus in an environment that instills this love in their hearts through worship, singing, Bible stories, prayer, and games. Pal Gyomai Deacon/Trustee and Audio/Visual Technician pal@graceassemblyofgod.com Pal is a member of our church council and an avid artist and photographer who loves to use his creative skills in our audio / visual department. Fred Gigler Deacon/Trustee and Prayer Coordinator fred@graceassemblyofgod.com Fred is a member of our church council and the coordinator for our prayer ministry. He is an avid reader on anything pertaining to the Kingdom of God and always has a testimony of how the Lord awakens him in the middle of the night to pray for those the Lord places on his heart. He has a passion to pray for the sick believing God for his miracle working power. Rob LaPorte Sound and Lighting Engineer rob@graceassemblyofgod.com Rob oversees the sound reinforcement for our church services, *Fusion* youth, and outreaches , as well as the stage lighting. His background as a former DJ in the NY Metro Area has given him a desire to see the music and its presentation making an impact on those present. He is also a union electrician. Joshua Zepeda Youth Leader and Break Dance Teacher joshz@graceassemblyofgod.com Joshua Zepeda was born & raised in New York City. Born to Christian parents he was taught @ a young age the value of the Word of God & the importance of a right relationship with God. At the age of 13 he gave his life to Christ, the same year he fell in love with the Hip Hop culture, rapping & break dancing for his local church @ their community outreaches & youth events. When he was 15 years old he met Peter Carrion & began traveling with him as a member of Freedom Of Soul. When Joshua turned 17 he received his call to preach & teach the Word of God. Immediately he began to be discipled by Peter Carrion, assisting him with all aspects of ministry. Since then Joshua has taken over the Freedom Of Soul Hip Hop Ministry & continues to travel, working together with local churches to impact & reach this generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also works locally with the Grace Assembly of God (Brewster, NY) FUSION youth group as a youth leader, as well as teaching a break dancing class on Saturday mornings.