Deacons
The office of Deacon is one of sympathy and service, after the example of the Lord Jesus; it expresses also the communion of saints, especially in their helping one another in time of need. They are to exhibit the characteristics listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. It is the duty of the deacons to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless, and to any who may be in distress. They are also entrusted with the care of the property. They are nominated and voted on by the congregation and undergo a 6-9-month mentoring training process.
Jay Gallagher
Deacon
Biography
Jay was raised in a Christian home were Christian values were modeled daily; however, he did not make a formal declaration of faith until he was 15. He is the youngest of five children and had aspirations to be a carpenter like his father, but knew that his mother wanted him to attend college and that, along with the encouragement of his siblings, spurred him on to attend Geneva College in Beavers Falls, PA, just across the river from New Brighton, PA, where he grew up. Jay graduated in 1983 with a degree in business administration, and then moved to the Rochester, NY, area were he met his wife Barbara and was married in 1985.
After a serious injury at work and the encouragement of his wife, Jay and Barbara relocated back to the Beaver Falls area so that Jay could attend Community College of Beaver County in pursuit of a professional pilot career. This career choice brought a series of relocations which eventually brought him and his family to Newark, Delaware. He is a retired captain from NetJets Aviation. Because of this unique schedule Jay and his wife have been able to actively pursue bicycling riding, as well has some long term renovation projects including flipping a house in 2017. Another benefit of Jay’s schedule is that he and his wife are able to travel to spend time with their large extended family including three adult children (and two daughters-in-law) living in Orlando, FL; Long Island, NY; and Newark, DE.
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
After a serious injury at work and the encouragement of his wife, Jay and Barbara relocated back to the Beaver Falls area so that Jay could attend Community College of Beaver County in pursuit of a professional pilot career. This career choice brought a series of relocations which eventually brought him and his family to Newark, Delaware. He is a retired captain from NetJets Aviation. Because of this unique schedule Jay and his wife have been able to actively pursue bicycling riding, as well has some long term renovation projects including flipping a house in 2017. Another benefit of Jay’s schedule is that he and his wife are able to travel to spend time with their large extended family including three adult children (and two daughters-in-law) living in Orlando, FL; Long Island, NY; and Newark, DE.
“but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Keith Green
Deacon
Biography
Keith Green grew up in New Castle County, Delaware. He became a Christian when he was about 12 years old. As a teenager (late sixties) he was very interested in a career that involved auto racing, which was all about fast cars and horsepower, but after his active duty time in the Delaware Air National Guard, he landed the Job that would lead him to the world of machines, electronics and data processors. About the same time he discovered horses, the original “horse power”. Keith enjoyed working with Horses and “horse” people for many years and through horses he met his life partner and love, Barbara. In those years Barbara and Keith raised two warm blood horses that were involved in Combined Training and Dressage events throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. He and Barbara were married in 1997 and have lived in Landenberg many years. Although he has no children of his own, Barbara’s three sons, their wives, and their children, have been his family.
As his career as a Regional Technical Specialist and Instructor, Keith traveled to many locations across the country and worked with many diverse people, both co-workers and Clients. As he did so, He began to realize that God, through that diversity, was revealing the uniqueness of believers in Christ. As the years progressed the Holy Spirit worked in him reminding him of Christ’s love, compassion, service, and sacrifice for all and that Keith’s past, present and future was and is part of God’s Plan!
He and Barbara began attending Cornerstone and in early 2015 became members. Keith feels God has provided, and will continue to provide, all that is needed to Love God and Love Others.
Jesus said “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37 (NIV)
As his career as a Regional Technical Specialist and Instructor, Keith traveled to many locations across the country and worked with many diverse people, both co-workers and Clients. As he did so, He began to realize that God, through that diversity, was revealing the uniqueness of believers in Christ. As the years progressed the Holy Spirit worked in him reminding him of Christ’s love, compassion, service, and sacrifice for all and that Keith’s past, present and future was and is part of God’s Plan!
He and Barbara began attending Cornerstone and in early 2015 became members. Keith feels God has provided, and will continue to provide, all that is needed to Love God and Love Others.
Jesus said “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” John 6:37 (NIV)
Joe Irwin
Deacon
Biography
Joe Irwin and his wife Jamie have been attending Cornerstone since moving to Landenberg from California in 2004. They have three children. Joe is an aerospace engineer who develops advanced flight control systems. As a deacon, Joe oversees technology projects and maintenance of network equipment, telephones, door-access, and security cameras.
Kurt Niehaus
Deacon
Biography
Raised in a Christian home, Kurt accepted Christ at a young age. His faith was strengthened through Christian middle and high school. At Penn State, Kurt joined the Navigators. There, he was involved in 1:1 discipleship, deep Bible study, and evangelistic investigative Bible discussions.
Kurt and his wife Anne Marie have been attending Cornerstone since 2011. In addition to his vocation as a controls engineer, Kurt enjoys spending time with his 4 children and maintaining a historic 13-acre farm.
Kurt and his wife Anne Marie have been attending Cornerstone since 2011. In addition to his vocation as a controls engineer, Kurt enjoys spending time with his 4 children and maintaining a historic 13-acre farm.
Jeff Scheidt
Deacon
Biography
Jeff and his wife Melissa have been part of the Cornerstone family since moving from Maryland in 2005. Soon after they arrived, Jeff jumped in to help with relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Over the years, he’s had the privilege of serving as a Deacon, using his background in finance to support the church through roles like the Finance Committee and the Mercy Ministry. Cornerstone has been a special place for them to grow and serve together.
Diaconal Associates
Diaconal Associates are men and women appointed by the Elders who have given testimony by word and life to a clear commitment to the Christian Faith and have demonstrated to uniquely possess attitudes of servanthood. They serve under the direction of the Board of Deacons and may be involved, including leadership roles, in such things as Mercy Ministries, community service ministries, property care and management, financial management, “deacon of the week” responsibilities, disaster relief work, and such other ministries which the Board of Deacons might find useful. Diaconal Associates undergo a 3-month mentoring training process.
Bill Boyes
DIaconal Associate
Biography
I am the oldest of 5 children born to missionary parents who lived and served for 18 years in Congo, then Brazil. While in Congo, my mother led me into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ when I was 10. By God’s grace, I was forgiven for my sins and given the promise of eternal life in Jesus. Since then I have sought to serve and honor God in all areas of my life. At the age of 15 I left my family in Brazil and flew back to the US to finish my last 2 years of high school at Houghton Academy (Christian) in Houghton, NY. I then went on to Houghton College to get a BA in Math followed by a MS in Math from West Chester University.
I taught high school Mathematics for 40 years both in private and public school. During those years I had many opportunities to share Christ and build meaningful relationships with peers as well as students. I began my retirement after driving a school bus for 6 more years.
I met my wife, Barbara, my senior year at Houghton College and have been married now for 47 years. Our 4 children are happily married and have blessed us with 12 grandchildren – our quiver is now full. Much of our time is spent ministering to our family, to friends, and to Cornerstone in various ways. We were drawn to Cornerstone in 2015 due to the wide range of ministries, the sound Biblical preaching, the uplifting worship music, strong leadership, and warm, friendly, loving people. Prior to that we were involved for 29 years at Coatesville Bible Fellowship, in Coatesville PA, where each of our kids accepted Christ into their lives along with opportunities to grow in Christ. Barb and I served there in many areas of ministry – elder, deacon, music, teaching, missions, and more.
A verse that has always been an encouragement and support to me since my early life is Psalm 91:2 which says, “I will say of the Lord ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him will I trust’”.
I taught high school Mathematics for 40 years both in private and public school. During those years I had many opportunities to share Christ and build meaningful relationships with peers as well as students. I began my retirement after driving a school bus for 6 more years.
I met my wife, Barbara, my senior year at Houghton College and have been married now for 47 years. Our 4 children are happily married and have blessed us with 12 grandchildren – our quiver is now full. Much of our time is spent ministering to our family, to friends, and to Cornerstone in various ways. We were drawn to Cornerstone in 2015 due to the wide range of ministries, the sound Biblical preaching, the uplifting worship music, strong leadership, and warm, friendly, loving people. Prior to that we were involved for 29 years at Coatesville Bible Fellowship, in Coatesville PA, where each of our kids accepted Christ into their lives along with opportunities to grow in Christ. Barb and I served there in many areas of ministry – elder, deacon, music, teaching, missions, and more.
A verse that has always been an encouragement and support to me since my early life is Psalm 91:2 which says, “I will say of the Lord ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Him will I trust’”.
Linda Comyns
DIaconal Associate
Biography
I have many wonderful memories growing up in a very close knit family of 6 children with parents who were loving and supportive. As I look back, I can see how God used some uncertain family times, a brother who was a new Christian, and the Scriptures to soften my heart to repentance and receive the gift of salvation at the age of 26 on an Easter morning. This new relationship with the Savior Jesus changed my life immediately. God’s spirit began to teach me as I consistently heard the Word taught at a local Bible church and became involved in a singles Bible study. God began to give me opportunities to serve and grow at the church through choir, high school girls’ ministry, and a short term mission trip to Ireland. In 1991, I met my husband Jim and we married in 1993. We moved to Philadelphia and I began to attend Tenth Presbyterian Church (Jim already attended there) where we grew spiritually under the teaching of James Boice for several years. Our son was born in 1994 and we moved to Oxford in July of 1998. We started to attend a small church in Oxford where God opened opportunities for us to grow and serve. I co-led worship each week and Jim and I led a Home Group in our home for 4 1/2 years. Jim and I had always had a heart for adoption and through God’s miraculous provision, Jim and I were able to adopt our oldest daughter from China in 2001. We started to attend Cornerstone in 2008. In 2010, God again opened the way and called us to adopt our 2nd daughter from China. I have always enjoyed being around children and what blessings my children have been in my life. I also enjoy walking, being on the beach, a good cup of coffee, riding bikes, watching football, spending time with family, and playing board games.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from West Chester University and have taken some counseling courses at Biblical Theological Seminary. Before having a family I worked in the medical field for doctor-owned kidney dialysis facilities starting as an administrative assistant, payables department, and the last few years as the Human Resource Director. During our children’s elementary years at Bethany Christian School, I taught pre-school, was a substitute teacher, worked in the administrative offices, created their yearbooks, and volunteered wherever needed. In 2016, I started to work at Landenberg Christian Academy in the finance department and created their yearbooks. I worked there until the school closed in June 2020.
In 2017, my husband Jim went home to his Savior. The years without Jim have been hard, but God’s grace and strength in my life have given me all I need. God has since cultivated in my heart a desire and compassion to come along side others going through grief and/or difficulties in their life. I am eternally grateful for God’s mercies to me and opportunities as I continue to grow in Him. To God Be the Glory!
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from West Chester University and have taken some counseling courses at Biblical Theological Seminary. Before having a family I worked in the medical field for doctor-owned kidney dialysis facilities starting as an administrative assistant, payables department, and the last few years as the Human Resource Director. During our children’s elementary years at Bethany Christian School, I taught pre-school, was a substitute teacher, worked in the administrative offices, created their yearbooks, and volunteered wherever needed. In 2016, I started to work at Landenberg Christian Academy in the finance department and created their yearbooks. I worked there until the school closed in June 2020.
In 2017, my husband Jim went home to his Savior. The years without Jim have been hard, but God’s grace and strength in my life have given me all I need. God has since cultivated in my heart a desire and compassion to come along side others going through grief and/or difficulties in their life. I am eternally grateful for God’s mercies to me and opportunities as I continue to grow in Him. To God Be the Glory!
Betty Dudzinsky
DIaconal Associate
Biography
I was raised in a very strong Catholic family, with 12 years of Catholic education, but I really didn’t know the Lord. In late 1999 I came to Cornerstone, at the urging of my daughter, and found a church family and the Lord. I have spent the last 21 years studying the Bible through a Bible Study Group and Home Group. I have been essential in planning events for at least 18 years and serving the church as Kitchen Ministry Leader for the last 12 years.
I spent 21 years in the insurance industry as Operations Manager and Human Resource Manager. Spent the last 21 years, before retirement in 2018, in the food and retail industry. Married to my husband, Joe, for 45 years. We have one daughter and son-in-law who have 3 wonderful children.
I spent 21 years in the insurance industry as Operations Manager and Human Resource Manager. Spent the last 21 years, before retirement in 2018, in the food and retail industry. Married to my husband, Joe, for 45 years. We have one daughter and son-in-law who have 3 wonderful children.
Al Llorens
DIaconal Associate
Biography
As the son of a believing mom but unbelieving dad, I think I have lived 1 Cor. 7:14. My mom raised us going to church, and she prayed for us probably daily. Each of my siblings and I took a different path to the Lord, but by His grace He has called us holy.
I came to faith in Christ at 12 years old. In my first five years as a Christian, the best signs of any real life-change would have been a reduction in expletives and increased respect for my mom. I was always a relatively “good boy”, so I naturally gravitated to a legalistic, and at times judgmental, “follow-the-rules” type of Christianity. I am thankful that as I’ve grown older (and hopefully wiser), God has given me a more gracious attitude and understanding of “do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Mt. 7:1).
Fast-forwarding (quite a bit), I am happily married to my wife Michelle, and we have three children. We have been attending Cornerstone since 2011, participating in various ministries over the years. We have always placed a high priority on church life, and I look forward to continuing to serve the church in whichever ways God leads.
Shirley Montgomery
DIaconal Associate
Biography
I grew up in a Christian home in the northern Baltimore, MD area and my family attended church regularly. From a young age I wanted to be a teacher and went to college in Salisbury, MD. My teaching career lasted 31 years in three different Maryland public schools and after I retired, I mentored new teachers. I found several strong believers in the faculty at
my last teaching assignment in North East, MD. The school even had a Bible club for students and a prayer group among the teachers, which was quite a blessing for those 20 years.
My husband, Jim, and I met during college and were married during my first year of teaching. Jim attended church occasionally but was not a believer until near his death. I started attending Cornerstone shortly after the church moved to its current location. As I met new people, I got involved in
various ministries: Life Group, Greeters, Women’s Ministry, Operation Christmas Child, kitchen crew, communion prep team and Diaconal Associates.
Shortly after I retired, my father and mother died and then my husband had a traumatic brain injury which eventually led to his death. During those trials, God walked with me and He led me to comfort in 2 Corinthians 6:10: “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing
and yet possessing everything.”
my last teaching assignment in North East, MD. The school even had a Bible club for students and a prayer group among the teachers, which was quite a blessing for those 20 years.
My husband, Jim, and I met during college and were married during my first year of teaching. Jim attended church occasionally but was not a believer until near his death. I started attending Cornerstone shortly after the church moved to its current location. As I met new people, I got involved in
various ministries: Life Group, Greeters, Women’s Ministry, Operation Christmas Child, kitchen crew, communion prep team and Diaconal Associates.
Shortly after I retired, my father and mother died and then my husband had a traumatic brain injury which eventually led to his death. During those trials, God walked with me and He led me to comfort in 2 Corinthians 6:10: “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing
and yet possessing everything.”