Staff

Reverend
Douglas Stewart

Pastor Doug

Pastor Doug is originally from Montpelier, Vermont. After graduating from Roanoke College in Salem, Va., with his BA in Political Science, Doug received his Master of Divinity from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary and was ordained in June 1994.

Before serving at The Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word, Doug served almost 9 years at St. Timothy in Grand Island, New York. Prior to that he served an ELCA congregation in York, Pennsylvania. Doug served on the Upstate New York Synod Council from 2001-2005 and has enjoyed his work in both stewardship and conference Deacon Training events.

In addition to his ongoing commitment of continuing his education, Doug’s interests include reading, music, skiing, racquetball, cycling, golfing and being “daddy” for their two children.

Reverend
Joanne Stewart

Pastor Joanne grew up in central Pennsylvania, and attended Lebanon Valley College in Pennsylvania, receiving a BA in Sacred Music with a major in organ and piano performance.

Upon graduation, she served as a Minister of Music in congregations in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. She then attended Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary and was ordained in 1992. Prior to serving as pastor of St. Timothy, Grand Island, NY, she served ELCA congregations in Columbia and Spring Grove, PA.

Music remains Joanne's love—she plays piano, organ, and harp. She also enjoys crafts, needlework and quilting, and having her two beautiful children call her "Mommy."

James E. Bobb,
Music Director

James E. Bobb has served as Director of Music at the Lutheran Church at Incarnate Word since 1994. He is organist and director of choirs for children, teens, and adults, and directs the church’s Music Series. Bobb has conducted the St. John Passion and numerous cantatas of Bach and led the choir on a tour of Sweden.

Bobb is Adjunct Professor of Organ at Nazareth College and Instructor in Sacred Music at the Eastman School of Music (hymn playing and hymn improvisation). He is a past dean of the Rochester Chapter AGO. Bobb enjoys a growing reputation as an inspiring hymn player and leader of hymn festivals.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano and Organ Performance from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio and a Master’s degree in Organ Performance and Literature, and Performer’s Certificates in organ and harpsichord from the Eastman School of Music.

Rev. Robert Wennerstrom,
Pastor Emeritus

Pastor Robert Wennerstrom, who retired at the end of 2003, served Incarnate Word for a number of years as Pastoral Associate responsible for care to the homebound, sick, and hospitalized; for training Christian Caregivers; and for teaching Wednesday morning Bible Study.

He previously served a seminary internship in Japan and the Philippines and has had Pastorates in New Orleans; Rome, NY; Pittsburgh; and Rochester. He has had twenty-two years of urban ministry in the 14621 Community. Pastor Wennerstrom loves the music of J. S. Bach.