Senior Pastor: Philip McNeill
When Philip McNeill was a young man attending University in Canada pursuing a business degree, he sensed a call to ministry. In answer to that call he began attending Elim Bible Institute in Lima, New York, and graduated in 1987.
After graduation, Phil founded a music and word ministry through Elim named Highest Call and traveled extensively with them. This group’s emphasis was on ministering to people through the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Phil and Sheryl were married in November 1991 and since that time their family has grown to include four precious daughters.
Phil started pastoring the Elim Gospel Church of Henrietta in October of 1993 after five years leading Highest Call. Within a few short months, this Saturday evening outreach service merged with Word of Life Christian Fellowship creating a brand new entity. Word of Life is blessed to have Pastor Phil as it’s shepherd still today.
Pastor Phil, along with the congregation at Word of Life, is pleased to see the recent completion of the new gymnasium that was added to the church. He is certain that it will further the kingdom and purposes of God, especially as it helps facilitate reaching the generations to come for Christ.
Elder Greg Ahlquist
Married for nearly 15 years to Amy, we have been blessed with a wonderful family of two girls, Anna and Hope. We have lived in Henrietta since 1999 and for the past decade have called the church home. We have built lasting and significant relationships with good people while placing God at the center of our lives. I am a teacher at Webster Thomas High School and teach as an adjunct in the History Department at SUNY Geneseo. Teaching and investing in students is not only my vocation but also a passion; teaching to all audiences whether academically or in church settings always brings me joy. I read widely in a variety of genres from behavioral economics to leadership to history to authors such as Tim Keller, John Ortberg, and Philip Yancey. Making music and leading worship have always been a part of who I am as well. During the warmer months, you will find me outside and active on the basketball court, running, or playing tennis with Amy. Growing and learning in all I do, I strive to live life as a constant act of worship.
Elder Jim Blake
Elizabeth, my wife of almost 34 years and I have been attending Word of Life for around 12 years now. I came to Word of Life as a new Christian hungry for the things of God. Elizabeth accepted Jesus about 1 1/2 years after at a service here at Word of Life. We appreciate being involved in the church, growing in the Word, Worshiping our Lord and the many relationships that have been built here. We have three children, Sarah who is married to Mike and had our first Granddaughter Jayde, Lindsey who is married to Lou and had our second granddaughter Addison and James who will be married this year (2011) to Alicia, all attend Word of Life. Elizabeth and I teach Sunday School and lead a home group in our home.
I work as a truck driver for Cardinal Logistics at Kodak Park in Rochester and Elizabeth is a medical secretary for the University of Rochester. We enjoy camping in our traveler trailer with friends in the Spring, Summer and Fall and have logged quite a few miles over the last several years, watching our Granddaughters grow and taking walks together.
I have been an Elder at Word of Life since March of 2009.
Elder Dale Marino
Dale and Maryann have been attending WOLCF since May 1994. Married in July 1978, they have two grown children, Michael and Michelle. Both Dale and Maryann have been active in various children’s programs and other activities while at WOLCF. Dale has been an Elder at WOLCF since April 1997 and has served in various capacities as the elder responsible for adult education, children’s education and as a past treasurer. Dale received his ministry license from Greater Works Outreach School of Ministry (GWO SOM) in March 1984, and was ordained by GWO SOM in May 1999. Dale works for an environmental consulting firm as a senior toxicologist, and Maryann is an associate professor of biology at Monroe Community College. Dale and Maryann enjoy traveling and Dale enjoys photography, woodworking and golf.
Elder Ed Rusinko
Vicki and I have been attending WOLCF since 2002. We enjoy the relationships we have formed at WOLCF and appreciate the pastoral gifting God has given to Pastor Phil. We have two grown children. Our oldest son Stephen and his wife Becca live in the Syracuse area. Our youngest son Tim lives home with us. I work in Rochester as an auditor for the Federal Government. Vicki works at the Henrietta Public Library. During the summer I enjoy long walks on a golf course with my golf clubs and every once in a while it coincides with a few nice golf shots.
I am currently the treasurer on the WOLCF elder board and have been operating in this capacity since June 2008.
