Our Pastor

Eastside Church is perhaps a bit unique in having a young, female Lead Pastor, Kathryn Caroland-MacConnell. Pastor Kathryn was Assistant Pastor for Eastside Church for a year and a half prior to becoming Lead Pastor, and has also been our Worship Leader prior to that. Her leadership, knowledge, and maturity are well beyond her years, and we are excited to have Pastor Kathryn leading our church. Here is her bio:

Hello! My name is Kathryn Caroland-MacConnell and I serve as the Lead Pastor at Eastside Church. My passion is to see others connect to God and realize how their relationship with God touches each part of their life: from coming to church on a Sunday morning, to the neighborhood cookout, to their occupation.

I have been a native of Western New York my whole life. I grew up near Letchworth State Park, in a rural town called Warsaw. I moved to Rochester in 2021 when I started my role at Eastside Church as the Worship Leader. In 2022, I was moved to being the Assistant Pastor, and in the fall of 2023, I was appointed as the Lead Pastor.

I attended Canisius College in Buffalo and received a B.A. in Digital Media Arts in 2019. While I have served in the church in a variety of roles most of my life, it was during my time at Canisius that I discovered my calling for pastoral ministry. Three months after graduation I started my journey at Northeastern Seminary and received a Master's in Divinity in May of 2021, and was ordained in the Free Methodist Church that same month.

Northeastern Seminary is also where I met my husband, Collin (pictured here). From going out on Silver Lake to playing board games or watching shows, we love spending time with our family and friends! Along with that, we enjoy reading, gaming, and cooking. We also love taking our puppy Hubert (also pictured) on walks.

When I first came to Eastside Church, I was in a very hard season of life. However as soon as I walked through the doors, I felt a wave of peace wash over me and I felt the comfort of God surrounding me. I pray that if you find yourself at Eastside Church you feel that same peace and presence of God surround you and encourage you in your relationship with Christ!

We can’t wait to see you!

Pastor Kathryn

Our Leadership Team

Our Leadership Team is led by the Lead Pastor, and is made up of lay-people, some with specific duties and others at-large.

Tim Holt is our Treasurer, and also leads 'The CHOSEN' and co-leads the Men's Breakfast Grow Groups.

Jeff Gilbert is an at-large member, and also serves on the Tech Team.

Ray Bender is our Delegate to the FMC Genesis Conference, and also leads our Facilities Team.

Sue Yonosko is our Reserve Delegate, and is active in the Prayer, Caring, and Women's Ministries.

Eric Schoenhardt is an at-large member, and is active in Men's Breakfast.

Our NOMINATING Team

Our Nominating Team is led by the Lead Pastor, and is made up of lay-people. Their role is to discern God's will in identifying candidates to serve on the Leadership Team, their nominations being vetted by the Lead Pastor and Leadership Team and then put forth for vote by the Ministry Partners (church body).