Eastside Church is currently in transition, as the Lord prepares us for an exciting new chapter in our history. As we joyfully await the arrival of our new Lead Pastor, we are blessed to have these dynamic Pastors leading us and helping to direct our path forward.
Our Interim Lead Pastor is Gloria Roorda.
Gloria graduated from Northeastern Seminary in '03 with a Master of Divinity and in '12 with a Doctorate of Ministry. She has served in ministry for over 20 years as a Pastor of Discipleship for Pearce Church; Pastor of Family Ministries for Northgate FMC; and co-lead Pastor for Arbor House. Her deepest desire is to help others know how deeply they are loved by God. Ed and Gloria have been married 44 years, have 4 children, and 5 grandchildren who make their lives rich with blessings.
Eastside has been overwhelmingly blessed by Gloria coming out of retirement to foster us through this transition period, and we are so grateful.
Gloria can be reached at the following address:
gloriaroorda@eastsideroc.com
Gloria graduated from Northeastern Seminary in '03 with a Master of Divinity and in '12 with a Doctorate of Ministry. She has served in ministry for over 20 years as a Pastor of Discipleship for Pearce Church; Pastor of Family Ministries for Northgate FMC; and co-lead Pastor for Arbor House. Her deepest desire is to help others know how deeply they are loved by God. Ed and Gloria have been married 44 years, have 4 children, and 5 grandchildren who make their lives rich with blessings.
Eastside has been overwhelmingly blessed by Gloria coming out of retirement to foster us through this transition period, and we are so grateful.
Gloria can be reached at the following address:
gloriaroorda@eastsideroc.com


Hello! My name is Kathryn MacConnell and I serve as the Assistant 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 picnic to their occupation.
I have been a native of Western New York my whole life. I grew up near Letchworth State Park, where my mom and my oldest brother still reside. My youngest brother currently lives in Boston working towards his Ph.D. in Medical Physics at the University of Massachusetts! I moved to Rochester in 2021 when I started my role at Eastside Church.
I attended Canisius College in Buffalo and received a B.A. in Digital Media Arts in 2019. During my time at Canisius is when I discovered my calling for pastoral ministry, so three months after graduation I started my journey at Northeastern Seminary and received a Master's in Divinity in May of 2022! I recently became an ordained pastor in the Free Methodist Church, but I have been serving the church in various roles since I was in high school.
From going out on Silver Lake in Perry, NY to playing board games or card games, I love spending time with my family and friends! Along with that, I enjoy reading, “cozy gaming”, watching anime, and taking my beloved puppy Hubert 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!
Kathryn
I have been a native of Western New York my whole life. I grew up near Letchworth State Park, where my mom and my oldest brother still reside. My youngest brother currently lives in Boston working towards his Ph.D. in Medical Physics at the University of Massachusetts! I moved to Rochester in 2021 when I started my role at Eastside Church.
I attended Canisius College in Buffalo and received a B.A. in Digital Media Arts in 2019. During my time at Canisius is when I discovered my calling for pastoral ministry, so three months after graduation I started my journey at Northeastern Seminary and received a Master's in Divinity in May of 2022! I recently became an ordained pastor in the Free Methodist Church, but I have been serving the church in various roles since I was in high school.
From going out on Silver Lake in Perry, NY to playing board games or card games, I love spending time with my family and friends! Along with that, I enjoy reading, “cozy gaming”, watching anime, and taking my beloved puppy Hubert 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!
Kathryn