Grace Lutheran Church and Play School
311 Uniondale Avenue • Uniondale, NY 11553

Phone 516.489.2182 • Fax 516.489.2184

Pastor

Reverend Anthony Bateza is our Pastor. Pastor Anthony, as he likes to be called, came to Grace in October of 2006, most recently from Chicago. Originally from the Midwest, Pastor Anthony has been amazed and excited by the people of Long Island. It is clear to him that God is doing amazing things at Grace Lutheran and he counts himself blessed to serve as our Pastor.

Pastor Anthony grew up in Iowa, attending Iowa State University and graduating with a B.S. in Zoology. He then went on to Seminary in Chicago at the Lutheran School of Theology. While in Chicago he obtained a double emphasis in Biblical Studies and Religion & Science. Pastor Anthony came to the Lutheran Church in college and before that he was not a Christian. Because of this background he has a passion for helping people as they struggle with questions about faith and God.

Council

Grace Lutheran Church is given leadership and direction by its congregational council. Members of council are elected to two year terms and serve as officers (i.e., President, Vice President) or as committee chairs (Christian Education, Outreach, etc.).

Deacons

We have received a double portion of blessing in our two deacons, Ms. Hazel Gay (left) and Mrs. Claire Mehrhoff (right). Our Deacons go through a training program which takes several years of study and preparation. As Deacons their primary responsibilities are to assume leadership roles in worship and to visit with the sick and homebound. If you are interested in finding out more about the Deacon program, please contact one of our Deacons or speak with Pr. Anthony.

Secretary

Our Church secretary is Mrs. Eileen Laube. When you call the church office you are likely to hear Eileen’s voice. Besides answering the phones, Eileen keeps the church running behind the scenes by preparing worship bulletins, church calendars, and supporting others in organizing and coordinating activities. Mrs. Laube also serves as our Play School director. Eileen graduated with a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Queens College in Flushing, New York. She is also a wife and the proud mother of three adult children.

Play School Staff

In each of our Play School classrooms we have one teacher and one teacher’s aide.

Four year old class: This class is taught by Mrs. Carolyn Morgan, who grew up attending Grace Lutheran Church and Sunday School. She has been a dedicated Play School teacher since 1988. Her aide is Mrs. Dillian Ockimey. This is her second year serving in this capacity.

Three year old class: This class is taught by Ms. Nancy Wink, proud mother and lifelong member of Grace Lutheran. Mrs. Irene Marin is the aide in the 3 year old class, a position she has enjoyed for 14 years.

Organist and Choir Director

Every Sunday we are gifted with wonderful and spirt filled music thanks to the hard work of our organist and choir director, Mr. Ken Richardson. Mr. Richardson is also an accomplished piano player and keyboardist. Ken works full time as High School music and band teacher. In addittion to all of this, he is the keyboardist and manager for his band, Tri-Tone Music.