Our Pastor
Rev. Donna Elia serves as quarter-time supply pastor. She is enthusiastic about St. Peter’s and sees her role as one of accompaniment; supporting and empowering the congregation through transition and renewal.
Since 2000, Donna has been executive director of Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM). TAUM’s mission is to serve those in need, to work for social justice, and to build stronger communities.
Donna is a native of Philadelphia. She graduated with a BA in special education from LaSalle University. After teaching in the School District of Philadelphia for several years, she went to Princeton Theological Seminary, receiving her Master of Divinity degree in 1989. She moved to New York State to become pastor of Tribes Hill Presbyterian Church in Montgomery County and has served congregations in Albany and Hoosick Falls as well.
She is co-chair of Albany Presbytery’s Board of Trustees and a member of the Anti-Racism Task Force and the Guatemala Task Force. She has traveled to Guatemala nine times. She is a 2nd black belt in Taekwondo and lives in Niskayuna with her partner Marian, their son Luke, their dog Ruby, and cats Nigel and Maisie.
St. Peter’s welcomes Donna and looks forward to her energy and enthusiasm. We invite others to meet her at our regular 10 am Sunday worship, or as we host community gatherings and events.
For pastoral concerns, or to inquire about weddings, funerals, and baptisms, please contact Rev. Elia directly at delia001@nycap.rr.com
Pianist and Choir Director
Luke Olivieri has directed music at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, NY, leading the choir, accompanying with piano, organ and guitar, arranging and composing, and continually developing the music library, since 2003. He was proud to be a part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the church.
In December of 2013 he began The Foundation for One Home which seeks to motivate people to take action in protecting the environment for all species by redirecting fossil-fuel corporations into clean, renewable energies. The first community event and concert for this purpose, titled Songs of Unity, was held at St. Peter’s and focused on the challenges to communication we all face – a necessary prerequisite to take on the issues of our day.
He also teaches classical and jazz piano and folk guitar privately. Mr. Olivieri’s film scores have premiered at the Sundance Festival, and at festivals in Chicago, Los Angeles and Karlhsrue, Germany.