About us

Welcome!
Meet Our Pastor
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is with sincere gratitude and heartfelt excitement that I introduce myself as your pastor. My name is Pastor James Faulks, though most people simply call me Pastor Jim. I am truly honored to begin this new chapter of ministry with you and look forward to all that
God has in store for us together.
I am a Local Licensed Pastor currently continuing my ministerial education. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Technology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute (formerly SUNY IT) and later completed a Master’s degree in Special Education at the State University of New York at Oswego.
Before entering pastoral ministry, I served as a Computer Technology teacher with BOCES in both Norwich and Verona. I also had the privilege of serving our community as a police officer with the Village of Hamilton and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. These experiences have shaped my heart for service, compassion, and steady leadership.
Music has always been a meaningful part of my life and ministry. I enjoy playing guitar and sharing in worship through Praise to the Lord. I am deeply grateful for the gift of faith and for every opportunity to share God’s love with others.
My wife, Pastor Joelle Faulks, serves the congregations of Maynard and Morningstar in Ilion and Frankfort. Together, we have sought to build a Christ-centered ministry focused especially on caring for those who are hurting and helping people experience the hope and grace of Jesus.
I believe the church is called not only to gather for worship, but also to be a living and visible expression of Christ’s love within the community. I look forward to listening to your stories, honoring your traditions, and discerning together how God is leading us forward.
Please know that my door is always open. I am eager to meet each of you and am already praying for our shared ministry. I trust that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we journey together.
May God bless you richly, and may our shared
ministry bring glory to Christ.
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Jim Faulks
| Oriskany Falls Church Administrative Council | |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Mike Marris |
| Lay Leader | Mike Marris |
| Recording Secretary | Linda Kelly |
| Treasurer | Linda Kelly |
| Financial Secretary | Sharon Stephens |
| Memorial Fund Treasurer | Linda Kelly |
| Lay Member to Annual Conference | Linda Kelly |
| Alternate Lay Member | Sonia Marris |
| Finance & Stewardship Chairperson | Mike Marris |
| Mission, Outreach & Evangelism | Sonia Marris |
| Christian Education Chairperson | Sonia Marris |
| Trustee Chairperson | Ray Hayduke |
| United Women of Faith President | Linda Kelly |
| Creekside Community Outreach President | Mike Marris |
| Church Council Members at Large | The Congregation |
| Communion Steward | Esther Mick |
| Pastor | James Faulks |
| Mission Outreach & Evangelism | |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Sonia Marris |
| Mike Marris | Linda Kelly |
| Sharon Stephens | Bruce Stephens |
| Esther Mick | Vicki Godfrey |
| Creekside Community Outreach Center | |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Mike Marris |
| Treasurer | Linda Kelly |
| Sonia Marris | Joy Dapson |
| Debbie Bruno | Jacque Roys |
| Linda Schmidt |
| Lay Leadership Commitee | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | Pastor James Faulks | |
| 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
| Mike Marris | Linda Kelly | Sharon Stephens |
| Sonia Marris | Bruce Stephens |
| Oriskany Falls UMC Board of Trustees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | Ray Hayduke | |
| 2026 | Bruce Stephens | Justin Godfrey |
| 2027 | Ray Hayduke | Sharon Stephens |
| 2028 | Randy Slocum | Esther Mick |
| Oriskany Falls UMC Staff Pastor Relation Committee | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | Mike Marris | |
| 2026 | Mike Marris | Linda Kelly |
| 2027 | Sharon Stephens |
