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