Staff and Elders Bios

Joe Lazurek

Joe Lazurek

Transitional Pastor

Pastor Joe Lazurek has served in the C&MA for more than 24 years as a solo pastor, associate pastor, church planter, lead pastor, and transitional pastor. He is married to his wife Michelle, who works as an author, literary agent, conference speaker, and podcaster (michellelazurek.com). They have two children, Caleb (attending Liberty University) and Leah (attending Houghton University), as well as a Bernese mountain dog who is always making them laugh. Joe enjoys a good cup of coffee, reading, going to yard sales with his wife, and helping people go deeper in their walk with Jesus.

Michelle Lazurek

Michelle Lazurek

Director of Discipleship

Michelle S. Lazurek is a pastor’s wife and mother as well as a multi-genre, award-winning author, speaker and podcast host. She is a regular contributor for ibelieve.com and  crosswalk.com, host of the The Spiritual Reset podcast, and is passionate about making disciples and engaging in honest conversations for authentic living. She’s also a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services. When not working, she enjoys sipping a latte, collecting 80s memorabilia and records, and spending time with her family (including her crazy dog).

Theresa Reynolds

Theresa Reynolds

Administrative Assistant

Theresa lives in Bainbridge with her husband Ben. She is a mother and a grandmother, and her grandkids are a wonderful gift. Theresa enjoys camping, hiking and gardening and has a passion for creating and woodworking. Her desire is to serve, while continuing to find deeper meaning and growth in her walk with God. Theresa’s favorite Bible verse is the first verse she learned as a child, the core of the Gospel, John 3:16.

Gregg Norris

Gregg Norris

Elder

Gregg was born in Syracuse, NY. After graduating from Hartwick College, he began a 37+ year career teaching music in the Sidney Central Schools, recently retiring in 2022. Gregg is also an adjunct professor at Hartwick College. It was while working in Sidney that he met his wife Jean, during a Tri-Town Theatre production. They were married in 1988 and have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. Gregg enjoys spending time with family, performing and listening to music, traveling, cycling and photography. He and Jean have been attending Gateway since 1996. Gregg has served in a variety of positions at Gateway and encourages everyone to take a step of faith and become an active member of our Gateway Alliance Church family. 

Larry Tetro

Larry Tetro

Elder

Born in Middletown, NY, Larry has been a member of Gateway Alliance Church for 15 years. After graduating from Hartwick College and the Institute of Audio Research, Larry continued to live in the Middletown area until 2004, when he and his wife Margo moved to Unadilla. Larry was saved and married Margo in 1989. He worked in the concert sound and recording industry for several years and has worked in the critical power systems industry for over 35 years. In addition to serving as an elder, Larry is also our Technology Director. In his spare time, some of Larry’s interests include HAM radio, music and playing games. 

Bob Witherow

Bob Witherow

Elder

Bob was born and grew up in Bradford PA. He graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College where he met Carolyn and they were married on June 11, 1966. They served pastorates in the Free Methodist denomination for 44 years, mostly in New York state. They moved to Sidney near the end of 2010 and have been a part of Gateway Alliance Church ever since. In addition to serving as an elder, Bob also heads up our Life Group ministry. He and Carolyn have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. Bob enjoys camping, including backpacking, and most sports.