Our Team

Staff

SENIOR PASTOR

Rev. James Kessler

I was born in Columbus, Ohio but grew up mostly in Orlando, Florida. I always knew that there was a God and felt a compulsion to know him ever since I stumbled on to my mother’s episcopal prayer book when I was 6 or 7.

I met my wife Laura my freshman year at Covenant College. We’ve been married since 1999 and we have two daughters, both in school here in Oyster Bay.

My personal interests include cooking, writing, playing basketball, watching baseball, correcting grammar, playing the guitar, arguing with my wife about which of us is more competitive, and watching the British Baking show with my girls. I love museums, music, interesting restaurants, reading about Grant’s Vicksburg campaign, T.S. Eliot’s poetry, Tom Waits’ lyrics, Annie Dillard’s prose, Frederick Buechner’s sermons, and Herman Bavinck’s Dogmatics. I cannot draw, at all.

I believe in the Holy Spirit to make me a better man, the redemption of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father. I believe in the power of the Church to change the world.

ASSISTANT PASTOR

Rev. Martin Han

Pastor Martin joined the NSCC Staff in 2010. He is bivocational, currently also working for the Department of Defense as a Contracts Team Leader. In 2017, he reentered the Air Force part-time as a military chaplain in the Reserves. He is married to Kimberly and is father to Abigail Noel, Ethan Martin and Isaac Luther. Abby is a nationally ranked swimmer, and Ethan and Isaac are amazing boys with special needs. Martin’s favorite foods are pizza (he feels strongly that only NY pizza gets to be called “pizza”; everything else needs more words, like “Chicago deep dish pizza”) and soup dumplings (especially Joe’s Shanghai, and he doesn’t care about it being a tourist trap). Martin leads our Home Group ministry, our Journey Group discipleship program, and our Sunday Adult Bible Study. Martin also preaches about once every 4-6 weeks.

PASTOR TO YOUTH AND FAMILIES

Rev. Tae Cho

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and immigrated to the United States at the age of nine. My early years in the U.S. were spent in Elmhurst, New York, before relocating to Northern New Jersey during high school. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Youth Ministry from Philadelphia Biblical University (now Cairn University), followed by a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary.

During my time at seminary, I served as a pastoral intern at Jubilee Presbyterian Church, where I worked with both the college and youth ministries for three years. Upon graduating, I joined the pastoral staff at the First Korean Church of Brooklyn, serving as the English Ministry Pastor and Youth Pastor, with responsibilities including oversight of the Education Department.

I am married to Wisdom, and we are blessed with three children: Enoch, Chloe, and Asher. Outside of ministry, I enjoy a variety of recreational activities including snowboarding, basketball, football, ultimate frisbee, baseball, skateboarding, and rollerblading. I'm also a die-hard Yankees Fan.

WORSHIP DIRECTOR

Charles Alvarenga

I was born to Salvadoran-American parents in West Islip and grew up on the south shore of Long Island. My earliest memory of spiritual formation is of my father teaching me the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish.

God has been kind to me, I can trace the thread of his faithfulness throughout my life, using my family, good friends and the church to draw me to himself.

My interests include beach days, football, period pieces, reading, performing music, going to concerts and hanging out with my family and friends.

I believe that the local church is Jesus’ plan to redeem, restore and use sinners to glorify himself and my passion is to lead the church in singing songs that encourage us to seek him and remember his gospel.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR

Michaela LaBelle

Michaela grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2022, God brought her and her family all the way to Long Island, NY. She became a member of NSCC in December 2022 and joined the NSCC staff in June of 2023. Michaela studied Elementary Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has over 30 years of children’s ministry experience. She is excited to use her talents to serve the Lord and the families of NSCC. Michaela enjoys doing yoga and spending time outdoors and enjoying delicious cuisine with her husband Greg and her two kids, Lucy 13 and Owen 9.

Church Administrator

Jeanne Laurita

I was born in Abington, Pennsylvania and grew up in Floral Park, New York. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland and had the pleasure of working in education for over 10 years until my first child was born.

My husband Joe and I were married here at NSCC and it holds a special place in our hearts! We have three children: Joseph, Anna and Sarah. We live in Oyster Bay and have a heart for the community. I have been involved with the local PTA in many facets over those years.

As a family we enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, taking hikes and going to the beach. My personal interests include running, crafting and gardening. I am honored to be serving the Lord as part of the NSCC team.

Elders

(An ordained office of teaching, leadership, and care)