Church of the Apostles is blessed with a talented staff and a multitude of dedicated office volunteers who provide a wide variety of programs and services for our congregation.
Hover Over or Click On each staff member to view their bio and contact information.
Rev. Kathryn L. Kuhn is our ordained pastor. Kathryn started with us as our Director of Christian Education during her time in seminary with 12 years of prior experience as the Director of Christian Education at Salem UCC of Rohrerstown. In 2007, Kathryn was called as our Associate Pastor. In 2012, she became our Senior Pastor. Within the Lancaster Association of the UCC, Kathryn served for six years on the youth ministry committee which included four years as chairperson.
Kathryn is a married mother of three children. She and her husband, David, enjoy trips to the beach and walking together.
Melissa Kosman grew up in the Chicago area but has called Massachusetts home for the past two decades with her family. In late 2023, she and her husband made a move to Pennsylvania, and have been busy discovering all the Keystone State has to offer. As a devoted mother to her daughter and son, Melissa brings with her eight years of experience as a Children’s Pastor in Nashua, NH. In her free time, you’ll likely spot Melissa indulging her love for the outdoors through hiking, kayaking, and gardening, or traveling to visit family and friends.
Paityn Nissly started at Church of the Apostles in May of 2022. Although she has had no former experience in a role of this magnitude she has become a valuable member of our staff. In her time here so far she has rejuvenated our social medias and given our events a much needed spotlight, as well as focused her efforts on updating our website.
In her spare time Paityn loves to spend time with her family and her four cats, Owen, Beru, Atreus, & Mimir. She also enjoys reading and most recently finished We Ate the Dark By Mallory Pearson. Paityn is also known as an avid DIY crafter and always loves to have a project to work on.
April Fisher started at Church of the Apostles in 2020 after several years of experience in her field. April has helped COA as we develop our online giving and banking programs.
April has been lovingly married to her husband for over 30 years and has raised 2 adult daughters. However, her home would not be full without the paws of her two dogs and two cats. In addition to spending time with her family and pets, April enjoys cultivating a large variety of plants and you’ll find many of them scattered around the office of the church.
Director of Music Ministries & Interim Bell Choir Director
Lars Potteiger
Director of Music Ministries & Interim Bell Choir Director
Lars Potteiger most recently served as Director of Music at Reformation Lutheran Church in the Reading area. He previously served congregations in New York City and Cincinnati.
In addition to his work in the church, Lars taught as an adjunct professor at Albright College and lecturer at the University of Cincinnati. He maintains an active schedule as a jazz performer, composer, producer, recording artist, and clinician throughout the United States. He has also had the pleasure of performing on a few Grammy nominated recordings. Lars holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he graduated magna cum laude.
When not making music, Lars enjoys cooking and eating all kinds of cuisine from every part of the globe and is an avid exerciser, outdoors enthusiast, and gardener.
After eight years in the United States Air Force, Nathan Sheffer completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Millersville University. During his undergraduate studies, he was awarded the Louis Vyner Performance Award, Woody Herman Jazz Award, and Presser Foundation Scholarship. He is also a two-time Glorious Sounds of the Season Scholarship recipient. With concentrations in both the saxophone and flute, Nathan had the opportunity to participate in the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band and the National Intercollegiate Band. In the summer of 2021, he completed his M. Ed. in Music Education at Kutztown University, where he focused on both instrumental and choral studies. In 2023, Sheffer completed a Doctoral Certificate in Special Education at Liberty University. Nathan is a member of the National Honors Society for Graduate and Professional Students, Alpha Epsilon Lambda, for his outstanding leadership and academic performance during his graduate studies. Sheffer has performed frequently in Central PA with various local and regional bands, including the Jazz Ministers, Corsair Blue Jazz Orchestra, and Central City Orchestra. His most recent appointment, saxophonist with Venom Blues and the band Dr. Harmonica and Rockett 88, has led to performances all over the North East and an induction into the Delaware Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. His frequent guest appearances with these groups have led to studio work at Lanark Records, Toil Records, and Philly Jam Studios, where he has worked with notable artists: Marshall Crenshaw, Robert Gordon, Charlie Gracie, Rob Stoner, David Uosikkinen, Patrick Dahlheimer, Kenley Collins, Quentin Jones, and Dave Ferrara.
When not teaching or performing, Nathan enjoys cooking and making music with his wife and three children: Anya, Maeson, and Evelyn. He has been the Instrumental Director at Lancaster Mennonite School since 2012 and is currently a Ph.D. in Music Education student at Liberty University.
Eric MacLaren is the son of Ginger and William MacLaren and is one of three children: a brother and sister, both younger. Most of his life has been spent here in Lancaster County; however, the family did get to travel somewhat due to his father being in the Navy.
Besides spending time with his family, Eric enjoys boating and fishing.
Larry retired from the Lancaster Post Office after 34 years and started working at Church of the Apostles in 2009. He is married with two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Larry makes the coffee on Sunday morning which makes him a good friend to have.
Elizabeth Stoltzfus has been teaching private music lessons since 2008 and offers instruction in cello, piano, violin, and viola at her home studio in Lancaster, PA. She teaches students of all ages, from 4 years old to adults. Elizabeth holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Temple University and is a Pennsylvania state-certified teacher.