LEADERSHIP

At Calvary Lutheran Church, we are a faith-centered community committed to growing together in Christ. Located in the heart of Verona, our mission is to share God’s love, serve others, and nurture spiritual growth in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Guided by a team of compassionate and dedicated leaders, we strive to create a church where everyone feels valued and supported. Our leadership is committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration, inspiration, and love that reflects Christ’s teachings.

Pastor Anthony

Pastor Anthony Giordano was installed in February 2024. Prior to being called to Calvary, he served as the Director of Lutheran Friends of the Deaf in Mill Neck, NY and as Pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadow, NY. He and his wife, Edna, enjoy playing golf, watching football and entertaining in their beautiful parsonage. Pastor Anthony is always reading several books at once and is an avid listener of several podcasts. He is a suffering Mets and Giants fan. They have 4 children and a son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Pastor and Edna are from Long Island and go back to visit family and friends often.

Pastor Anthony always felt a calling to ministry and attended seminary later in life. He was ordained in 2019 after working for nearly a decade at NYU Langone Long Island (formerly Winthrop University Hospital). “It was in the Lutheran Church that I learned about the grace of God,” he says, “and I want to share the Good News of that grace with everyone.” He believes the role of the Church is to love their neighbors and emphasizes that in many of his sermons. Although Pastor Anthony will ask you to meet him for coffee, he prefers Coke Zero!

Pastor Anthony

Congregation President & Director of Stewardship

Matt Minucci

Matt is a Verona resident and has been attending Calvary since 2021.

Vice President

Joanne Arroyo

A Wisconsin native, Joanne has lived in Verona and attended Calvary since 1977. Currently the congregation’s Vice President, she has also served as Sunday School teacher and Director of the Board of Education, Youth Committee Chair, member of the Altar Guild and various other committees.

Director of Public Relations

Edna Messina Giordano

After holding the title of ‘World’s Best Teacher’ – at least that is what the mug said, Edna’s new title is ‘Pastor’s Wife’. Edna and Pastor Anthony were married in January of 2024 and they moved to Verona where Anthony began serving at Calvary. Edna enjoys gardening, crafting, cooking, golfing and decorating. She keeps busy working at Threefold and being the Director of Public Relations for Calvary.

Director of Public Relations

Edna Messina Giordano

After holding the title of ‘World’s Best Teacher’ – at least that is what the mug said, Edna’s new title is ‘Pastor’s Wife’. Edna and Pastor Anthony were married in January of 2024 and they moved to Verona where Anthony began serving at Calvary. Edna enjoys gardening, crafting, cooking, golfing and decorating. She volunteers at a local food pantry and keeps busy being the Director of Public Relations for Calvary.

Treasurer

Andy wolcott

Andy Wolcott grew up in West Caldwell and graduated from James Caldwell High School. He was baptized and confirmed at Calvary and has never attended any other church! He graduated from UPenn and served as a 1st LT in the US Army in Vietnam.

Director of the Board of Worship

Anne Daly

Anne Daly is a lifelong resident of Verona. At an early age, a neighbor encouraged her mother to bring her to Calvary Lutheran Church, and it has been her church family ever since. Currently, Anne oversees the Board of Worship and enjoys singing with the Praise Team. She also serves on the Altar Guild and participates in many church activities, including Bible studies, crafting, rummage sales, and the annual Live Nativity. Anne feels blessed to call Calvary her church home.

Director of Worship Board

Anne Daly

Anne Daly is a lifelong resident of Verona. At an early age, a neighbor encouraged her mother to bring her to Calvary Lutheran Church, and it has been her church family ever since. Currently, Anne oversees the Board of Worship and enjoys singing with the contemporary Praise Team. She also serves on the Altar Guild and participates in many church activities, including Bible studies, crafting, rummage sales, and the annual Live Nativity. Anne feels blessed to call Calvary her church home.

Director of the Board of Education
Ruth Bolger

Ruth has taken on many roles during her lifetime at Calvary. She currently teaches Sunday school and leads Calvary’s Music Ministry. She loves working with people of all ages; knowing that what she does brings those around her closer to God.

Director of the Board of Property

Nancy Keltner

Nancy Keltner has been a member of Calvary Lutheran Church for 67 years. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in this church. Nancy and her husband, Bill, have two children and four grandchildren. She has served as the property manager since 2018, following in the footsteps of her father, who held the same role for many years.

Property Manager

Nancy Keltner

Financial Secretary

John Ricca

John has been a member of Calvary for over 30 years. He is retired from a company that dealt with collectibles, mostly stamps. John also serves Calvary as an usher and sexton.