Leadership

Caitlin Casey

Youth Music Leader

• Tel: 609-213-6733

Rev. Dr. Stephen Heinzel-Nelson

Senior Pastor

Pastor Stephen and his family moved to Allentown in 1997 and he has been the Senior Pastor of APC ever since. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware; Stephen served two churches in Florida prior to returning to New Jersey where he graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1985. Stephen and his wife Liz are partners in life and ministry, working together to serve the church, community and world. They are the proud parents of four grown children; Jem, Clay, Terra and Jordan. In 2008 the Heinzel-Nelsons lived in Malawi, Africa and co-founded Villages in Partnership, a nonprofit organization lifting thousands out of poverty in one of the poorest countries in the world. Stephen preaches with passion, follows the Phillies and Packers, plays golf poorly and loves APC.

Rev. Lindsay Anderson-Beck

Associate Pastor

Lindsay grew up with her two sisters, British mum, and American dad in central London,  but she has now spent over half of her life in the States. It was while she was working part-time at a church in Santa Cruz that Lindsay realized she had a deep love for the local church and began sensing God’s call into pastoral ministry. Following that nudge, she moved to Los Angeles for her Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. During an internship for the PC(USA) ordination process at the First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, Lindsay met her now-husband Will. Lindsay and Will now reside in Allentown with their daughter Liza. They enjoy going for walks, hosting friends (at least, in pre-Covid times), and playing with their cat named  Wally.  

Lindsay cares deeply about the spiritual formation and discipleship of God’s people, or  the process through which we become more like Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit.  She loves exploring and helping others say yes to God’s unending invitation into a  deeper understanding and experience of God, that they might experience “life to the full”  with Jesus, for the sake of the world.

Enoch Smith Jr.

Director of Worship & Music

Enoch was called to serve as the Director of Music and Worship in the fall of 2013. Hailing from Rochester, NY, he is a product of the prestigious Berklee College of Music. There he studied Music Business and Management with piano as his principle instrument. He’s spent the past 16 years leading the people of God from Boston to New York and now New Jersey in sincere worship. His “Jazz at APC” vespers series, now in its fourth year, has given worship in Allentown a different flavor.
As a recording artist, he has released three acclaimed jazz CD’s and has been reviewed in Downbeat Magazine, Cadence, All About Jazz, and many more. Enoch has ministered with Contemporary Christian artists, Freddy Rodriguez and Ricardo Sanchez, on numerous occasions in addition to composing scores for three award winning independent films. He is married to Gabriella and they have five children, Simone, Drew, Zuri, Imani, and Noralene. Enoch’s gifts include leadership, motivation and teamwork. He has a strong sense of purpose. “I am so happy to have found such a wonderful place to serve and worship with my family. God is doing something great here!”

JC Fowler

Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries

JC grew up right here in Allentown and took part in the Crossroads youth ministry in his middle school years. After several years away from the church, he was invited to play volleyball by a few active members, which was followed by an invitation by his younger brother Tyler to take part in the Maine mission trip. Little did he know, he would come back from that trip on fire for Jesus and with a fierce commitment to serve the youth in the community.

JC was called into full time ministry here at APC in 2017 and as of 2020 has assumed the role as Director. Since 2019 JC has been pursuing a Master of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary. JC attributes being able to balance school and ministry because of his faithful partner and wife, Noelle Fowler.

Whether it’s yelling enthusiastically to “Go to Church!” via a video recording or waving his hands in worship, you can tell JC is excited about how God is moving in his life and in the lives of those around him. But, one thing you should probably know, whether it is on the dodge-ball court or playing a game of cards, and whether you’re 15 or 50, JC plays to win!

Maureen Harshman

Director of Children & Family Ministries

Maureen has been a member of APC for over 20 years and joined the creative and inspirational church staff in October 2005 as our Director of Children & Family Ministries. In this role, Maureen coordinates the children and family ministry programs as well as researches and develops new ways for families to connect with God and with each other.

“Our Children and Family Ministry program, which is thriving at APC, exists to partner with and assist parents in raising children who know and love God and understand God’s love for them. I ask for your prayers for this ministry, for me, and for our faithful and devoted volunteers…and I pray that you will answer the call to join us and share your talent, your ideas, and your time, and your love for and faith in God with all of God’s children seeking a relationship with Christ.”

Maureen and Brian live in Hamilton Square and have three adult children.

Jill Kurzeja

Director of Little Tree Preschool

Jill has been a member of APC for over 22 years.  During that time she has served as an Elder, participated in Mission trips to Guatemala, acted as Sunday School Superintendent and has taught Communion Class for over 14 years.

Jill joined the APC staff in 2004 as a Little Tree Teacher and accepted the role of Director soon after.  She has her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the College of New Jersey.  Jill loves helping to introduce children to the love of Jesus Christ and interacting with the Little Tree families.

Jill is married to Norm and has 3 sons.  She loves spending time with her family at the beach and camping.

Bill Mandeville

Director of Properties

Bill and his family have been attending APC for over 10 years and joined formally in 2019. In addition to his position, Bill and his wife Melissa currently co-teach Sunday School. Bill is recently retired from Clayton Concrete after almost 30 years and looking forward to his new role as Director of Properties. Bill loves to use his hands and is a talented wood worker and mechanic by trade. He has lived in New Egypt and the surrounding area his whole life with his wife Melissa and three children. Bill is an avid hunter and enjoys spending his free time in the woods and with his family.

Lauren Davis

Financial Administrator

Lauren is a life-long Presbyterian who grew up in Rahway, New Jersey.  She has been a member of APC since 2002 and in late 2017 enthusiastically joined the staff here.  “My becoming a staff member at Allentown Presbyterian is a total testament to how sometimes you just need to sit back and let things happen in God’s time.”

A graduate of Drexel University, Lauren and her husband Bill have two great kiddos, Will and Caroline.  She enjoys playing tennis and with her family is on a quest to visit all 30 MLB stadiums!

Issac Meerwarth

Middle School Youth Leader

Isaac was born in Cambridge, New York. In 2006 he moved to NJ from the small town of Otley, Iowa. His hobbies include running, traveling, and hacking on OpenBSD. A fun fact about Isaac is that he has been to 10 countries and 31 States!

Isaac has been leading at Crossroads in many different volunteer capacities since 2012. He was lead to the position at Crossroads by his heart for God and his love for the youth of Allentown. He is humbled and excited to work alongside staff and volunteers to make Crossroads is a different place.

Courtney Stover

Office Manager

Courtney grew up in Allentown and now lives in Hamilton Square. She has been attending APC since she was in elementary school. She participated in many programs – including R.O.C.K. and Crossroads. Courtney became very involved with Crossroads as a student. Throughout her time there, she was on the leadership team multiple times, attended every retreat and went to just about every event they had. As soon as she graduated high school in 2015, she became a middle school shepherd. For the past few years, Courtney has been volunteering at Crossroads as a shepherd. She was blessed to have the opportunity of being hired as the Crossroads Administrator for a few years. She now serves as the APC Office Manager, which includes the Crossroads Admin responsibilities. She loves this Church!

Marla Golden

High School Coordinator