Our Minister

Pastor Jef comes to us after serving a two-year Interim Ministry at First Unitarian Society of Westchester, Hastings on Hudson. Along with his half time ministry at Fourth Unitarian Society, he serves a half time chaplaincy with Life Source Services Hospice, in Paramus, NJ. Previously he was Minister-in-Residence at Community Unitarian Church at White Plains and was ordained by that congregation in 2009. From 2002-2007 he served as Night Chaplain at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx. He received his Masters of Divinity degree (magna cum laude) from Drew Theological Seminary in 2006 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1975. Before entering the ministry, he had a successful career in corporate and commercial television, which included four Emmy nominations and two regional Emmy awards and an honorable mention from the New York Art Directors Club.

Pastor Jef believes in empowering the ministry of every friend and member of our congregation, which he fosters through his preaching and pastoral ministry. He actively supports religious education and anticipates a good working relationship with DRE Tracy Breneman. Both leaders believe that supporting parents and their children as they seek moral and spiritual growth is a vital role of our spiritual community.

Pastor Jef and his wife, Patricia Wallendjack live in Staten Island; they have two children and two grandsons.

The Committee on Ministry

The COM is an active part of our Fellowship. The minister works with the COM and the COM works with the minister, the Board and the Congregation for the benefit of all. The purpose of the COM is to make sure the Fellowship is following it's vision as well as possible, which includes our various ministries, service commitments,difficult issues that might arise within the congregation and helps maintain the ebb and flow of our committees, and programs. The COM meets once a month on the third Monday of each month and is responsible for at least one Town Meeting a year