Elders
Stephen Cahnmann
Stephen (BS, Ithaca; MBA, Columbia), was born in Maryland and moved to Manhattan in 1984. He’s been a Broadcast Technical Director; Cameraman, ABC; Affiliate Relations Director, CBS; and Network Distribution VP, FOX. Steve was Datacasting VP, Wavexpress; Digital Convergence Director, PBS; and Applications Development Manager for NYC’s first responder network, Northrop Grumman. Retired, 2016.
Steve joined MCOC in 1997, married in 1998, and became a father in 2005. Steve hosts the Midtown Small Group and Passover Seder; inaugurated the Men’s Retreats; and supports the Community of Hope and other ministries.
Steve loves the City and the mountains. He’s run eight NYC Marathons. Steve and his dog are a therapy team with Mount Sinai West hospital.
Steve loves the diversity of MCOC and is fascinated by the Jewish roots of the early Church. His favorite scriptures are Paul’s letters, and verse, Matthew 5-17.
Steve has served as an Elder since 2018.
Walter Edwards
Walter was born in Antigua, and came to New York in 1969 to attend Queens College. After completing Dental School, Walter was commissioned in the Army Dental Core, and served at Fort Benning, Georgia. After serving in the military for four years, Walter returned to New York to begin private practice in the Bronx. Walter has been practicing dentistry in New Rochelle since 1986.
Walter is married to Myriam and has three sons, Walter III, Daryle, and Keven. He has three granddaughters Jade, Amaya, and Haven. Walter has been a member of the Manhattan Church of Christ since 1994. His interests include photography and politics. Walter shapes his service to the congregation through the lens of Jesus in the Gospel of John, the instructions from Paul in Colossians, and the story of the Gospel in Hebrews. He counts the diversity and love of service as key strengths for the Manhattan Church of Christ.
Walter has served as an elder since 2018.
Mary Joseph
Mary Joseph grew up in Antigua and the Bronx. She is an assistant professor of Mental Health Nursing at Lehman College. Mary has thirteen siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. She has been a member of MCOC since 1980.
Mary facilitates our DivorceCare Support group and has been doing so since 1997.
Mary loves jazz/blues, poetry, and folklore stories as it relates to health and healing. She embraces theories and practices dealing with power as knowing participation in change and self-care, equipping others to do what they can to help themselves.
Her favorite parts of the Bible are Matt. 7:12, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you."; Book of Esther; Psalm 23.
Mary has served as an Elder since 2018.
Angel Reyes
Tom Robinson
Julie Short
Julie Short was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. She moved to NYC in 1979 to attend graduate school at NYU and has lived here ever since. Julie is a speech/language pathologist in private practice.
Julie has been a member of MCOC since 1979 and has coordinated the Annual Congregational Retreat for more than 25 years. She has also hosted an ongoing small group for 11 years in her apartment.
Julie is a fantastic cook with a love of the arts, theology, poetry, and music. She says, "I can't get enough of the power and challenge of the Sermon on the Mount, and as I read the letters of the NT, I see so many connections back to it."
Julie has served as an Elder since 2018.
Paul Stelzer
Paul was born in Minnesota, and raised in Nebraska. He came to New York in 1968 living in the city for all but six years ever since. Paul is a cardiac surgeon at Mount Sinai.
Paul enjoys singing and listening to classical music, making jigsaw puzzles, and reading. He enjoys traveling especially to Italy and loves spending time with the grandchildren especially at the beach.
He married Mary Delle the day after graduation from Abilene, and she has been his rock and inspiration ever since. His daughter, Stephanie is the amazing mother of three while working full time. She graduated cum laude from Yale and added an MBA many years later. His son, Stuart is a talented artist wtih BFA from SVA here in NYC. He is also a computer wizard and terrific uncle to Stephanie's kids.
Paul's primary focus has been on the worship ministry with participation in the Praise Team. He enjoys supporting fellowship activities and gatherings with Mary Delle, in their home. Paul appreciates the great blessing of the beautiful diversity of our church family. He never ceases to be amazed at the insights and deepening of understanding we gain each week from the sermons and classes.
Proverbs has been his favorite book since 1979. He says, "There are 31 chapters so I read one chapter every morning before I go to work. It is amazing how often there is a message there that serves me well that day. One of my favorites is Proverbs 20:24 Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way? (TLB)"
Paul has served as an elder since 1992.