Our Minister

Rev Michelle Allen 

Michelle was born in Texas and raised outside of Philadelphia and in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. When she started college, she moved to Youngstown, NY with her parents and lived there for more than twenty years, until her recent move to Avon.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Michelle was very active in youth group as a teenager, and began volunteering in youth ministry as an undergraduate student at Niagara University. After graduating and getting married, she focused on raising her two sons and volunteering in ministry to children and youth. In 2010, Michelle joined the staff of First Presbyterian Church in Youngstown, NY,  running a school-age after school program. A year later, she became the Director of Youth Ministries there, and in 2016, took on all responsibilities for the Youth and Children’s programs.

A recent graduate of seminary at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, Michelle gained additional experience by preaching regularly and providing pastoral care to families at Youngstown Presbyterian.

In Rev Michelle’s Words ….. “I have found that walking with individuals on their unique faith journeys, listening to them, and praying with them, is one of the most rewarding aspects of congregational ministry. As we strive to follow the example of Jesus Christ and his disciples, I believe it is vitally important to foster a community that is loving and welcoming to all. We do that through worshiping together, Bible study and Christian education, fun fellowship, and dedicated, humble service to the world beyond the church’s doors. God has been so faithful and I look forward to new opportunities of servant leadership in which we “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8) as we share the Good News: that Jesus is Lord, and God’s law is LOVE.”