Staff and Leadership
The Rev. David R. Piscatelli was appointed as Pastor to First United Methodist Church Stamford on July 1, 2023. Pastor David is a second career pastor, leaving corporate life to heed a call to ministry in 2003. He is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky, where he earned his Masters of Divinity. He was commissioned in 2006 and ordained in 2009.
Post seminary, Pastor David was appointed to Faith United Methodist Church in North Haven, CT where he revitalized the church by starting several new ministries. In 2014, Pastor David was appointed to Nichols United Methodist Church in Trumbull, CT where he led the rebuilding of a declining giving base while balancing the need to invest in ministry programs with strong financial discipline.
He has also served in many other arenas including, Approved Ministry Supervisor (Yale Divinity School), Chair, NYAC Board of Pension and Health Benefits; Greater Bridgeport Cooperative Parish Coordinator, and an Associated Certified Coach, International Coaching Federation.
Pastor David and his wife Holly have two adult children
Music Director
Gabe Shuford has served as Music Director of FUMC for over 10 years, overseeing our 4 music programs: Chancel Choir, Festival Choir, Bell Choir, and Children’s Choir. He is also a freelance musician based in NYC. His educational background includes a Doctorate in Harpsichord Performance from Stony Brook University and a specialization in the performance of Baroque Music. Gabe excels at playing in many styles, such as jazz, blues, and pop. He also enjoys performing often with his wife Erin Hall, a cellist, singer, and songwriter.