Pastors and Staff

Pastor Dennis Lawton

Pastor Dennis is in his fifth year at Coraopolis and his 30th year of preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry in the Church.  Having studied in Chicago, Washington DC, and Belfast Northern Ireland and served appointments in Washington DC, Western Pennsylvania, and Donegal Ireland, Dennis has experienced ministry in a wide variety of settings.  In the same manner that he has received welcome many places, he offers hospitality and welcome, inviting others to experience a deeper connection of faith among the community of fellow-travelers who follow Jesus.

Dennis and Doreen met in Belfast and were married in her home church in Tipperary, Ireland.  They have two grown children, Devon and Owen, and a Yorkie named Reilley.  Dennis enjoys reading, DIY projects, and distance cycling.

Bryan Sable

Bryan Sable, Music Director, graduated cum laude with a BA in Music Education from West Liberty State College where he studied piano with David Zapka and composition with Dr. Kenneth Mahy. Sable also holds a M.Ed. in Administration, K-12, from California University of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Professional Core of The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh for four years, and served as Assistant Conductor of the Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh for five years. Sable is an active recitalist and guest conductor in South Western PA, Northern WV, and Eastern Ohio.

Sable serves as a faculty member at City Charter High School, a highly successful urban charter school in the Cultural District of downtown Pittsburgh. There, he teaches Introduction to Music, World Music Drumming, Guitar, Piano, and Chorus. Prior to working at City Charter High School, he served Ohio County Schools in Wheeling, WV, as an elementary and middle school music teacher at Wheeling Middle School, Steenrod Elementary School, and West Liberty Elementary School.

Bryan is Vice President of Voces Solis Pittsburgh's premier vocal chamber ensemble. He has been a featured bass soloist with Voces Solis, and serves as one of the co-conductors of the group.

Sable has served as Music Director at Christ United Methodist Church, Wheeling, and as Music Assistant at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Mt. Lebanon, where he conducted the Bell Choir, Youth Praise Band, and the Canterbury Choir. Bryan was a finalist in the 2014 University of Michigan Organ Improvisation competition, and is so happy to be serving Coraopolis United Methodist Church!

Ethel Lentsch

Ethel is in her third year as church secretary here at CUMC. Originally from Frostburg, Maryland, she spent 40 years living in Colorado before eventually settling in the Pittsburgh area. She has 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren! In addition to being secretary, she loves sewing, quilting, reading, and most importantly - making people smile.