MASSENA — Emmanuel Congregational United Church of ChristEmmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ Pastor Judith A. Van Kennen is the New York State Women Inc. St. Lawrence County Chapter Woman of the Year. 

"She's always got a smile on her face. I don't know how she does it. We have fun. Church should be fun," Nola K. Martin said at a dinner Thursday to honor the Rev. Ms. Van Kennen. "Personally, I owe it to Judy for keeping us on the positive." 

In May 2007, Emmanuel Congregational United Church of Christ was struck by lightning and suffered extensive fire damage. As firefighters fought the blaze, the Rev. Ms. Van Kennen reinforced the thought that although their building was gone, they were still a church. 

"After that tragedy they had with their church, I was so struck with her positive remarks in the paper," 1990 Woman of the Year Sandra Smith said. "Thank you for being so positive in this community during that tragedy." 

The pastor also led the rebuilding effort, and the church will be formally dedicated during a ceremony Dec. 12.