Pastor Ellen Lichtfuss is a 2021 graduate of United Lutheran Seminary where she received a Master of Divinity degree in Word and Sacrament. Prior to her ordination in January 2022, she served one year as a vicar-pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Broadway in Hanover, Pennsylvania. After ordination, she served nine months as a visitation pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Westminster, Maryland, and 17 months as a pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Parish (five congregations) in Carroll County.

She resides in Westminster with her husband Robert Lichtfuss. They have two grown daughters, Madeline (30) and Grace (22).

 Pastor Ellen enjoys playing pickleball (sometimes with her husband), riding her bike, gardening, spending time with family, reading, playing board games, hiking, walking, and just being outside delighting in God's creation.

Prior to ordained ministry, Pastor Ellen worked in higher education as an overseas study advisor, international programs coordinator, and publications editor; served Lutheran congregations in administrative roles; and worked in marketing architectural and engineering services.

 She is a graduate of Randolph-Macon College (1985) and McDonogh School (1981).

 Her heart for ministry is in serving the elderly, homebound, hospitalized, and those in our communities who are struggling to live.

Drew is originally from Virginia, where he grew up going to a Baptist church where his mother was the organist and she began his piano instruction. Later in life he benefited from further instruction and continued to learn to play the piano and organ for church services. In the 1990s he began more substituting for organists at other churches in Lutheran and Methodist churches in Maryland, and he became a substitute organist at St. John in the late 1990s. After serving for extended periods as a substitute at St. John, he decided to accept the offer from St. John in 2015 to become the full time Director of Music. As Director of Music, he plays the organ and leads and accompanies the choir at all services. He works with the Worship committee to schedule music at services. Drew holds Bachelor and Masters’ degrees in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech and the University of Missouri. He is currently retired and enjoys puzzles, cooking, and watching Hokies football on the couch with his pug, Dewey.

Kimberly Fordyce is a proud mom of seven and one stepdaughter, a devoted wife to her husband, Keith, and someone who believes that life is meant to be lived with faith, family, love, and plenty of laughter—even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Living in Brooklyn Park, Kimberly embraces the beautiful, sometimes wonderfully chaotic, adventure of family life. She enjoys discovering new places, trying local restaurants, planning her next travel adventure, and creating memories with the people she loves. Her passion for travel comes from her curiosity and her desire to experience the beauty of God’s creation wherever life takes her.

Faith is at the center of Kimberly’s life. She has a genuine heart for people and believes in making others feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her home is often a gathering place filled with good food, meaningful conversations, laughter, and an open door for anyone who needs a listening ear or a home-cooked meal.

Kimberly is passionate about serving the Church, strengthening her community, and finding ways to make a difference in the lives of others. She believes that some of life’s greatest blessings are found in the simple moments—sharing a meal, encouraging a friend, serving others, traveling somewhere new, or simply enjoying time with family.

With a joyful spirit, a generous heart, and a love for adventure, Kimberly strives to make every moment count and to live each day with gratitude, purpose, and faith.

Deacon Michael McFarland was set apart in 2017, and is affiliated with the Order of St. Stephen, Deacon (OSSD). Michael serves on the Church Council and has a master’s degree in professional administration, from Duquesne University, and works as a Process Improvement Specialist with a Project Management Professional certification. Michael is married and enjoys golf and is an avid Ravens and Orioles fan.