The Rev. Dr. Lois Martin-- Interim Pastor
Reverend Martin comes to us with Advanced Certification in Intentional Interim Ministry and with experience as an Interim Pastor at four churches. She is rostered in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has served in the Northern Association of the United Church of Christ as Interim Pastor at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ in Lock Haven. Her educational background includes two Master’s Degrees from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, one being her Master’s of Divinity degree and the other a Master’s Degree in Church Music from Colgate’s Eastman School of Music. She received her Doctor of Ministry from the Lutheran Theological Seminary Philadelphia, focusing specifically on Spiritual Care. In addition, she has completed the Spiritual Direction Program of the Shalem Institute of Spiritual Formation, whose mission is to nurture contemplative living and leadership. She is very active in her wider church and ecumenical community and continues to serve in several leadership roles in both the Lutheran local Synod and the national Evangelical Lutheran Church of America based in Chicago. She can be contacted via e-mail at revlmartin@comcast.net.
Karen Gilmore -- Church Secretary
Karen Gilmore has worked as an Administrative Assistant and Publications Specialist in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and is now happily settled in State College with her husband Steve and two dogs. She enjoys working with people and putting together the weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters. She is a very gracious and caring presence in our church office.
Jacki Hunt -- Choir Director
Jacki and her husband, Bob, are longtime residents of State College and work fulltime in the real estate business. However, aside from those interests and skills, Jacki is also a wonderful musician, with talents in the directing of choirs and of singing. She has served Faith Church as our part-time Choir Director for over 25 years. In the meantime, she enjoys occasional cabaret singing as well as being the vocalist for a local band. She is a delightful person, a devoted member of our congregation, and a well-respected choir director. We appreciate her service to the church.
Mark Harries-- Church Organist
Mark Harries grew up in a family where organ music was played and appreciated. So he began playing while still young, and when he went to the University of Kansas, he majored in Organ with an emphasis on Church Music. Continuing on, he earned a Master of Music with an emphasis on Choral Conducting. He and his wife Anne live in State College and enjoy the many cultural benefits of a university town. Mark also works as a Reference Assistant at two Penn State libraries, and serves as Dean of the State College chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
Julia Kiefer -- Organist Emerita
Julia Kiefer, married to Pete Kiefer who recently retired from Penn State, is actually educated as a scientist. That is evident from her continued interest in scientific discoveries and ways of looking at the world. But we at Faith Church know her best for her wonderful musical talents and devotion to serving God here as our organist for 25 years. Julia is retired now and enjoying more time with family and hobbies. When she retired in June, 2008, the congregation conferred on her the title of "Organist Emerita," recognizing her many years of service here. We continue to enjoy Julia's presence in worship and occasional times when she serves as substitute organist.
Barbara Chellman -- Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary
Barb Chellman serves as Church Treasurer and Financial Secretary of the church. She comes well prepared for that job having worked with her husband Alva for many years in a clock and watch repair business. She and Alva happily reside near Stormstown with her parents, one of her sons, a daughter-in-law and three wonderful grandchildren close by. Her hobbies include playing the piano, playing the organ, singing, and gardening.
Cindy Neidigh -- Church School Coordinator
Cindy Neidigh and her family live in Boalsburg where the children enjoy a very active life of girl scouts, singing, football, and other community activities. Cindy and Kirk are members of Faith Church. And after serving as a volunteer teacher in our Church School program for a few years, Cindy accepted the position as Church School Coordinator, a ten hour per week position, with responsibilities for our Church School program and program development for children and youth. Cindy enjoys her work with the teachers and children, and we definitely appreciate her work on our behalf.
Scott Luzier -- Church Custodian
Scott Luzier lives in Spring Mills with his wife and son. He enjoys football and fishing. He also enjoys worshipping and helping out at his church, the New Hope Lutheran Church. He works here at Faith UCC part-time on Mondays and Saturdays.