A native of South Carolina, Pastor Kern grew up there and graduated from Erskine College, Due West, SC and the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Drew University, Madison, NJ. Ordained in 1979, he has served St. Marks, Isle of Palms, SC; Prince of Peace, Largo, FL; St. Mark, Dunedin, FL; Assistant to the Bishop, Florida-Bahamas Synod; and St. John, Winter Park, FL. He and his wife Jackie have two children; a son, The Rev. Travis E. Kern and his wife Heidi and daughter Hannah; and, a daughter, Kimberly, a graphic designer and aerialist in Sanford, FL. 

I like to laugh often and work hard. I believe in planning ahead and learning from the past. It's important to keep a clear vision and not lose track of the small things. Let us relish celebrations and honor times of sorrow. God is calling us into our future – there is always work to do in the kingdom – and Jesus is waiting expectantly for us all.

The Reverend Gigie Sijera-Grant began her call as Associate Pastor of First Lutheran in October of 2002. She is originally from the Philippines and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from Far Eastern University in Manila. A graduate of the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, she participated in the Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) Program and interned at First Lutheran. Pastor Grant was ordained in November 2002 at Christ Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD. She enjoys traveling, meeting people from diverse cultures, dancing, writing, and reading. Her husband Bruce is a cultural anthropologist and they have two sons, Brian and Jason.

Tom Leeseberg-Lange began his call as Director of Music Ministry at First Lutheran in January of 1999. Prior to coming to First Lutheran he was Minister of Worship and Music at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN. He has a Master of Music degree from Valparaiso University where he studied organ with Martin Jean. He served as Administrator for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and was editor of the ALCM journal, CrossAccent, from 1997 - 1999. His special interest is hymnody and he is a frequent collaborator with Jaroslav Vajda; two of these hymntunes have been enthusiastically reviewed in the Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians. His wife, BettyAnn, is a professional actor, vocal coach, and dialect specialist.

Tracey Conrad is First's "first" Director of Children's Education. Tracey graduated from Florida State University with a Master’s degree in Education. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Delaware with a double major in Sociology and History. She has lived and taught elementary students through college level in various parts of the country while her husband was in the Marine Corps. She is happy to be settled down in Ellicott City with her husband and two young children. Tracey is excited about working with the families and staff of First Lutheran to make Children’s Education a fun, loving and joyful experience.

Tony Magturo comes to us with a wealth of experience in youth ministry throughout the Delaware-Maryland and Metro-DC Synods. In addition, he is involved in the Lutheran Youth Organization of our synod (six youth from First Lutheran are members of LYO) and he is a member of the planning team for the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans next summer. He is working with us half-time as budgets allow. Initially he will be with us on Sunday’s and Tuesday’s; with our newly-energized Youth Committee. Tony is charged with establishing our middle and high school youth ministry program.

Jenny James joined the staff as Director of Christian Education in April of 2005. In 2010, after leading the Preschool Taskforce and opening First Lutheran Preschool in 2008, Jenny became the full time Preschool Director. Her experiences include teaching preschool, training child care providers, managing training programs for a work/life company, and advocating for children and families. She studied Early Childhood Development at De Anza College in California and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of Maryland, University College. She and her husband Tom have two sons.

Phyllis Lott, Administrative Assistant, publishes the weekly bulletin and parish notices, edits the Messenger (monthly newsletter), maintains the church archives and assists the treasurer in financial management.