The Rev. Dr. Thomas
P. Williamsen |
Tom
Williamsen is a second generation Lutheran Pastor.
His father served both in the parish and in the military.
Consequently PT (Pastor Tom) moved frequently. This
helped shape his world view and his theology. He thinks
globally and has a deep respect for the opinions of
Christians throughout the world. He
was educated at Concordia College, Luther Seminary
and Wesley
Theological Seminary at American University where
he earned his doctorate. He has served parishes
in the inner city of Baltimore and has been at
Gloria Dei! since June of 1981 when he knocked
on his first door.
He
has written two books, and is a frequent speaker
and retreat leader
in the area of spirituality. An avid golfer, skier,
and runner the congregation has learned to put
up with his many injuries.
He
is married to Faye who works for Anne Arundel County
Public Schools the area of technology and staff
development. Both of their children live in Minnesota.
Kaaren runs the gender studies program at Carlton
College and Erik is a lawyer working with Legal
Aid of Central Minnesota.
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The Rev. Ana Langerak
Missionary to
Costa Rica
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Pastor
Ana was born in The Netherlands and has lived,
studied and served the church in the United States,
Latin America and Europe. After graduating from
Buffalo State College, she accepted a teaching
position in Costa Rica, was married there and made
that country her home for many years. She helped
found the Costa Rican Lutheran Church and, in 1990,
was ordained to its pastoral ministry by Bishop
Medardo Gomez.
Pastor
Ana directed theological training programs for
women, pastors, lay evangelists and Bible teachers
through the Latin American Center for Pastoral
Studies. She shared her passion for mission and
dialogue in her work with the World Council of
Churches. She did her theological studies in Central
America and Brazil, and she and her family served
as missionaries in Nicaragua.
Pastor
Ana has three adult children - Maria Antonieta,
Guillermo (Tino), and Olga - who share her love
for world music, ethnic foods and volcano trekking.
Pastor Ana is presently serving as a missionary to Costa Rica.
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Debbie
Greene
Music Director |
Debbie Greene, Director
of Music, is an accomplished pianist, organist and
vocalist. She is a charter member of Gloria Dei! but
began her early music training as a student of Mrs.
Dorothy Webster at St. John’s Lutheran Church
in Linthicum. At an early age she played for chapel
and church services developing a love of church music.
By age 16 she was the organist at Asbury United Methodist
Church, Arnold. From 1975-1979 Debbie was the Assistant
Organist at the United States Naval Academy. There
she played three church services, directed the Catholic
Folk Mass, and worked with the midshipmen on their
yearly musicals. After moving to Connecticut, Debbie
was an eighth grade English and Social Studies teacher
for 13 years. She also served as Organist at the Road
Church in Stonington, Connecticut. Following several
additional moves with her Navy husband, Brent, she
returned to Maryland and Gloria Dei! in 1992. Since
that time she has been involved in many aspects of
the music program. Currently she plays Sunday morning
worship services , directs the Cherub, Children’s
and Youth Choirs, provides special music worship services
with Pastor Tom, coordinates the Concert Series and
provides support as needed to the other dedicated directors
and groups in the music department.
Debbie
holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University
of Maryland and a Master of Education Degree from
Eastern Connecticut State University. She has also
taken graduate courses at Westminster Choir College
in music and conducting. She is grateful for the
opportunity to serve God through her music at Gloria
Dei!
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Heather McHugh
Parish Administrator |
Heather McHugh is originally from San Francisco, California where she graduated from college. Pursuing an advertising career, she moved to Chicago where she received her MBA. Deciding, instead, to open a business, Heather opened and operated Lake Forest Music Company for seven years.
Heather married in 1993 and sold the business. Deciding to return to California with her husband, they relocated to Novato, CA where Heather had her two children, Briana (11) and Kelly (10).
Heather moved to Maryland to be near her parents with her two girls after her divorce. She became a literary agent prior to joining us here at Gloria Dei!
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