Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Arnold Pastor Tom, Emeritus

Rev. Dr. Thomas Williamsen

Pastor Emeritus

In 2016, we held special worship services to celebrate the lifetime ministry of retired Pastor Thomas P. Williamsen. At that time, we were honored to give him the title of Pastor Emeritus, in keeping with the long standing traditions set by the Evengelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Tom faithfully, effectively and lovingly served Gloria Dei! Lutheran Church for over 33 years.

Gloria Dei Staff, Kerry

Kerry Heyes

Director of Music

Kerry has a vast creative background working in graphic design and directing choirs for adults and children. In her free time, Kerry volunteers at Anne Arundel Medical Center and sews for the Annapolis Quilt Guild. A longtime Annapolis resident, Kerry is delighted and honored to serve so close to home as Music Director for the members of Gloria Dei!

Gloria Dei Staff, Cathy

Cathy Hatch

Parish Administrator

With her background in retail management and administration, Cathy keeps our office running like a well-oiled machine. Cathy came to work with us after being a longtime church member. When not working, Cathy keeps busy attending her sons’ sporting events and relaxing on the bay with friends.

Gloria Dei Staff, Pastor Shawn

Along the path that led to Gloria Dei! in 2014, Pastor Shawn served as a Sabbatical Pastor in both Bowie, MD and Annandale, VA. He spent seven years as co-pastor for Baudette Lutheran Parish on the Minnesota/Canada border, the area where he was also raised.

Pastor Shawn graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and a Master of Divinity Degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He was ordained to Word and Sacrament Ministry in 2003, then was the Secretary to the Bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod in St. Paul, MN, and the Minister of Music and Education in Mendota Heights, MN.

In the Bay Hills area, less than two miles from Gloria Dei!, Pastor Shawn lives with his husband, Mo Goff, their dog and cat. He and Mo (a seminary student at United Lutheran Seminary) have a daughter who lives in Washington, DC and a son who lives in Fairfax, VA. Meet Pastor Shawn’s family with the article link below.

Pastor Shawn fills out his Sabbath times walking, kayaking, biking, singing and watching British crime dramas. And, you just might bump into him at O’Loughlin’s Restaurant & Tavern on Friday nights!

Please feel free to contact Pastor Shawn for prayer, conversation or any needs you may have.