Jerry grew up in the Roman Catholic faith but became United Methodist due to the positive influence of his older brother-in-law, Rev. Truman Brooks- Senior Pastor at West Chester UMC. He graduated from Temple University in 1988 and then from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer) in 1991. Jerry has served in the Eastern PA Conference since 1990 when he was appointed to Morrisville UMC as associate pastor. In 1993, he was appointed to Salem UMC in Manheim as associate pastor. His longest pastorate took place at Prospect UMC from 1997 to 2006. Under his leadership, he introduced multimedia worship to the congregation and helped them develop a mission and vision statement based on the acronym; HOPE (Hospitality, Outreach, Praise, Education). Jerry has also received additional training in the areas of conflict management, emerging church, equipping church, interim ministry, clergy coaching, and preaching to a post-modern world. In 2006, he was appointed as senior pastor at Lincoln Park UMC near Reading. In 2011, Jerry was appointed as Senior Pastor to Lititz UMC where he is currently helping the church explore and adapt to what is means to be a viable church in a post-Covid culture. Jerry is married to Karen and they have two teenage daughters, Katherine (age 17) and Marguerite (“Mei-Mei”)( age 17). In his spare time, Jerry likes to travel to the beach and mountains, spend time with his family, and collect various sports memorabilia. He also volunteers his time as police chaplain for the Lititz Police Department as well as managing the Warwick High School ice hockey team.
Megan is the Multimedia Director at Lititz United Methodist Church. She oversees the church’s multimedia operations including sound, lights, visual presentations and live streaming of services. She received a BS from Bridgewater State University with a degree in Psychology. Megan grew up in Columbia, Maryland but spent much of her adult life in Massachusetts. She moved from coastal Delaware to Pennsylvania in 2023 with her daughter Charlotte, planting roots in Ephrata. When Megan is not working, she’s often found adventuring Lancaster County and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s hiking to a hidden waterfall, enjoying a new restaurant or taking Charlotte to one of her many extra-curriculars, she’s always on the go. Megan also volunteers her time with the Junior Achievement program of South Central PA. This is a volunteer-based organization that covers work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship to K-12 students. Megan has embraced a life of constant curiosity, continued learning and spiritual growth.
Eric has served as Contemporary Worship Leader at Lititz UMC for over a decade. He is a guitar player and singer with the Lititz UMC band “Awakened”. He is also a songwriter and has recorded several albums. When asked about what he does, Eric simply states, “My job is to point people toward Jesus Christ and to reflect His glory. His Grace is everywhere.”
Eric is a graduate of Torchbearer International Bible School at Ravencrest Chalet, Estes Park, Colorado; and of Millersville University. He was born and raised in Lancaster County and currently lives in Manheim, PA with his wife Christy and their three children: Molly, Katelyn and Landon.
Kent is the music director at Lititz UMC. He joined the staff in March 2023. His primary responsibilities include directing the chancel choir, accompanying for the traditional service, and scheduling special music for the traditional service. Kent also works full-time as a choir director and music teacher at the Milton Hershey School. He has served many local congregations as a director of music.
Kent lives in Manheim with his wife Lauren and five kids. When he is not working, he enjoys running, hanging out with his family and friends, and trying new restaurants.
Patti is an administrator in the church office; her main duties as Facilities & Events Manager include overseeing the care and maintenance of the building, scheduling building use, and overseeing the day to day operations at the church. She has worked for the church for over 20 years and enjoys coming to work each day. Patti attributes her enthusiasm for work to her belief that whatever work we do, we should do as if working for the Lord.
When not working in the office, Patti enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 8 grandchildren. She loves to be a part of their lives and support their interests. She also enjoys taking a daily walk and enjoying God's creation.
Denise is the Children & Youth Ministries Director and Bookkeeper at Lititz UMC. She joined the LUMC team in May 2018 as Bookkeeper and added her role as Youth Ministries Director in August 2021. Denise obtained a BS from SUNY Binghamton and an MBA from Phoenix University. She appreciates the contrast of her two positions and finds great joy in serving God in those ways. Her outside volunteer positions include president of the board for Neffsville Christian Preschool, president of the United Women in Faith at Long Memorial UMC, and teaching youth Sunday school. She resides in Lancaster, where she enjoys kayaking, lots of books, and bike riding with her husband and two daughters.
Katie is the Church Secretary at Lititz UMC. She filled this role from 2018-2022 and was welcomed back with open arms in 2023. If you ask her a question, she will do everything possible to get you an answer. When she's not working, she enjoys supporting local businesses, going to auctions, hiking, and spending time with her family on the Juniata River in the summer.
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