ABOUT US

The ELCA confesses the Triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In our preaching and teaching the ELCA trusts the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe.

TRINITY’S STAFF:

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Pastor Ruth Jensen

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Pastor Ruth was raised in Minnesota and Wisconsin – and yes, she is a Packers fan. She completed her undergraduate study at Carthage College (ELCA) in Kenosha, Wisconsin graduating summa cum laude with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Religion/Religious Studies and Church Music. She was rostered in the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) as a Lay Professional Leader (ELCA Associate in Ministry) in 1984 and served congregations in the Greater Milwaukee Synod and Allegheny Synod during the first 24 years of her ministry.

In 2006 she earned a Master of Arts degree in Children, Youth & Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota followed by her Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (now United Lutheran Seminary) in 2009. She was ordained into Word & Sacrament ministry in 2010. She has previously served Grace Lutheran State College and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Windber. We are blessed to have her join us at Trinity, Somerset!

Pastor Ruth’s vision is that all people will know and personally experience the love of God. She feels called to reach out to the lost, anxious, conflicted, broken, shame-filled, abandoned, and marginalized people in our families, neighborhoods, and communities. Why? First, because God’s grace is for the world, and second, because God has carried her each time she has felt lost, anxious, conflicted, broken, shame-filled, or abandoned. Who better to bear witness to the forgiveness, grace, mercy, and reconciling love of our extravagantly loving God?! Pastor Ruth feels privileged and is passionate about pointing people in the direction of the cross and sharing their joy at being named, claimed, and loved by Jesus Christ and woven into the community that bears his name. She holds a strong, non-negotiable bottom line: Jesus Christ crucified, yet is respectful and accepting of others who may not (or do not yet) share this core conviction.

Nicholas Carroll

Director of Music

graduated from Seton Hill University with a Bachelor of Art in Music. Nicholas is a pianist/organist and composer and has written a liturgy and many other pieces for Trinity’s worship. He operates Nicholas Carroll Piano Studio, on Main St. in Somerset. At Trinity, he plans the liturgical service order for worship, directs the TLC Choir, the Handbell Choir (Wittenberg Bells), music for children and leads the congregation in worship at the organ and the piano. He has particular gifts in improvisation. Nicholas maintains Trinity’s website and Facebook presence as well as other media. Nicholas also leads the Adult Sunday School class periodically.

Ann Voytish

Office Manager

is in the office during office hours throughout the week. Ann is responsible for the business operations of the congregation; she is the keeper of all records and the resource manager of all supplies, computers, information, and communications.

Darlene Schafer

Part-time Secretary

can be found in the office about 20 hours per week, normally on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She is responsible for various lists of volunteers and the production of our weekly bulletins.

Douglas Fanale

Sexton

keeps us warm, dry and everything clean! He also serves as a Volunteer Fireman.

Frank Kyle

Part-time Sexton

is largely responsible for the property and the buildings on the weekends and overnights

Jody Jurgevich

Director of Child Care and Learning Center

graduated from Harding University with a bachelors in early childhood and a minor in special education. She has had experience teaching in the preschool setting and as a substitute teacher. If you have any questions about our program please stop in and see her.