The Rev. Dr. Thomas P. Williamsen
Pastor
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.
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!
Jordan Markum
Assistant Music Director
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!