About me

I am a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, Lutheran Pastor, and servant of God.

I grew up in Vermont and since then I spent time studying at Luther College in Decorah, IA. I left because I did not know where I wanted to go with my life. I ended up taking a”year off” and I was a retreat specialist at a Lutheran Camp in Freedom, NH. The one year turned into three years. After three years at one of my favorite places in the world I knew that I was being called to ministry work but I was not sure if I was being called to be a pastor. I felt called to urban ministry even though I never had any experience working in the city. I did a nationwide search for a church to work at, I wanted to work with youth and or music. I found a church in Reading, PA that was looking for a Youth Director. I took that job for “just a year” while I was finishing my degree online through Conordia University.

That one year turned into two years (funny how that happens).
In May of 2003 I finally finished my BA in youth development. Then in the fall of 2004 – after getting married and having a child I entered seminary.

While in seminary I have worked as a part time youth director for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Southampton, PA and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Telford, PA. I served as a Vicar, for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Red Hill, PA. I also witnessed the birth of my second child.

I am now the Pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Baldwinsville, NY.

That is my life in a nutshell — I am also a big New England Patriots fan. I enjoy watching the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics. I play seven different instruments. Currently my major instrument is the guitar.

I have a cat named Emma, a cat named Luther and a dog named Jewels.

I know I am not the greatest writer, I hope through this process I can become a better writer — but I do love stories, I love telling them and hearing them. Feel free to stop by and tell me a story or read one of mine.

Why Lutheran Grilled Cheese?

First why Lutheran?

I have been a Lutheran my whole life. I was baptized at a Lutheran Church in Danville, PA. I grew up going to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rutland, Vermont. I attended Camp Calumet — a Lutheran Camp and I even went to Luther College in Decorah, IA.

There was a time in college when I challenged my Lutheran beliefs. I did not know if I continued in the Lutheran Church because I was comfortable or because it was safe and familiar. I decided (through much prayer and discernment) that I do love Lutheran theology and the Lutheran church (even though it does have its flaws)

Second Why Grilled Cheese?

Who doesn’t love grilled cheese? When I think of comfort food I think of something that has cheese in it. I think of something that is simple to make and something that most anyone can love. When I think of comfort food I think of Grilled Cheese.

Grilled Cheese also connects me to Camp Calumet.

Calumet is a Lutheran camp in Freedom, NH. It is a big part of my life and my call to ministry.

One of the traditions at Calumet is to have Grilled Cheese, tomato soup and tator tots on Monday’s for Lunch. Let’s just say that is one things EVERYONE looks forward too. There have been many Grilled Cheese eating contests over the years and I hope they continue.

Why is Calumet so special?

It feels like only yesterday that my parents were taking me to the pool when I was eight years old and they asked if I would like to go to sleepover camp in New Hampshire. They said it was a place called Calumet. I cannot remember thinking that this was going to be a big deal. I said yes and my brother said yes and that was the start of what I would like to think is a beautiful relationship.

I knew after my first year that I wanted to go back again and again. I brought friends alone with me to have them experience the same thing I did. They thought it was fun but they did not feel the same way I did.

I remember sitting on the platform of Boys Tent three with my counselor. We each had our guitars and we were jamming away. It was more him playing and me in awe of what he could do but we still had a good time (at least I did).

Another fond memory as a camper was playing double dare during a wide game. All I really remember is that it was fun and it made me want to come back.

Calumet has been one of the places where I have never felt like I needed to be someone or act a certain way.

Over the years I have worked on the summer staff (10 summers) and the year round staff (three years).

As an Official seminary graduate the first place that I preached was at Calumet. It was a very special time for me because in many ways that is where I first felt the call to go into ordained ministry.

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