STJLCThurmont
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About Us

For over 250 years God has provided a community of faith called St. John's Lutheran Church (STJLC) in Thurmont, Maryland. On the shoulders of the saints who have answered God's call, the current worshipping community at STJLC continues to gather - seeking to do God's will and praising God's name as it celebrates its rich history, looks to the future and says, "We are Loved by God... to Love Others."

Our Pastor

Pastor Joe Herb has been serving St. John's Lutheran Church since September 1, 2020, first as a vicar and now as an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament. Pastor Joe grew up in Baltimore, Md and in 2009 moved to Eldersburg, Md and lives with his wife Linda and Harley – The Wonder Dog.

He studied Communications Arts Technology as an undergrad and has a passion for communicating through graphic design, photography and writing. Pastor Joe graduated from United Lutheran Seminary with a Masters in Divinity Degree, was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in May 2023 and is assigned to the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Pastor Joe was a Youth and Family Minister for over 20 years in various churches and the parachurch youth organization Youth For Christ (YFC) where he ministered to unchurched high school students. Before enrolling in seminary, he was a Pastoral Assistant at his home church Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Eldersburg, Md.