The staff of Faith Lutheran empowers and equips the people of Faith
in the day to day ministries of the church.
Our Staff
Pastor Jes King
LEAD PASTOR
Pastor Jes began her call at Faith in November 2014 as the Pastor of Youth, Young Adult, and Family Ministry. January 2021 Pastor Jes' position changed to Lead Pastor at Faith.
Pastor Jes graduated from Wittenberg University in 2006 with a major in Religion and an Art minor and from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 2010 with a Master of Divinity. She was ordained in August of 2010 and served at Resurrection Lutheran in Madison, Indiana before coming to Faith.
Pastor Jes loves spending time with family and friends, expressing herself creatively, and snuggling with her cats Brutus and Margo.
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows of God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love." 1 John 4:7-8
Dena Deal
OFFICE MANAGER
Dena is a long time member of Faith, being confirmed in 1988 shortly after her family moved to Goshen. Dena joined the staff of Faith in 2018.
Dena and her husband Matt have adult children: Connor, married to Mackenzie and Carson who is married to McKenna . They spoil their four dogs. Dena enjoys any activity with her family and friends, wellness and sports, music, and especially likes to spend time outdoors.
Dena has an Organizational Leadership and Management degree from Bethel College. She brings previous experience in healthcare, education, elder care and working with individuals who are differently abled, specifically those on the autism spectrum.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
Joshua Tyson
WORSHIP MUSICIAN
Joshua joined the Faith staff in the fall of 2019. During the week Joshua is a music teacher in the Elkhart Community School District. He is a graduate of Goshen College with a degree in Music Education.
The Faith staff all agree that Joshua sings the best Birthday Song they have heard.
Michele Murto
HANDBELL CHOIR DIRECTOR &
SANCTUARY CHOIR DIRECTOR
Michele joined the Faith Staff in 2018 as our Music Director and has transitioned to being our Handbell Choir Director & Sanctuary Choir Director. She became a member of Faith when she and her husband, Richard, were married at First English, one of Faith's predecessor congregations in 1978. Together they have two grown children, William and Sarah.
Michele graduated from Goshen College with a BA in Music Education in 1977. However, she spent 32 years as a Probation Officer at a local Court in Goshen before retiring in 2012.
She is a chartered member of the Lake Area Community Band and has the honors of playing first chair clarinet with the band. Michele also plays with the Grace College Community Wind Ensemble and is currently the Concertmaster for the band.
"Oh sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvelous things." Psalm 98:1a