Augustus’ Staff

The Reverend G. Warren Weleck
Senior Pastor
Pastor Weleck was called to Augustus in 2010. He leads the overall mission of the parish and supervises the staff. He focuses his ministry on preaching, worship, and administration, and shares teaching and pastoral care duties with other staff members. Pastor Weleck has had a diverse academic experience. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Stevens Institute of Technology, a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, and a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Financial Management from the Fox School of Business of Temple University.
 
The Reverend Thomas T. Kochenderfer
Associate and Visitation Pastor
Pastor Kochenderfer (often called Pastor K) retired from fulltime parish ministry a number of years ago and has responsibility for regularly visiting the sick and shut-in members of the parish. His ministry of Pastoral Care is much appreciated by our members. Pastor Kochenderfer is a graduate of Muhlenberg College and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.
 

Sonya Sowards

Director of Christian Education

Sonya has worked in Christian Education for many years, both as a volunteer and as paid staff in churches in Virginia and Florida.  She was also an adjunct religion instructor at a Florida university.  Sonya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from St. Leo University and a Masters of Arts in Christian Education from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia.  Sonya and her husband, The Rev. Mike Sowards, moved to Pennsylvania when he was called as Rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Collegeville/Evansburg. They have a daughter who followed them to Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters, and a son in Florida who hasn't (yet) been persuaded to move his wife and children north.

Laurie Mueller
Director of Music/ Organist
Laurie has responsibility for the music ministry at Augustus. She is the organist for all services and directs the Adult Vocal Choir, the Handbell Choir, and our regular music concerts. Our members and friends often comment on how much they enjoy her engaging accompaniment of the liturgy and hymns. Laurie holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Lebanon Valley College, a Master of Arts in Religion (Christian Education) from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, a Colleague Certificate from the American Guild of Organists, and a Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate (Mathematics, grades 7-12).

Karen McClain
Parish Administrator
Karen keeps the administration of Augustus on task. She is the first person most people encounter at Augustus during the work week. Karen also maintains our Facebook page. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Ithaca College.