Our Pastors
The Reverend John Gropp
While attending Slippery Rock University, I met my wife, Colleen, whom I married during my second year at Gettysburg Seminary, where I actively participated in the Luther House of Studies, taking courses in many of the Washington D.C. area and other schools of theology. Following our marriage in March of 1974, we began a 2-year concurrent internship in the Armstrong, Indiana, and Jefferson county’s (AIJ Town and Country Cooperative Ministry). During the internship, I commuted to Washington D.C. one day a week to attend courses there and complete my academic studies while serving the parishes of AIJ (At one time there were 21 parishes in AIJ from Avonmore near Apollo, to Brookville, and Dubois, to Brush Valley and Coral near Blairsville, just to mention the outside perimeter of the area served). In case some think what we are doing in PLUM is tough or crazy, many of the congregations we served in AIJ have stabilized their ministries and are still faithfully serving their communities today.
412-680-7867
Rev.John.Gropp@plumofpa.com
The Reverend Brenda Henry
I am the proud mother of two. My daughter, a graduate of LaSalle University (2019), resides in Philadelphia. My son is a graduate of Thiel College (2020). We relocated to Pittsburgh in 2004, from Michigan, and have made it our home. My younger sister, ‘my first’ child, also lives here in Pittsburgh.
My faith has been shaped through an ecumenical journey. Born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, I was baptized and confirmed as a Moravian. I spent my young adult years as a member of a UCC congregation in Lansing, Michigan. While living in Pittsburgh, I had been a Baptist, until April 2017, when I joined Hope Lutheran Church of Forest Hills. I have served as Sunday school teacher for youth and adults, Church Secretary and Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, choir member and council member.
My first vocation was social work, which I did for 20 years. I received both my undergraduate (1990) and Master of Social Work (1992) degrees from Michigan State University. I earned my Master of Divinity degree in 2017, from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. I served as an Intern with PLUM as part of my Lutheran training. I have come to appreciate how ministry intersects secular space and congregations, thus allowing me to see how both of my vocations are an unfolding part of God’s plan for me. By the grace of God, and the support of the church, I was ordained on November 3, 2019 as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.
In service together with the congregations of PLUM we are discovering and participating in what God is up to in our communities and our world.
412-390-8005
Rev.Brenda.Henry@plumofpa.com
The Reverend Doctor Paul Koch (Pastor Emeritus)
I graduated seminary with a M.Div.; ordained August 9, 1970; earned a D. Min. degree in 2003; after 39 years of full-time pastoral ministry, I retired to Pittsburgh from Chicago. Married to Sharon with two son, one of which lives in Ingram, PA; the other son is a saxophone player with the USAF Concert Band, D.C. Working part time with PLUM; primary ministry is on Sunday morning, leading worship and preaching, preparing Bible Study materials for the PLUM pastors, teaching one class a week on Tuesday mornings, and working on a variety of PLUM projects.
Vicar Janet Craig
I am a mother of two, grandmother of six. My oldest son, a high school principal, his wife and two grandsons live in Langhorne, PA, and my youngest son, a University of Pittsburgh football coach, his wife and four grandchildren live in Mt. Lebanon, PA. I was raised in Wheeling, WV, and moved to Pittsburgh in 1974. I have several college degrees including a master’s degree from Robert Morris College in business education, and a master’s degree from Duquesne University in leadership and business ethics. Recently I completed the TEEM (Theology Education for Emerging Ministries) certificate program at United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg and am in the candidacy process through the SWPA Synod.
My theological and spiritual growth in my life’s journey looks more like a labyrinth than a straight road on a highway. The daughter of a Lutheran pastor, my early life was centered around the church, singing in the choir, playing the organ, teaching Sunday School, participating in Luther League. When I moved to Pittsburgh, I began my corporate working life, working for U.S. Steel, Belcan Engineering Co., University of Pittsburgh, Bayer Corporation, and finally with Calgon Carbon Corporation. My work progressed from that of clerical to corporate trainer until I retired in 2020. In addition, I have been an elected official serving in my capacity of Findlay Township Supervisor for 25 years and am currently serving a term that will end in 2029.
Through all of that, God had not forgotten me but was guiding me and preparing me for the role I am in now at PLUM and the role I hope to fulfill upon ordination. I continually take one day at a time, praying for guidance as I face new leadership challenges in my spiritual journey.
Without the help of the Holy Spirit, and the support of my church, Resurrection Lutheran and the other churches and friends of PLUM, I would not be where I am today. I will be forever grateful for your prayers and encouragement as we move forward together in this journey of mission.
724-495-9959
Janet.Craig@plumofpa.com