Our Team

Pastor Mike Louia began his call as Senior Pastor at First Lutheran in November 2014. Prior to serving alongside his fellow disciples at First, Pastor Mike served as pastor at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Funkstown, MD. He is excited to serve with the disciples God has called into this community as we reach out into the world with God’s loving words of grace and mercy. Pastor Mike graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg (now United Lutheran Seminary), where he began his theological studies after retiring from a 20-year career at Wachovia Bank (now Wells Fargo). In addition to serving at First, he currently serves as team leader for our synod’s Called Forward Together Leadership Team and on our synod council. He is married to Nancy and has two adult children, Ryan (Jennifer) and Megan (Jeremy).

Pastor Tamika Jancewicz, Associate Pastor, graduated from United Lutheran Seminary with a Master of Divinity in 2019.  She brings with her a love of biblical storytelling, a heart for reconciliation and renewal in community, and a strong passion for social justice. She anticipates welcoming, growth, and sharing with First Lutheran in the greater community of Ellicott City. She is the proud mother of two children, Nya (daughter) and Arion (son).

Dr. Wayne L. Wold joined the staff of First Lutheran as part-time Director of Music Ministry/Organist in September of 2013, after serving seventeen years in a similar position at Camp David. He also is Professor, Organist, and Chair of the Music Department at Hood College in Frederick MD. Wayne is widely known as a performer, having presented organ recitals and hymn festivals across the U.S. and in Europe, and he is harpsichordist with the Hood Chamber Players and the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. An active composer, over 300 of his compositions have been published. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Concordia College in Moorhead MN, a Master of Sacred Music degree from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA and is certified as an Associate of the American Guild of Organists.

Mark Helms joined First Lutheran's staff as the Assistant Director of Music in September 2021. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Church Music from Furman University, a Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Rochester – Eastman School of Music, and entered into a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting program at the University of Maryland in 2021. He and his husband, Bryan, recently relocated from Pennsylvania, where he most recently served as Director of Music and the Arts at Doylestown Presbyterian Church for the past two years. His previous experience includes serving as Director of Music Ministries at Grace Lutheran Church in Shillington, PA. In addition to choral conducting, Mark plays various instruments, including organ, piano, and handbells, and has extensive musical experience with children and adult choirs.  His enthusiasm, experience, and energy are a great addition and blessing to the music ministry and mission at First Lutheran Church.

Jenny James is the Director of First Lutheran Preschool. Her experiences include teaching at numerous preschools, training child care providers, managing training programs for a work/life company, and advocating for children and families. She studied Early Childhood Development at De Anza College in California and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from University of Maryland, University College. Jenny is also the Regional Ambassador for Region 8 of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association.

Alyssa began serving as the Director of Children and Youth Ministry at First Evangelical Lutheran on September 1, 2021. She is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary (May 2021), where she received a Master of Divinity degree. Alyssa has been active in faith formation and theological education for several years and is excited to begin serving here at First Lutheran. Originally from Minnesota, Alyssa completed seminary fieldwork at Trinity Lutheran Church of Manhattan, supporting faith formation activities. She has organized youth retreats and coordinated service opportunities. Alyssa currently lives in Baltimore and is looking forward to serving alongside us here at First Lutheran.  

Sarah’s background is in art history and museums. She most recently served as Head of Public Relations and Membership at The Kreeger Museum, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in art history from the University of Maryland and a Master’s degree from American University. She is passionate about working with non-profits to use social media and digital communication as tools for meaningful outreach and engagement. Sarah grew up in Columbia, MD and is excited to once again be part of the Howard County community through First Lutheran.