Marinda Jenkins has led the Chancel Choir at Faith United Church of Christ since Fall 2018. While studying at the Pennsylvania State University, Marinda was appointed the assistant conductor of multiple ensembles including the University Choir, Oriana Singers, Glee Club, and Concert Choir. In addition to her studies, she aided in teaching Introduction to Conducting and led the ACDA Student Chapter. She graduated in August 2020 with her Master’s in Choral Conducting. 

At Penn State, Marinda orchestrated the 2019 Empow(h)er concert, a program celebrating works by women composers. She has pursued methods of supporting marginalized composers’ music, specifically women composers, through the Empow(h)er program and via personal research.

A native of Michigan, Marinda studied at Oakland University, earning her Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance. While at Oakland University, she was the assistant conductor for the Oakland Chorale and Chorus. Marinda was also the music director at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in West Bloomfield, Michigan prior to relocating to State College.

Mark Ferraguto has served as Organist at Faith UCC since 2017. He is Associate Professor of Music at the Pennsylvania State University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music history. He holds a Ph.D. in musicology from Cornell University, a B.A. in music from the College of the Holy Cross, and the Associateship Certificate of the American Guild of Organists. A specialist on early keyboard instruments, he particularly enjoys performing music of the baroque and early classical periods. Mark has broad experience in liturgical music, having served churches in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts. A native of Boston, he lives in Boalsburg with his wife Lisa and their two sons, Owen and Jacob.

Hailing from the bluegrass and rolling hills of Kentucky, Elizabeth came to Pennsylvania with her spouse in 2018, and after having two kiddos of her own, began working with the Kids of Faith in 2022. Growing up in a large evangelical community, Elizabeth spent many years working and volunteering in children’s ministry. She has written and taught children’s ministry curriculum, and lead children of all ages through biblical learning. Elizabeth is passionate about creating a safe, inclusive, community centered environment for every kiddo. She believes that every child should be met where they are at and allowed to learn about the love and joy of Christ in a way that best suits their needs. She also believes church should be joyful and fun… lots of fun!

Em Grace Johnson (they/them) grew up in Rhode Island, but moved to Pennsylvania from New Jersey. There, they served as pastor in three Lutheran congregations over seven years. Prior to enrolling in seminary, Em was a church organist and parish administrator — so they are no stranger to church life! Em has earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Theology, with foci in interfaith studies and religion & society. In their spare time, Em enjoys music, cooking and video games. Em lives in Toftrees with their spouse Ian.