Pastor Julie was called to Grace Lutheran, Mendham, on January 10, 2021, during the Covid pandemic. It was a difficult time for many churches, but in steadfast love, God has seen us through and enlightened our paths toward new directions in ministry. Pastor Julie was baptized, confirmed, and ordained at Grace Lutheran Church in Somers Point, NJ, and has always felt God’s grace accompany her on her life’s journey. Pastor Julie's journey in education and service is truly impressive. She was ordained on August 4, 1991, and has served many congregations as Senior Pastor, Associate Pastor, trained Interim Pastor, and Vice Pastor. Her academic achievements include a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and a pursuit of a Doctorate in Ministry, which she will receive in 2025. Her passion for justice and the building of relationships is evident in her every endeavor. Join us in our mission to be the Church that Feeds People.

Melanie is a true Jersey Girl, having lived, worked and attended college in the Garden State her entire life. She has resided in the Long Valley area for over 20 years. Her professional experience includes marketing, outreach, writing, public speaking and presentations, while her personal pursuits include theatre, music, and dance.

Thanks to his parents, Paul began to study organ in his pre-teens with an Episcopal organist in Omaha and continued that study at Iowa State. His fascination with the “tracker” organ evolved from a European organ study tour in 1989 sponsored by Westminster Choir College. Grace acquired its tracker organ through the generosity of our members in 1995 from Christ the King Lutheran Church in Houston; it was installed and voiced by Fritz Noack. It is ideally sized to support our congregational song and our sanctuary. Over the years, with job transfers, etc., Paul has been an organist at six congregations and has guested or substituted at most Christian denominations.

Bruce became a member of Grace in 2013 and has served as the Stewardship Chair for Grace’s 500/50 Capital Campaign to refurbish Grace’s facilities and Parsonage in 2017. He served as the Pastoral Call Committee Chair during the COVID era and began serving as President of Grace’s Council in 2022. Bruce was baptized in the “House of Prayer” Lutheran Church in North St. Paul, MN, and has spent significant time in the Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, and Christian & Missionary Alliance traditions. Among Christ’s deepest prayers was a call for unity among believers. There is deep unity in our rich Christian heritage, and Grace has found a beautiful balance between the traditional and progressive approaches to spreading the Gospel. Grace is a very special place, and it is an honor to serve as President of the Church Council.

My family has been long-time members of Grace; joining in 1991. We have seen our church change in many ways, but still remain committed to its continuation. As such, I head up Parish Life. While we are not exactly a "committee", we are ready, willing, and able to contribute to activities (usually centered around food!) that enhance the life of the congregation. Let me know if you would like to be put on our list of volunteers. Thank you!

Jen Ungar has been a member of the church since 1999 joining with husband, Bob, and two small children, Erika and Nick. Jen has served on church council as the Education chair for two terms and most recently for two terms as the Treasurer. Her kids are grown and on their own, but she still attends regularly with Bob. Grace has been a wonderful part of Jen’s spiritual life in both worship and friendship.