The Rev. Brad Burke, Pastor
Pastor Brad Burke is a millennial, father, Star Wars aficionado, and owner of a particularly surly beagle. Growing up in Northeastern Pennsylvania he spent much of his time hiking, skiing, backpacking, and generally learning how to love God’s creation. After graduating from the University of Scranton and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pastor Burke has coached and consulted with congregations across Southeastern Pennsylvania to deepen their discipleship ministries, strengthen their congregational leadership, and reimagine Christianity for a 21st century world. He has served at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Unionville, St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Aston, and as Assistant to the Bishop in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, where he launched Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Brave New Church ministry (www.bravenewchurch.org). Pastor Brad has presented and led workshops on Young Adult Ministry, Cross+Generational Ministry, and the changing realities of church leadership at local and national conferences, as well as contributed to several books, websites, and blogs on these topics. More than anything, he believes being a follower of Jesus still matters in today’s changing, often confusing world – and it can change everything about what kind of life we live. Pastor Brad currently lives in Downingtown with his wife Kim and 8-year old son Liam.
If you wish to contact Pr. Brad, you can reach him by contacting the Church Office at 610-363-6264.
If you wish to contact Pr. Brad, you can reach him by contacting the Church Office at 610-363-6264.
Cari Kramer, Director of Administration and Preschool
Cari Kramer has been a member of at St. Paul’s since 1991. She became involved first as a volunteer at VBS, then on the Mutual Ministry committee, then Council for 8 years. She came onto the staff as assistant administrator in 1991. In 1993, St. Paul’s began a preschool here (following in the steps of the previous preschool in the old church). Cari, with the help of many others, got this ministry started (more than twenty five years ago). She is now the Administrative Director of St. Paul’s and also the Director of St. Paul’s Preschool.
Lyndsey Holmes, Director of Music
I grew up as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church where I was baptized and confirmed. I spent summers attending vacation bible school here and later was active with St. Paul’s adult theater group, St. Paul’s Players. During my time away at Roanoke College, I strived to maintain a connection with St. Paul’s by offering special music over the summers and at Christmas. I loved giving back to my church through music during that time and I feel blessed to be serving my home congregation now as Director of Music.
After graduation, I returned to Lionville and worked as Director of Music Ministries at the United Methodist of the Resurrection (now part of Exton UMC). Following that, I spent nine years in Chicago where I worked as an arranger and background vocalist for gospel musicians, a conductor for the Chicago Children’s Choir, general music teacher at The Frances Xavier Warde School and music coordinator and cantor for children’s sacraments at Old St. Patrick’s Church. Throughout all of that, church music was a common thread and I’m so happy to be back to my home in church music.
As Director of Music at St. Paul’s, I conduct the various children, youth and adult music ensembles, lead the worship team for the contemporary service and coordinate special music opportunities. My goal is for the music ministries at St. Paul’s to support the church’s mission and contribute to the vibrant spiritual life of the congregation.
I want to encourage all members to share their musical talents as a way to celebrate Christ’s gracious gifts. My office door is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1-3pm, but as my schedule varies frequently, appointments are recommended. I can be reached at 610-363-6264.
After graduation, I returned to Lionville and worked as Director of Music Ministries at the United Methodist of the Resurrection (now part of Exton UMC). Following that, I spent nine years in Chicago where I worked as an arranger and background vocalist for gospel musicians, a conductor for the Chicago Children’s Choir, general music teacher at The Frances Xavier Warde School and music coordinator and cantor for children’s sacraments at Old St. Patrick’s Church. Throughout all of that, church music was a common thread and I’m so happy to be back to my home in church music.
As Director of Music at St. Paul’s, I conduct the various children, youth and adult music ensembles, lead the worship team for the contemporary service and coordinate special music opportunities. My goal is for the music ministries at St. Paul’s to support the church’s mission and contribute to the vibrant spiritual life of the congregation.
I want to encourage all members to share their musical talents as a way to celebrate Christ’s gracious gifts. My office door is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 1-3pm, but as my schedule varies frequently, appointments are recommended. I can be reached at 610-363-6264.
Karen Slyman, Administrative Assistant
Karen has worked at St. Paul's for over 13 years. She lives just a mile down the road from St. Paul's and actually used to live directly across the street from the church before that. You may even see her walking to work now and then.
Her career background is in documentation and training for computer systems, first on the trust side of banking and then on the trust vendor side, and ultimately at The Franklin Mint in Human Resources. Once her girls came along, she shifted to 12 years working with Home & School from secretary through president, then advisor. It was after her daughters were heading toward middle school that she started working at St. Paul’s.
She and her husband, Tom, have two daughters: Katie who currently lives in North Carolina pursuing her Doctorate, and Kelly who just graduated from college and is living at home this year while working, before pursuing her Masters next fall. Karen is a member of Jubilant Bells, St. Paul's bell choir, and also helps lead one of St. Paul's fellowship groups, Women's INC. She can be reached by calling 610-363-6264, or just walking into the front office.
Her career background is in documentation and training for computer systems, first on the trust side of banking and then on the trust vendor side, and ultimately at The Franklin Mint in Human Resources. Once her girls came along, she shifted to 12 years working with Home & School from secretary through president, then advisor. It was after her daughters were heading toward middle school that she started working at St. Paul’s.
She and her husband, Tom, have two daughters: Katie who currently lives in North Carolina pursuing her Doctorate, and Kelly who just graduated from college and is living at home this year while working, before pursuing her Masters next fall. Karen is a member of Jubilant Bells, St. Paul's bell choir, and also helps lead one of St. Paul's fellowship groups, Women's INC. She can be reached by calling 610-363-6264, or just walking into the front office.
Brian Lloyd, Organist & Accompanist
Brian is the organist for the traditional service, accompanist for the late service, and provides special music for many services throughout the year.
Craig Miller, Director of Youth & Family Ministries
I was born and raised in Montgomery County, PA, a proud graduate of Lower Merion High School. (Yes, that is Kobe Bryant’s alma mater. No, he and I did not attend LMHS at the same time – that distinction goes to my brother Eric.) Having had a grandfather who was a pastor and a mother who is a church organist, it is almost literally true to say that I grew up in the church! My faith roots run deep, and I have great appreciation for the history and heritage of the Lutheran church, but I also love to learn about and experience new ways that people are finding to express their faith, and see how God is continually bringing renewal to the body of Christ (and to me!).
I have spent most of my adult life serving in youth and family ministries in one capacity or another, either as a paid staff member or a volunteer leader. After graduating from Juniata College, I did what many liberal arts majors did and went into retail to pay the bills. I also became part of the volunteer leadership team for the youth group at the congregation where I belonged, a pattern that continued after I moved to Rochester, New York to take a new job. Just a few short years later, I heard God’s call to return to this area to serve Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester as Director of Youth Ministry. I served there for seven years, followed by a twelve-year dive into the realm of higher education administration at Eastern University and the University of Valley Forge. I’m thrilled to be back doing what I love to do most, where I find my heart’s joy.
When I’m taking a break and recharging my batteries, you will often find me engaged in photography, music, woodworking, hiking, or bicycling.
I have spent most of my adult life serving in youth and family ministries in one capacity or another, either as a paid staff member or a volunteer leader. After graduating from Juniata College, I did what many liberal arts majors did and went into retail to pay the bills. I also became part of the volunteer leadership team for the youth group at the congregation where I belonged, a pattern that continued after I moved to Rochester, New York to take a new job. Just a few short years later, I heard God’s call to return to this area to serve Calvary Lutheran Church in West Chester as Director of Youth Ministry. I served there for seven years, followed by a twelve-year dive into the realm of higher education administration at Eastern University and the University of Valley Forge. I’m thrilled to be back doing what I love to do most, where I find my heart’s joy.
When I’m taking a break and recharging my batteries, you will often find me engaged in photography, music, woodworking, hiking, or bicycling.