Pastor
Rev. John Meehan
pastor.meehan@sjlc.com
Pastor John (Jack) Meehan has been serving in ministry at St. John’s since 1988. He was called from the seminary as St. John’s first associate pastor in 1988 and served in that position for seven years. He was then called to serve as senior pastor of the congregation, a position he has held since 1996. Pastor Meehan received his Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1984 and his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1988. He also holds a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Virginia Theological Seminary and completed the Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) program. Pastor Meehan has served in a variety of roles within the local community as well as the Southeastern District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Pastor and his wife, June (both natives of Iowa), are the parents of four young adult daughters who bless their lives in many ways. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, family history, travel, walking, and hiking.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it unto you. Let not your hearts be troubled; neither let them be afraid. – John 14:27
Director of Discipleship
DCE Jennifer Hills
jennifer.hills@sjlc.com
Jennifer served as St. John’s first Director of Youth and Christian Education from May 2002 to January 2022. In January 2022, her title was changed to Director of Discipleship to describe better how Jennifer serves the people of St. John's. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts, with specializations in Youth Ministry and Theology, from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, in 1999 and her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University, Irvine, California, in 2024. She is a synodically commissioned Director of Christian Education and a 2009 KINDLE Associate. Jennifer serves all St. John’s members, child to adult, helping them to discover what it means to be a child of God. In her spare time, she enjoys laughing, cooking, reading, exploring, and adventuring with her family.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. – 1 John 3:1
Director of Music
David Leahey
david.leahey@sjlc.com
David Leahey has been blessed by a lengthy career in church music which began as a youth chorister at Liverpool Cathedral, England. There, he gained a rich choral education and participated in a number of services for various English royalty and prime ministers. Following his role as Organ Scholar at Liverpool Cathedral, David attended the Royal College of Music in London and possesses degrees in both music and information technology.
Since arriving in the U.S. in 2003, David has worked with multiple universities and several high-profile churches in the D.C. Metropolitan area, as well as churches in North Carolina and Florida. A noted composer and performer, David has performed recitals at the White House, the Blair House, and Washington National Cathedral, among other prominent venues throughout the country.
David currently resides in Alexandria with his wife and their three children. When he is not involved in something musical, David enjoys spending time with his family (preferably at the beach), tinkering with computers, and sports in any shape or form – particularly all things Liverpool Football Club!
But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God. - John 3:21
Director of Early Childhood Education Center
Amanda Parks
amanda.parks@sjlc.com
Amanda joined our ECEC in July 2023. Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from Slippery Rock University in 2007. She taught at an elementary school in Virginia before graduating with her Master’s in Educational Leadership and moving on to administrator positions in public education. Amanda enjoys spending time with her family and watching her children at various sporting events.
Jesus told him "because you have seen me, you have believed, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." - John 20:29
Office & Facilities Administrator
Michelle May
office@sjlc.com
Michelle and her husband, Ben are members of St. John’s, having joined in November 2022. With over twenty years of a diverse background experience in communications, interior design, and nutrition, Michelle brings many skills and business professionalism to the role. When not at work she loves spending time with her husband and their cat. She also enjoys watching her favorite tv shows and movies, cooking and baking, and decorating for the seasons and holidays.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. - 1 Corinthians 12:4
Financial Administrator
Jennifer Smith
finance@sjlc.com
Jennifer joined St. John's family in December 2021. Jennifer has a degree in Business Managment and Information Systems. She has been an Accredited Financial Counselor through the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) since 2012, which she achieved after being selected as a Military Spouse Fellow by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17
Pastor of Shalom Ethiopian Evangelical Lutheran Church Mekane Yesus
Rev. Dr. Mitiku Zeleke
(A chartered LCMS congregation as of 2018)
571-422-7930
mitikuzeleke22@gmail.com