The Reverend
Sarah Hess

I'm Pastor Sarah, and I met my husband, Daniel, during our time as summer camp counselors at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp & Retreat Center in Fort Valley, VA. Our shared journey led us to discern a call to ministry, and we eventually attended and graduated from United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg, PA, in December 2019.

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I hold a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from James Madison University and a Master of Divinity from United Lutheran Seminary. Growing up in Herndon, VA, where my sister, brother-in-law, and parents still reside, I've carried my passion for ministry into various roles. From serving as the Youth Director at King of Kings Lutheran Church, Fairfax, in the Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA, to my first pastoral call at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bristol, VA, in the Virginia Synod, ELCA. More recently, I've contributed as the Director of Sales, Marketing & Communications at Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp & Retreat Center.

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In October 2023, Daniel and I joyfully welcomed a baby boy, Samuel, into our lives, and I cherish every moment spent embracing the joys and challenges of being a mom. Now, I bring my diverse experience in parish, youth, and communications ministry together, blending it with my love and gifts for storytelling. Those who know me appreciate my warmth, creativity, flexibility, and my fervor for collaborative work.

During my free time, you might catch me proudly donning purple attire while passionately cheering on my alma mater, the James Madison University Dukes, or enjoying precious moments with my two rescue pups, Max and Luna, and, of course, our newest family member, Samuel.

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Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Sociology, James Madison University

• Master of Divinity, United Lutheran Seminary