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Ben was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania. An only child, he had close neighborhood friends who remain like brothers.
Confirmed as both a Lutheran and a Catholic (because his father was Catholic and his mother Lutheran), Ben found his faith growing when he became active in a Lutheran high school youth group. As a high school student, Ben had hoped to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, but a dodgeball injury and the Holy Spirit re-routed him toward ordained ministry.
He later earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Muhlenberg College and then his divinity degree from Gettysburg Seminary. At seminary he met, and later married, Sara from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Sara is Pastor at Stoughton Lutheran Church. They have one son, Odin, who graduated from Waunakee High School and is headed to college.
Ezrah joined the staff of FPC in August 2012. He graduated from Northwest University with a B.A. in Youth Ministry. Ezrah and his wife Christa have two children, Finn and Rafe. Ezrah grew up in Seattle and although he misses the mountains and the ocean, he enjoys the beautiful farmlands, lakes, and prairies that Wisconsin offers. When not with students, Ezrah enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, going to the local coffee shop to study his Bible, and eating ice cream.
Melissa has served as a Director of Children, youth and/or family ministry for nearly ten years. She came to FPC after serving at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran church, in Mahtomedi, MN., where she worked with a congregation of nearly 10,000. Melissa has a B. S. In Education from Edgewood College, and has taken several Courses at Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, MN. She has extensive experience in children’s programming, CYF ministry, coaching, and K-12 education. Some of her ministry career highlights include: serving at orphanages, schools, and medical facilities in Jamaica, creating opportunities for high schoolers to serve locally, directing children’s choirs, and leading fun and energetic children’s messages during worship. She is a strong believer in the power of connection, and enjoys creating opportunities for people to cultivate relationships. Melissa lives in Waunakee with her husband Drew and their daughter Evelyn. She’s an outdoor enthusiast, a watercolor artist, an avid Wisconsin Badgers sports fan, enjoys traveling and adventure, and thrives in the Fall/winter months. Her favorite weekend getaway is heading to the North shoreline of Minnesota, where she and her family enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior!
If you are interested in playing in the Joyful Noise, there is no age or skill level requirement. Also, if you are interested in playing or singing a solo or in a small group, playing piano or organ for a church service, please contact Sam.
“Make A Joyful Noise unto the Lord!”