So first of all – No, I don’t normally have a pink mohawk.
This was actually the result of a fundraiser for our youth. Because they raised $36,000 to travel to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering, they got to choose the pink awesomeness that adorned my head over the summer.
I like the pic because it says alot about our congregation. The ministry we do is definitely serious business. We understand the depth of meaning present in the worship and service of God. But we also understand that we can have fun while doing it.
Below is the very boring bio that I use for professional publications. It’ll help you to get to know a little about me.
But I’d much rather get to meet you in person. Feel free to call, text, email, or Facebook me. Or, even better, come on by the church! I’d love to get to know you and introduce you to our congregation.
Our mission is about getting connected. Connected to God through worship and study. Connected with each other through fellowship and support. Connected to our community through service and outreach to our local, regional, and global neighbors. I hope you’ll connect with us!
Peace,
Pastor J
The Rev. Justin C. Lathrop, Senior Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church
Pastor Lathrop was born and raised in Marlton New Jersey, a suburb of Philadelphia. Active in the Lutheran church from childhood, he felt the call toward ordained ministry during his High School years. He was especially influenced by his work as a camp counselor at Beisler Lutheran Summer Camp. He attended Roanoke College in Salem, Va, and graduated with a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy in 1997. Immediately after graduation, Justin enrolled in the Lutheran Theological Center in Philadelphia. After graduating with an M.Div. in 2000, he was accepted into an international internship program that sent him to Bratislava, Slovakia to serve as a professor of Early Church History and Chaplain at the Evanjelicke Lyceum (Lutheran High School). He also served as Pastoral Intern at the Maly Kostol, an international congregation that held worship services in German, Hungarian, and English. During that time, he had the wonderful opportunity to travel throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. After his return from Slovakia, Justin completed another internship at Ascension Lutheran in Deer Park, beginning a relationship that would hold through the years. Upon his ordination, Pastor Lathrop was called as Associate Pastor to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, Maryland. After 5 years, he was then called as Pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Woodbridge, Va. In July of 2010, Justin’s ties with Ascension came full circle as he accepted a call as Senior Pastor. He is blessed with three children: Adella, Francesca and Samuel.
