The staff of Evangelical Reformed Church seek to enable all of our members to celebrate the love and radical welcome of Jesus Christ.

The Rev. Josh Privitt (he/him)

Senior Pastor

Rev. Josh Privitt is passionate about helping people connect with God, one another, and the wider community. He believes the Church is called to practice radical welcome, pursue justice, and build meaningful relationships beyond its walls. Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Josh earned a degree in Public Communication from Truman State University and a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary. Before coming to Frederick, he served congregations in Ferguson, Webster Groves, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Josh enjoys thoughtful stories, whether found in books, comics, or conversations over coffee. Outside of ministry, you’ll find him crocheting, running, playing board and video games, or cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. Josh loves meeting new people and is always happy to share a cup of coffee, hear your story, and explore where God is at work in our lives and community.

The Rev. Kirstin Shrom-Rhoads (she/her)

Associate for Faith Formation and Parish Life

Kirstin has been serving as our Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Church Life since September 2022. She is an ordained UMC Deacon in connection through the West Ohio Conference and a graduate of Lancaster Seminary as well as having a Master’s degree in Group Counseling and Organizational Dynamics with a Certificate in youth and young adult ministry. She has most previously served as the Director of UMC camps in Ohio and Maryland. She has also served in the local church and as a campus minister. Kirstin enjoys playing and praying in nature settings with both alone and with others. She enjoys working with young people in nurturing their call and growing in faith and leadership both through experiential adventures and through intentionally inclusive and diverse community-building. She and her family (Jason, Emy, and Marley) enjoy living in the Frederick area!

Alison E. Shafer

Director of Music

Alison has served ERUCC for 44 years. She began as an organist/choir director in September of 1982.

Alison has a bachelor’s degree in Church Music and Religious Education from Hood College.

In addition to her work at ERUCC, Alison is busy as a freelance musician, piano/organ teacher, music director for theater productions at McDaniel College, Hood College, Shepherd University, as well as local theater companies.  She is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi.

Ann Watkins

Church Office Administrator

Ann greets everyone with a smile and a cheerful attitude!

Jaci Clayton

Facilities Manager

Jaci began her spiritual journey with Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ (ERUCC) when she relocated to Frederick, Maryland in summer 2011.  Following her heart, Jaci left her home state, North Carolina and a 23-year career in Commercial Property Maintenance Management.  She is a graduate of Wake Technical Community College, Raleigh, NC and the Realtor Institute.  She actively holds dual real estate licenses in both the State of Maryland and North Carolina.
Jaci received numerous recognitions and awards during her career as a Superintendent at Drucker + Falk.  She has saved four human lives and countless animals.  In 2005, Jaci won a short essay contest and had an opportunity to carry the 2006 Winter Olympic Torch in Pieve and passed the flame on its way to the final destination in Turin, Italy.

Ashley Murphy

Nursery Attendant