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!

Jonas Dawson (he/him)

Designated Director of Music

A lifetime Maryland resident, Jonas studied piano and voice privately in Hagerstown, Maryland. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Jonas previously served the congregations of Mt. Vernon Reformed United Church of Christ in Keedysville, Maryland and Grace United Church of Christ in Frederick, MD as their Organist and Music Director. Jonas’ proudest accomplishments at Grace were premiering a cantata composed by Frederick composer Jennie Huntoon, as well as touring the senior choir through Germany in 2017 for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Jonas is also a sought-after musical theater music director, piano accompanist, and conductor, having been involved with over 100 shows with community and regional groups in Eastern West Virginia and around Maryland. When not behind the keyboard of a piano or organ as a musician, Jonas is behind a computer keyboard as a software engineer, currently serving as Vice President of Software Engineering at Qmulos, a cybersecurity compliance automation company headquartered in Northern Virginia.

Ann Watkins

Church Office Administrator

Ann greets everyone with a smile and a cheerful attitude!

Ashley Murphy

Nursery Attendant