Our Staff

The staff of St. John's exists to serve you!  Please feel free to email them directly concerning any need, concern, or idea – just click on the email links below.  You may also call the parish at 301-774-6999.

Our school Headmaster: John Zurn

John.Zurn@stjes.com   x101

John Zurn has been the Head at St. John’s Episcopal School since 1989.  He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Williams College in Massachusetts and his Master’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Zurn began his career in education teaching fourth grade at the Meadowbrook School in Meadowbrook, PA.   He has served in various teaching and administrative roles at the American School in Lisbon, Portugal, the Woodlynde School in Strafford, PA, and St. Peter’s School in Philadelphia, PA.  Mr. Zurn has two sons, both of whom attended St. John’s Episcopal School.

Picture Not Available Our parish Office Manager:  Tammy Turner 

accounting@stjohnsolney.org   x 216

Tammy Turner started her work with St. John's Episcopal Church as the bookkeeper and newsletter editor in 2004.  In 2007 she also took on the role of Office Manager. Tammy has over 16 years experience in bookkeeping, holds a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education as well as a degree in Visual Communications.

Our African Palms Office Manager:  Pat Martineau

africanpalms@stjohnsolney.org  x 219

Patricia Martineau joined the St John's Episcopal Church outreach ministry, African Palms USA, in 1993.  Pat oversees the day to day operation of the ministry, coordinates the many volunteers, and works closely with the Board of Trustees reviewing grant requests.   In addition, Pat is responsible for accounts receivable/payables, financial statements, inventory control, and all marketing and advertising for African Palms USA.  In Pat's own words: "Working with this ministry has been the most fulfilling and gratifying work experience."

The Executive Secretary to the Rector:  Valencia Thomas

admin@stjohnsolney.org  x 210

Valencia Thomas is a native of North Carolina and a graduate of Elizabeth City State University.  She has resided in the Maryland area now for six years.  A deeply committed Christian, Valencia has extensive experience in customer service and supervisory skills working with the airlines, operations management skills working with real estate appraising, as well as a liaison to teenagers for a youth enrichment center.  Valencia brings to the St. John’s community excellent people skills, energetic motivation and great organizational skills.  She has a son who now attends St. John’s Episcopal School. 

"As a Christian and a child of God,  I look to help St. John’s fulfill the vision to be a place that all people can know Christ and become all they are created to be."

Music Ministry – Organist/Choirmaster: Musheer Petersen-Kamau musheerkamau@gmail.com 

Musheer is an organist who understands the importance of church music. He most recently served as organist at St. Edith Stein Parish which ministers to over 2,500 families. Prior to that, he functioned in various capacities ranging from chorus member to choir director or director of music for various organizations. His sensitivity to the worship environment is born from his personal experiences in growing spiritually. He studied organ under the tutelage of Professor Rosie Ward, LRSM (Royal School of Music), and Dr. Joyce Jones, Bowdoin Professor of Organ at Baylor University. Musheer completed his graduate studies at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He also holds a Certificate of Distinction from the Royal School of Music, United Kingdom. He presents recitals and hymn festivals so that congregations might become more insightful about the role of music in their spiritual development. When not reading or listening to music, Musheer might be found baking, writing, learning a language, hiking, or spending time with his wife and best friend, Sarah Jane. His favorite composers are Bach, Handel, Mendelssohn and Puccini.

Musheer's Philosophy of Music

Worship, when done according to God's desires, brings us into His presence. Music is a portal through which God's eminence is brought down to us, or through which our hearts are lifted to him. The musician's role is to facilitate the interaction of the saint with his or her Creator. Consequently, the musician should augment worship through sensitive and careful preparation, skillful playing, and by being ever aware of the destructive power of pride. The musician should endeavor to strengthen the cumulative experience of worship by acknowledging that the congregation is the largest choir which he/she serves. Therefore, great effort should be made to aid their reflection, meditation and adulation through song, chant, response, and prayer.  

Finally, the musician should recognize that his/her instrument is only a vessel through which his/her spirit is shared with the rest of the worshipping community. The musician should therefore always seek to maintain a spiritual life that will leave him/her rejuvenated and poised to lead others to experience meaningful worship, much in accordance with Matthew 28:19-20.

Our Associate for Contemporary Music Ministry: Mark Deffenbaugh mark.deffenbaugh@stjohnsolney.org  

Our Associate for Youth Ministry and Fundraising: Johnna Benson  youthjb@stjohnsolney.org  x 218

Johnna Benson has been a member of St. John's for 25 years and one of the Youth Ministers for the last 2 years.  Johnna was among the first Youth to attend Group Workcamp, which is now a staple outreach at St. John's.  Running an active, loving, and faith-filled Youth Group with continued growth is her priority, as the Youth are a vital group of St. John's. Johnna also is the parish's fundraising coordinator and events planner, with the intention that activities and events not only raise money to keep St. John's fun and alive, but that they also bring St. John's people closer while connecting us better with our surrounding communities.

Our Associate for Youth Ministry: Ryan Smith

youthrs@stjohnsolney.org  x 218

"I have been a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church all my life, for 27 years.  I grew up in this church and consider it my second family.  I attended Sunday School, Youth Group, and finally Work Camp as a teenager and believe strongly in what these teach young people.  I have been one of the Youth Ministers here since 2005 and feel that our program is growing and becoming stronger every week."

Our Sexton/Facilities Director: David Houser

David.Houser@stjes.com  x 150

David Houser joined St. John’s June 1st, 2007 as the Facilities Director/Sexton. He served 23 years in the US Army as a chief logistician for medical and civil affairs units. After leaving the Army in 1994 he began his second career as the Director of Administration and Building Services for a large Jewish non-profit organization in Washington, DC. He brings with him years of experience in facility management, new building construction coordination, and valued administrative skills. 

A committed Christian, David and his wife, Conny, have two married daughters, both school teachers and two grandchildren. A serious runner, having completed 22 marathons, you may catch him running the roads of Olney in the early morning hours. 

Plant Assistant: Jacinto Zelaya

Jacinto Zelaya is the Plant Assistant with full time responsibility on the church and its immediate areas. A native of El Salvador, Jacinto has worked in other schools within the metropolitan DC area. He and his wife are the proud parents of 2 children, a boy and a girl. Jacinto enjoys his work here and takes great pride to ensure the church and parish hall facilities are clean and orderly. He appreciates the friendly atmosphere of St John’s staff and parishioners. In his spare time he likes to detail automobiles and play soccer.

Our Nursery Attendants: Whilma Audain, Margaret Severin, Turquoise Williams

Our Ministry Leaders

The following are parish volunteers who head-up our ministry teams and task forces.