The Rev. Dr. Kathy Vitalis Hoffman
Lead Pastor
email: pastorkathy@stmattlutheran.org
Pastor Kathy received her Master of Divinity at Luther Northwestern Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and her Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey.
Pastor Kathy has served faithfully in ministry for over 31 years and in five different ministry settings before coming to St. Matthew. She comes to St. Matthew with a passion for people and ministry and offers great insight and leadership. Pastor Kathy is married to the Reverend Mark Vitalis Hoffman, a professor at Gettysburg Seminary. Together, they have two daughters, Sarah and Amy.
The Rev. Alex Sheppard-Witt
Associate Pastor
eMail: pastoralex@stmattlutheran.org
Pastor Alexis (Alex), a graduate of Red Lion near York, PA, served two congregations in Williamsburg, VA, before joining St. Matthew. She brings with her a conviction that there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God we've found in Jesus (Romans 8:31-39). There is nothing about who you are or what you carry or what you have done or will do or what you experience that can keep God from loving you. We are invited to dwell, to abide in that love.
Her passions include: biblical studies, teaching and preaching, pastoral care, full inclusion of all people in the church, companion congregation relationships, and the building of ecumenical and interfaith partnerships. Pastor Alex, her wife Caitlin and their beloved pup Ginger enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing games (of all kinds), and being outdoors, particularly bike riding, tennis, and baseball.
The Rev. Faye C. Snyder
Congregational Visitation Pastor
email: nicksong@comcast.net
A native of Hanover, Pastor Faye is pleased to again minister in her home congregation, St. Matthew. This is the church home where her 4 children grew up. These walls have witnessed, both joyful and sad, the major transitions of their lives.
Having graduated from York College of PA with a degree in Behavioral Sciences, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg with a Masters of Divinity, Pastor Faye is a second-career pastor. She filled many roles in her former life. She was the Executive Director of Hanover Area Council of Churches, the founding Director, as well as a teacher, of Discovery Place Preschool, and a founding board member of Turning Point Interfaith Housing. She is a veteran in the Northern Canadian Ministry, in addition to being a founding board member of On Eagle's Wings, a ministry in the Northwest Territory.
Pastor Faye served in Mt. Joy-St. Paul's Parish in Gettysburg, PA, and Taneytown, MD, and as interim pastor at First Lutheran Church in New Oxford, PA, from 2313-2014. She was active in ELCA Rural ministry, and is trained as a mission developer/church renewer/redeveloper. She has been a Stephen Ministry leader since 1995.
The mother of 4 grown children, Shane, Laurel, Cara, and Ryan, Pastor Faye is delighted to be the grandmother of 8 beautiful grandchildren!
Tim Peck
Youth Ministry
email: youth@stmattlutheran.org
Tim is a lifelong member of St. Matthew who has been involved in youth ministry for over 15 years. Tim is married to Christine and has two daughters. Courtney now lives in Pittsburgh, the city of her father’s favorite football team. Kaitlyn resides in Hanover with her husband Elijah.
Tim has overseen youth attending two ELCA Youth Gatherings, a mission trip, and many Lower Susquehanna Synod youth events. He felt called and in 2016 and received a certificate in Youth Ministry from the United Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg. He joined the staff in 2021 and looks forward to dedicating his full attention to nurturing even more youth and families as they grow in their faith.
Melissa Smith
Children and Family Ministry
email: msmith@stmattlutheran.org
Missy has been a member of St. Matthew since 2008. She and her Husband Matt have two children. Aaron and Alexis have been part of youth choirs, Sunday school, confirmation and youth groups within the church. Missy’s favorite activities to pass the time is to watch her kids at baseball, softball, swimming, tennis, marching band, Ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee gold, track and field events. She also enjoys reading, time at the beach and Peanut Butter M&M’s.
Missy has been a part of the Youth Ministry Team since 2019. She has been able to help with many youth activities by chaperoning daily trips and weekend retreats. Missy is excited to be able to help other families be able to enjoy the many milestones and activities that the church has to offer.