Reverend Boucher
Reverend Susan P. Boucher is committed to carrying out Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) and is honored to be called to do this within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). She was raised in and ordained at Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison, WI. In the past twenty-years, she served two churches in Colorado: Church of the Hills and Arvada Presbyterian Church. She was an active member of the Presbytery of Denver where she served in numerous leadership positions, including that of Moderator of the Presbytery. She has a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological
Seminary (Princeton, NJ), a Master of Arts from Andover Newton Theological School (Andover, MA), and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin, Madison (Madison, WI).
Susan, Tim (her husband) and their children moved from Colorado to Maryland in the summer of 2021. They have a large extended family on the East Coast, and they are delighted to see them more often. Susan enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, skiing, hiking, yoga, time on her paddle board, and walking the family’s Australian Shepherd, Bear.
Terry and Shiela Ruth, Music
Shiela was born in Japan, as part of a military family and has lived in Japan, Europe, and Puerto Rico and across the United States. Her family settled in Glen Burnie where she was baptized and joined Harundale Presbyterian Church in 1970. Shiela always had a great love of music, inspired by her mother and grandfather, and graduated from Frostburg State College with a BA in Music Education. Her primary instrument was piano. After college, she came back to Harundale and joined the Chancel Choir and also the Celebration Handbell Choir when it formed. Before becoming the Music Assistant in 1989, Shiela taught piano and organ privately and worked for the Anne Arundel County schools as a music aide at Lindale Junior High School. In addition to being the Music Assistant, Shiela directs the Celebration Handbell Choir and works closely with the pastors to select music for choirs, soloists and small groups that reinforce their message.
Terry is a native Marylander, born and raised in Hagerstown. He also has a great love of music, inspired by his mother, and graduated from Frostburg State College with a BS in Music Education. His primary instrument was bass trombone. Terry joined Harundale Presbyterian Church in 1979 where he sang in the choir, rang in the handbell choir and served as substitute organist. Before becoming the Music Director in 1989, he worked for Jordan Kitt’s Music and the Federal Government, from which he retired in 2012 after 30 years of service. In addition to being the Music Director, Terry directs the Chancel Choir and serves as the organist.
Shiela and Terry met at Frostburg State College and were married at Harundale Presbyterian Church in 1979. Since becoming the Music Leaders in 1989, they strive to bring a variety of musical styles and experiences to enrich the participants and the congregation. They work to provide as many opportunities as they can for folks to “make a joyful noise to the Lord!”
Sara Clauss, Youth Director / Christian Education Facilitator
Sara grew up in Glen Burnie, and particularly in Harundale Presbyterian Church. She joined youth group in the 7th grade and claims to have never left. She was so greatly influenced and inspired by her time as a youth and by her leaders that she knew she just couldn’t keep that to herself. In her late teens, she joined the leadership team and has been involved, as part of a group of leaders or some solo work for nearly 20 years. She recently moved into the role of Youth Director.
To her, youth group is a place where it is okay to let your hair down and be the real you – be weird, be silly, be serious, still enjoy playing hide and seek; while also taking time to learn about God and Jesus and to explore your own faith in an environment that makes it okay to ask questions without feeling like the only one who loves God or has questions. It’s a place where you learn that sometimes the best answer to the question is one, or more, of the following: God, Jesus, Love, Prayer, or Bible.
Sara enjoys sitting outside on a sunny day with a good book (often Jane Eyre or a fluffy feel good story), watching movies, and eating junk food (just like a teenager).
Member Leadership
Elders, deacons, and trustees are elected by the church body. Pictures of each leader are available on the bulletin board outside of the Narthex.
Each position is elected for a 3 year term. Classes indicated below indicate the year in which the individual completes their service for their term. Elders, deacons, and trustees also serve on committees for the church. Those are indicated below, as well.
Elders
- Sonja Bolotin, Class of 2024, Mission & Outreach
- Larry Breuer, Class of 2024, Nominating & Personnel
- Sarah Clifford, Clerk
- Robyn Crandell, Class of 2026, Nominating & Personnel
- Wes Garrett, Class of 2024, Stewardship & Worship
- Mike Kaye, Class of 2026, Christian Education
- Helen Martin, Class of 2026, Stewardship & Worship
- Nancy Tyler, Class of 2026, Christian Education
- Melissa Vande Mark, Class of 2023, Mission & Outreach
- Lee Wexel, Class of 2026, Mission & Outreach
Deacons
- Tina Coleman, Class of 2024, Mission & Outreach
- Sue Fake, Class of 2026, Stewardship & Worship
- Nellie Fastige, Class of 2024, President, Christian Education, Parish List
- Sonya Lloyd, Class of 2025, Mission & Outreach
- Darleen Minnich, Class of 2026, Christian Education
- Jason Pietsch, Class of 2024, Stewardship & Worship
- Patricia Ploeger, Class of 2026, Correspondence
- Dorothy Ramsay, Class of 2026, Mission & Outreach
- Becky Valenta, Class of 2025, Nominating & Personnel
Trustees
- Thomas Busch, Class of 2024, Mission & Outreach
- Jason Coleman, Class of 2026, Vice President, IT & AV, Kitchen Supplies
- Paula Garrett, Class of 2026, President, Nominating & Personnel
- Becky Smith, Class of 2025, Christian Education
- Doug Lloyd, Class of 2025, Stewardship & Worship