Leaders

John Hermanson (he/him/his) is an award-winning songwriter and composer of the acclaimed acoustic duo Storyhill, as well as projects spanning orchestral, world, pop, rock, and indie genres. Raised in the Lutheran church and rooted in prophetic and mystical traditions, his sacred songs raise ancient yet urgent questions about radical love and mutual responsibility, written in his compelling, distinctive folk style. John is a permanent artist-in-residence at Hope Lutheran Church, and co-founder of the Center for the Arts.

​Dr. Maren Haynes Marchesini (she/her/hers), co-founder of the Center for the Arts and Director of Worship and Music at Hope Lutheran Church, is a choral director, cellist, vocalist, composer, author, and scholar with broad-ranging musical interests. She holds a PhD in Ethnomusicology, and brings great passion for an ever-expanding range of Christian hymns, community singing, diverse musical traditions, improvisation, collaboration, and play to enliven congregations of all sizes and denominations

Paul Vasile (he/him/his) is a church musician, consultant, composer, and teacher who finds his greatest joy in collaborative and community-centered ministry. Committed to modeling expansive, imaginative, and hospitable experiences of music making wherever he goes, Paul’s leadership builds trust, invites spaces of creativity, vulnerability, and play, and supports practices of reflection and holistic learning. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Paul serves as an interim/transitional musician and offers consulting services to congregations in seasons of discernment, challenge, and transformation.