epiphany Lutheran Church staff

  • Pastor Phillip W. Martin, Jr.

    Senior Pastor

    pmartin@epiphanyelca.org

    B.S., B.A., North Carolina State University (1997)

    M.Div, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (2003)

     

    I was called to serve as Senior Pastor at Epiphany in January, 2014. Prior to this call as senior pastor, I served as the Associate Pastor at Epiphany for five years. Prior to that, I was the pastor of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh (Bellevue), PA. I am married to Melinda, and we have two daughters and a son. As Senior Pastor, I coordinate the staff and work with most areas of the congregation's ministry, including worship, finance, stewardship, and confirmation ministry. I have experience in youth and family ministry, specifically in the area of community service. I blog my sermons (and occasionally poetry) at www.saidanotherway.org. In my spare time I like to be outside or in the kitchen, especially when my family joins me. I listen to a lot of U2 and bluegrass music. I like to bake bread and am an avid birder. If you'd like to go birding around Richmond sometime, let me know!

  • Pastor Joseph Bolick

    Associate Pastor

    jbolick@epiphanyelca.org

    B.A. Appalachian State University (2002)

    M.Div Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (2007)

     

    I was called to serve as Associate Pastor at Epiphany in November, 2014. Prior to this call, I served congregations in Charleston, SC, and Johnson City, TN.I coordinate ministry to and with youth and families, college students, and young adults.  Prior to being ordained, I served in Baltimore, MD, with Lutheran Volunteer Corps as a case manager in a homeless shelter for men, and was on staff for four summers at Lutheridge Camp in Arden, NC. My sermon blog is www.lipstosing.wordpress.com. I am married to Sarah Lang, and we have two daughters and a son.  I love playing fingerstyle guitar and clawhammer banjo with friends, drawing, exploring Richmond with my family, and visiting National Parks, with the goal to visit them all. 


  • kevin barger

    Director of Music Ministries

    kbarger@epiphanyelca.org

    B.A. Thiel College; M.B.A., Virginia Commonwealth University


    I have been leading music ministry at Epiphany since 1997. We are fortunate to have many talented members in our various ministries.  I lead our adult choirs for each service, the Epiphany Ringers (adult handbells), the Singing Saints (youth grades 2-6) and Epiphany Brass.  I play the organ and piano for our worship services, and I coordinate other special music throughout the entire year. I am a member of the Richmond Symphony Chorus and enjoy running marathons in various locations throughout the country.  I have completed my marathon run in all 50 states!  I am also the President for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM).  I am married to Beth.  We have three children.

  • Pastor Sarah Lang

    Associate Pastor for Faith Formation Ministries

    slang@epiphanyelca.org

    B.A. Furman University (2000)

    M.Div. Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (2007)


    Prior to moving to Richmond in 2014, I served as a pastor to congregations in Charleston, SC and Boone, NC.  Epiphany knows me best as mom to my two daughters and son and as spouse to Pastor Joseph Bolick, and I'm looking forward to being known in this new role as Pastor of Faith Formation Ministries. In my work, I organize Sunday School, adult faith formation opportunities, Vacation Bible School, and teach milestone ministry classes for children and youth. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and being with family.


  • PASTOR David MARK Cooper

    Visitation Pastor

    mcooper@epiphanyelca.org

    Ordained Lutheran Pastor 1970

    Graduate:  Lenoir Rhyne College BA in Business/Economics 1966

                      Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary M.Div.1970

                      Union Seminary, Richmond, Va. D. Min. 1985

                      Virginia Commonwealth University Certificate Program in Pastoral Care                      and Clinical Education

    Parishes served: Christ the King Lutheran, Miami, FL, Lord of Life Lutheran, Fairfax, VA,  St. James Episcopal, Richmond, VA,

    Positions served: Director of Education and Therapist, Va. Institute of Pastoral Care

    Director of Pastoral Care/Chaplain, Washington Hospital Center

    Owner and Director of Discern Consulting and Pastor Counseling Associate's

    Executive Director, Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area Chair, Department of Patient Counseling, Virginia Commonwealth University

    Married to Melinda, between us we have five adult children and six grandchildren,

    long distance bike rider and runner, Ironman, 2 cross country bike rides, author

                     Blog (markcooperauthor.com)

  • Hanne Hamlin

    Office Administrator

    hhamlin@epiphanyelca.org

    Northern Virginia Community College

     

    I am a life-long Lutheran,  and joined the staff in June of 2007. I handle all office business. Originally from Denmark, I immigrated to America with my mother in 1961 and now a citizen. In college, I studied many degrees: Nursing, Teaching and Psychology.  I have many interests that I enjoy in my free time. Volunteering, gardening, camping, knitting and meeting new people wherever I go. I am married to Rob Hamlin and together we have six adult children, 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons.


  • Linda Martin

    Coordinator of Community Life

    lmartin@epiphanyelca.org

    B.A. Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA

    J.D. Temple University Beasley School of Law, Philadelphia, PA



    I joined Epiphany Lutheran Church not long after moving from Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to Richmond in April 2020. At the time of my move, I was a litigation Partner in a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law firm where I practiced labor and employment law, union side, for 31 years. I officially retired from the practice in December 2021. I have two adult daughters – the oldest and her husband live in Pennsylvania. My youngest daughter, her husband, and two sons live in Richmond.  As a member of Epiphany, I sing in the chancel choir, volunteer with LAMB’s Basket and, have worked with the Community Service team to provide meals to Moments of Hope. I am an avid reader, belong to a local book club, and am a volunteer usher at the Altria and Dominion Center theaters in Richmond.


  • DEbbie Sexton

    Finance Manager

    dsexton@gpiphanyelca.org

    B.A. University of Virginia

     

    I joined Epiphany Lutheran Church as the finance manager in March, 2016 after a 32 year career with Bank of America in various Finance roles primarily focusing on profitability analysis, budgeting and business line performance.  I am a native Richmonder and my husband Derick and I have 2 sons and a daughter-in-law living in Richmond.  We were just blessed with our first grandchild, Ian in November, 2018.  

  • Rob HAMLIN

    Facilities Manager

    rhamlin@epiphanyelca.org


    I have been a member of Epiphany for 40+ years. I’ve served our church in many ways: as an usher, lay assistant, altar care, greeter, 4th grade Sunday school teacher, Consecration Sunday chef, Stephen Minister and 2, 3 year terms on Council, once as Vice President. I am married to Hanne, and my passions include, cooking, gardening, home improvement and repair, and woodworking.  Retirement after a lifelong career in the foodservice industry has led me to this new opportunity to serve the church as Facilities Manager.