Hope's Staff

Pastor Jessica Kingsborough is a native Nebraskan. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion and History from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She received her Master of Divinity from The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. After seminary she served at Faith United Evangelical Lutheran in Nescopeck, PA for 6 years. She then served 6 years at Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, four years as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Care, and two years as the Interim Senior Pastor. Pastor Jessica is married to David who is also a Lutheran pastor. They have two daughters Matilda (Tillie), 6 and Rosalind (Lindy), 2.

Jennifer Sommers joined the staff of Hope Church on September 11, 2017 as Administrative Manager. Prior to joining Hope Church, I worked full-time as a paralegal for a family law practice in the Lehigh Valley. I live in Palmerton and am happily married to my husband, Chad. We have two (2) amazing children, Caleb and Madison. My children are very involved in extra-curricular activities and sports, which keeps us on our toes and always on the move! I organize many events for the elementary school PTO and spend many nights on the soccer field. I am a member of First United Church of Christ in Palmerton, where I sit on many committees, organize events and teach Sunday School. My family is very active and always out and about. My favorite way to spend my spare time is with my children, reading, playing board games or going on hikes around town.

David Ziegler joined the staff at Hope Lutheran Church as Director of Music in September of 1989. He directs our choirs and orchestra who provide leadership at worship services throughout the year.

When not at church, he enjoys singing with Lehigh University Choral Union. David is married to Kathy Ziegler and has three daughters: Stephanie Maurer, Stacey Burke and Shelbey Ziegler; and three grandchildren who keep him young.

My name is Trudy Mertz and I have been the Treasurer at Hope since 1981. In addition to being Treasurer, I am currently a member of the Finance Committee and the Altar Guild. I have been a member of Hope since its inception and was a member of Christ Little Moore since birth. I have a daughter Gwen who is married and currently a fourth grade teacher. She grew up at Hope and was my faithful helper for many years. I live in Moore Township where I enjoy walking, gardening and spending time with family and friends. I retired from Bethlehem Steel Corporation in 2003 after almost 35 years of service. I am currently working for Jacobs, Kenneson & Co., a CPA firm in Allentown.

According to the reports in my briefcase I became the Financial Secretary 01/01/01.....I am married to Jim for almost 39 years.....have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren ( 4 grandsons and 2 granddaughters ).....I work full time at Guardian Insurance as a RECON Specialist.....even though we haven't gone for 2 years, I guess you could say I enjoy camping, singing on the church choir and most recently playing in the "Bells of Hope" bell choir. I enjoy watching my grandchildren play sports, such as soccer, baseball, basketball and horseback riding.

Krystina began as Hope’s Communication Specialist in April 2023. Krystina and her husband, David, have been members of Hope Lutheran since 2018 and currently live in Walnutport. Together they have two children, Thea and Jace. Before becoming Hope’s Communication Specialist, Krystina worked as an inpatient psychiatric social worker for over 10 years with local area hospitals. When Krystina is not spending time with her family, friends and fur babies, you can find her watching TV shows/movies, reading and singing her heart out.

Hi, my name is Shaye Kerper, and I’ve been part of the Hope Lutheran Church family since I was born. I’m excited to serve as the Confirmation Coordinator. Outside of church, I work in research at both the VA in Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Geriatric Medicine.
When I’m not working, I enjoy supporting Philly sports teams, traveling to new places, and exploring different cuisines as a foodie—any suggestions for places to try, send them my way! I cherish spending time with my family, especially my niece and nephew, and one of my favorite activities is attending NASCAR races to watch my cousin. I look forward to continuing to serve and support the youth of our church in their faith journeys.

Julie Sekol started as the Clearance Coordinator in 2018. She lives in Lehigh Township with her husband, Matt, and their 3 children. They have been members of Hope Lutheran since 2013. Julie is a Sunday School volunteer and a member of the Hope Lutheran Nursery School board. She is also the Volunteer Coordinator at Lehigh Elementary where she is active in the PTA. Julie enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, going to Penn State games, visiting her family in Corry, PA, and gardening.