Pastor Matt was ordained in 1990 and has been at Gethsemane since July 1, 1998. He was born and raised in Portland Oregon, but has been living in the Northeast since 1982. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and Gettysburg Seminary. He is married and has two adult children. His hobbies include gardening and old cars. Previously he served for twelve years as the President of the Keyport Food Pantry. Now he serves the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA on its candidacy committee to help prepare new pastors. He also serves on two Synod committees to end racism and to include all people.