Our People
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Reverend Dámaris E. Porsch-Ortega (Pastor D)
Pastor D (they/them) is an ordained minister of Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Modern Languages and a minor in Music and Education, as well as Master in Divinity from the Evangelical Seminary in Puerto Rico. Pastor D has completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education and has served as a chaplain in the National Guard and Army Reserves.
Their ministry is steeped in social justice having worked in the field of HIV/AIDS as the director of Mujeres en Fe, a community based program for women in faith communities. They have also worked in the field of domestic violence, coordinating Union County's domestic violence hotline.
Pastor D worked passionately for the inclusive movement to celebrate and welcome the full participation of LGBTQI+ people into the life of the Church.
In their leisure time they enjoy painting, crocheting, and making music.
Phone: 201-963-5518 x1
email: pastor@stpaulsjerseycity.org -
Christopher Greene
Chris Greene (he/him) wears three hats: Director of Music, Parish Administrator and Executive Director of St. Paul's Center of Caring. Chris is responsible for the music of our liturgies as well as for special musical events. As parish administrator, he manages our facilities, events, and a host of details.
Phone: 201-963-5518 x5
email: admin@stpaulsjerseycity.org -
Darlene Wyzga
Darlene Wyzga (she/her) is our Office Manager and Executive Director of The Sharing Place. Darlene handles party bookings, parking, bookkeeping and is our "jack of all trades assisting Pastor and Chris with myriad tasks, special projects, sings in the choir, and conducts the bell ensemble too!
Phone: 201-963-5518 x6
email: office@stpaulsjerseycity.org
Our Ministries
St. Paul's Center of Caring (SPCC)
Located on the property of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, SPCC utilizes the multi-purposes space for the benefit of the community, including civic meetings, community education, addiction support groups, and private events.
St. Paul’s Church is proud to have founded and work in partnership with the SPCC to serve our community and our siblings in Christ. Support ministries include Church World Services, Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Alcoholics Anonymous, and First Friends of New Jersey & New York.
The Sharing Place
One of Hudson County’s oldest and largest food pantries serving the needs of low and very-low income families and individuals, The Sharing Place provides groceries (including fresh produce, meats, proteins, dairy, eggs and non-perishables) each month. We are a partner agency with the Community Food Bank of NJ and receive Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) funding through Jersey City.
Hours of food distribution: 3rd Saturday of each month: 8:00am-noon
Go to their website for more information.
Our Partners
Jersey City Together
Jersey City Together is a chapter of New Jersey Together, an independent, non-partisan, citizens organization that listens to residents and creates strategies for long-term progress. Doing things well and delivering results that matter are keys to real, sustainable change and lasting impact in the community. The three primary focus areas are housing affordability, education, and public safety/criminal justice.
Cross Roads Camp
Cross Roads provides life-changing and sacred adventures for renewal, growth, and joy for all people. Through their Camp & Retreat Center, they facilitate renewal, healing, inspiration, and transformation for the body, mind, and spirit.