St. john's staff

Marny Helfich, Assistant to Children, Youth & Family Ministries

Marny Helfrich came to St. John's in the fall of 2001, newly arrived in the DC area and looking to connect. She was excited for opportunities to align her professional interests in early childhood care and education with the life of her faith community. Over the years, she has worked with the children of St. John's in church school, in children's worship, and in a variety of special events like Easter egg hunts, Scout Sundays, Guided Eucharists, and Christmas Pageants. She became the very part-time assistant to St. John's CYF Ministries in 2023. 

In her role as Assistant to Children, Youth & Family Ministries, Marny focuses on our youngest parishioners, leading our children's chapel (songs and stories for toddlers-second graders during the 9:00 and combined services) and spearheading our Godly Play program (Montessori-inspired faith formation for preschool and elementary children) as well as working with Dawn and the rest of the staff to ensure the perspective of young children and their families is considered in various church activities. Marny is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and interactions that reinforce for our littlest members and visitors "who and Whose they are" and that invite to experience the love of God in Jesus through our community.

In her "day jobs," Marny is first and foremost mom to LiRong (age 16) who grew up in the St. John's community and can regularly be seen assisting with the kids. Marny is also the Section Chief for Early Childhood Special Education at the Maryland State Department of Education, applying years of experience in special education to supporting programs and districts across the state through policy and professional development. She also enjoys listening to podcasts and driving LiRong places (sometimes at the same time).