Meet Pastor Noah

Pastor Noah (he/him) was called to serve at Atonement late in 2014 and officially began in January of 2015. He walks with the congregation in the process of renewal for ministry in the ever-changing context of the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. A North Carolinian, Noah moved to Philadelphia in early 2009, when he began an advanced degree program at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now United Lutheran Seminary). He now holds a PhD in Historical Theology from United Lutheran Seminary. Noah appeared in Netflix’s Queer Eye – season five, episode one. When he isn’t nerding out on theology, Noah can frequently be found geeking out with a computer or tabletop game. Noah’s passion for Queer Theology developed as it liberated him to experience God’s grace anew, which led him to come out and then, experienced it again to let go of the ways in which he had let the past keep him bound.

Meet Atonement Staff and Council Members

  • Vicar Connor Watson, Pastoral Intern

    Connor Watson (he/him) is a student in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program at United Lutheran Seminary.  Connor is a proud graduate of Neshaminy High School in Langhorne, PA (Class of 2019) and Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY (B.A., Politics; Class of 2023). 

    While not a "lifelong" Lutheran, Connor joined the ELCA in 2021 after finding it to be an inclusive, welcoming space which he desired.  When not studying or working, Connor and his husband Ronnie enjoy time spent together with their families, including a total of 7 nieces and nephews!  Connor is thrilled to be with the saints of Atonement and St. Michael's and looks forward to journeying forward in ministry together!

  • Barbara Curtin, Newsletter Editor and Team Member

    After spending almost 40 years at a large suburban church, Barbara Curtin (she/her) is delighted to be a part of Atonement's smaller, but just as vital, community. She moved to Fishtown in 2018 and lives here with her husband and 2 of her 3 daughters (the 3rd is 4 blocks away with her husband and daughter). Soon after moving, she retired from her job as a school registrar, leaving time to volunteering at Atonement.

  • Ronnie Griffin, Council Member

    Ronnie Griffin (he/him) is originally from Smyrna, Delaware, I’m 25 years old and currently live in Mt. Airy with my husband, Vicar Connor, and our 8-month-old kitten, Mr. Theodore Bean.  I work as a 6th grade English and Social Studies teacher at Girard College, where I’m passionate about education and building meaningful connections with young learners.  As someone new to the Lutheran tradition, I’m excited to become more involved in the life of the church, deepen my faith, and contribute to this welcoming and exciting community.

Pastor Noah Featured “Hero” on Netflix’s Queer Eye