Westminster

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Ministry Team

Sondra Beck
Sr. Director of Human Resources, Operations & Communications: Manages the flow of communication to the staff, the congregation and the public as editor in chief of Chapel publications and oversees Human Resources. Sondra rejoined the Westminster team in July, 2006. She served for more than a decade in public and church human resource administration and ministry production. She is married to her best friend & college sweetheart. They have three grown children and four grandchildren. Sondra has a bachelor’s degree in English & Literature that has given her a solid foundation for research, writing, and editing material for nationally published authors, speakers, and pastors. Her passion is encouraging others with the Biblical message of hope. She enjoys music, reading, decorating, oil painting, and her Bernese Mt. Dog.
Laurey Berteig
Executive Pastor & Creative Arts Pastor: Oversees strategic planning and leadership development including: the building program, the ministry team, Creative Arts, and the general Chapel’s operations. Laurey also serves as Pastor of Creative Arts. He and his wife Patty came to Westminster Chapel in 2000 from Southern California. Born in British Columbia, Laurey completed his musical studies at the University of Alberta and has appeared as guest conductor of the Edmonton Symphony, San Jose Symphony, and Bellevue Philharmonic. His outside interests include fly-fishing, 5 grandchildren and serving as adjunct professor at Northwest University.
Darrel Claussen
Facilities Foreman: Darrel joined the Westminster staff in 1981 as a member of the Maintenance staff. Darrel is married to Donna and they have three daughters, three sons-in-law and one granddaughter. Darrel and Donna have the shared values of Faith, Family, Friends, and of course Fishing.
Martha Clay
Children’s Special Events Coordinator: Martha oversees Children’s Special Events and coordinates the 11:30 Elementary Program. She came to Westminster in 1970 as a small child. Over the years, she has enjoyed being a part of many areas of Westminster. She has been married to her husband, Dan, for 20 years and is the mother of Danielle (15), Natalie (13), and Nathan (11). Martha joined the Children’s ministry in 2004 when she saw a need in the Wednesday night program. Martha loves creating opportunities for families and kids to get together in times of fun and fellowship. She and Dan also love to teach God’s Word to elementary kids, especially when the kids memorize God’s word. Martha also enjoys reading, remodeling, and time with her kids.
Matt Conrad
Young Adult Pastor & Community Life Groups: Oversees Young Adult Ministries and is a part of the 3rd Service Speaking & Design Team. Matt came to Westminster in 1995 and served as an assistant in our Middle School department, then as an intern in the Youth Department, and became the Director of our College Ministry in the fall of ‘96. In 1998, Matt spent a year in our Pastor-in-Training program before becoming the Pastor to our College Ministry. He currently oversees our Young Adult ministry department. Matt is married to Deanne who is a Middle School Counselor in SeaTac. Their son Austin was born in May ’07 and their daughter Sadie was born in April ‘10. Matt graduated from Bethel College and received his Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary. Matt enjoys watching sports of all kinds and coaches track at Interlake High School in Bellevue.
Jim Cumbie
Children’s Pastor: Oversees the Children’s Department. Jim came on staff in 2008. He has been married to his delightful wife, Elaine for 26 years and has two daughters, Anna, a teacher and Katie, a dental student at UW. Jim was born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma and Southern California. He graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA and Western Seminary in Portland, OR. His heart’s desire is to see children come to know Jesus and begin their relationship with Him. He enjoys working in his yard, his shop and traveling.
Stacy deBruyn
Mission Administrative Assistant: Assists with Global Mission, Internationals and Alpha. Stacy joined the Westminster staff in June 2011. She has served in Children’s and Junior High Ministry, Wednesday Night Women’s Bible Study leadership, and in Mission since joining Westminster in 2001. She also serves as the Project Coordinator for Operation Reach (Mursi Tribe, Ethiopia). While obtaining a BA degree in Psychology from Central Washington University, Stacy met Doug deBruyn. They were married a few years after graduation and now have two children. Stacy enjoys, among many things, travel, time with friends and family, laughing, reading, teaching fitness classes, Ethiopian food, and chocolate.
Larry Dragland
Technical Services Director: Larry began at Westminster in December 2007. He directs the Technical Arts ministry. Sound systems have always been a passion for Larry and he has worked with them for many churches. Larry has three grown children and one grandson. He married Flora Corpin in October 2008 and they live in Bellevue. Larry also plays drums and guitar and loves singing.
Phil EuBank
Student Ministries Pastor: Phil is really excited to jump on board with what God is doing in the lives of students at Westminster! He comes to us as a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and received his Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary. Phil’s passionate about revealing the relevancy of God’s Word into the lives of students and challenging them to go deeper in their walk with God. He loves spending time with his beautiful wife, Alyssa, and their son, Graer, as well as doing all the Student Pastor kinds of hobbies (paintball, sports, etc.).
Arlene Finley
Minister of Worship: Arlene was born and raised in the Philippines. Prior to coming to the U.S. to pursue a second bachelor’s degree, she lived and worked in Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore. Arlene started at Westminster Chapel in 2003 as a Creative Arts Intern. After graduating from Northwest University with a degree in Music Ministry in May 2004, she joined the Chapel’s full-time staff. In October 2005, she became our Minister of Worship where she plays an active role in leading worship in Sunday morning services and special gatherings. She directs Crosspoint, a jazz/gospel ensemble, and assists in directing the Chapel Choir and Orchestra. She is very passionate about empowering people to become the “kind of worshiper the Father seeks” (John 4:23). In her spare time, she teaches water aerobics and enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband, Mark.
Valerie Foskett
Care Coordinator & Counselor and Young Adult Administrative Assistant: Valerie joined the Westminster staff in April 2007 as the Children’s Ministry Administrative Assistant. She graduated with a Bachelors degree in English Literature from Westmont College in May 2006. She got her Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in International Community Care and Development in July 2009. In June 2010, she began her position in the Care Department. Valerie is passionate about sharing her love for Jesus with those she encounters. She loves reading, writing, and engaging in good conversations.
Ceri Fox
Student Ministries Administrative Assistant: Ceri started at Westminster on November 1, 2010. She is married to Paul, has two sons - Parker and Spencer - and a daughter-in-law, Amy. Ceri has served in various ministries over the past 30+ years, including Worship, Women’s Ministries, Children’s Ministries, and in recent years Student Ministries. She has a passion to see young people come to know Christ and to grow in the knowledge of His Word and their walk with Jesus. Ceri loves walks at Marymoor with Baxter the golden retriever, reading, movies and hanging out with her husband as they discover the joys of being empty-nesters.
Maria Gonzalez
Custodian: Bio coming soon.
Sue Granlund
Early Childhood Director: Oversees programs and volunteer training for pre-school – kindergarten ages. Sue is in charge of all Programming and Leadership development for Pre-school – Kindergarten programs, (2-6 year olds). She loves training those interested working with young children and working with and having fun with her weekly volunteer staff. Children are such a trusting, non-critical audience, that once you learn about how they are wired, she thinks it is one of the most rewarding, fulfilling, successful and fun areas in the church to be involved in. She began her ministry on staff in 1990, but had been a volunteer teacher in the 4 year old class since 1975. She has been married to Ed since 1978 and he is by her side working hard every Sunday morning. They have 3 children; Josh and his twin sister Jamie, and Kailyn. Sue graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a double major in Early Childhood Development and Home Economics. Her hobbies tend to be creative things that she can do to make changes to her environment. She loves to decorate, paint, wallpaper, refinish furniture etc. She also loves to shop for bargains, for which she is famous!
Gary Gulbranson
Senior Pastor: Pastor Gary has been at Westminster Chapel since 1993, previously serving as Senior Pastor of Glen Ellyn Bible Church in suburban Chicago. Over the years he has ministered on radio and television and has been a speaker for many international conferences. Pastor Gary and his wife, Jorie, have brought to Westminster a deep sense of commitment to embracing the fullness of a relationship with God, while addressing the needs of our community and the world. Jorie is involved in the music ministry at the Chapel as well as the Women’s ministry. She is also a retreat and conference speaker. Gary and Jorie have been married since 1973 and are the parents of two daughters. Their oldest daughter, Marci Gulbranson Moore, passed away very suddenly from unknown causes in 1998. God has given them a platform to help many others through their own experience of grief and loss. Their youngest daughter, Marisa, is married to Scott Gronholz, and they have two children. Pastor Gary is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute; Trinity College, Deerfield, IL.; Denver Seminary, (M.Div.); and Loyola University (Ed.D.). He has served on the boards of Greater Europe Mission, Youth for Christ, Leadership Design Group, Seattle Assoc. of Theological Education, and Denver Seminary. Pastor Gary has a heart and a passion for mentoring. Whether adults, grandchildren, or emerging young leaders, he is a firm believer in being a godly role model and desires the same for everyone in the congregation.
Brandon Hall
Jr. High Director: Brandon joined the Westminster team in the summer of 2011 and already has years of experience in youth ministry from middle school through college. Brandon is working towards his Bachelors in Pastoral Studies at Northwest University with an emphasis in Youth Ministry. His goal is to see students come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, even at a young age, as well as develop a passion for local and global missions. He enjoys sports, movies, and spending time with family and friends.
Cliff Hersman
Business Administrator: Cliff has been attending Westminster since 2005 and joined our staff in February 2009, in a voluntary capacity as Business Administrator. Cliff and his wife, Vicki, have a married daughter and two grandchildren. His financial background has led him to examine stewardship, both now and through estate planning. He is a graduate of Washington State University and a partner in a regional CPA firm. He received his law degree from Golden Gate University. Cliff enjoys golf, skiing and spending time with family and friends.
Koti Hu
Young Adult Minister of Care: Koti came on staff with our Young Adult Ministry in the Spring of 2005. He was the primary Worship Pastor in training for our contemporary worship service, as well as for the young adults (College, Post-College, and Youth). Koti was severely paralyzed in a car accident on July 28, 2007. Although he currently cannot walk and does not have the full use of his arms and hands, Koti is undergoing rehab where he is relearning the skills he needs to continue in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Koti hopes to pursue a Masters in Theology.
Tim Huffman
Senior Accountant: Oversees Financial Records. Tim started at Westminster in 1998 and has served in accounting. Tim is married to Nancy who works for the University of Phoenix. They have seven children. Tim’s primary passion is to support and help enable those who reach others for Christ. Tim is a graduate of City University. He enjoys boating.
Roy Jones
Custodian: Roy Lee Jones joined the staff of Westminster Chapel in 1983 as a custodian. Roy has been married four years and has two step children.
Cathi Kershner
Community Relations Ministry Director: Cathi joined the Westminster staff in December 2005 and has served as an Administrative Assistant in the Care Department, Next Gen, Connecting Ministries, Student Ministries, and Missions. On June 6, 2011, Cathi began working in the Facilities Department. Her greatest joy is bridging ministries and watching new believers find their passion in serving Christ wherever He calls them. Cathi received her Director of Women’s Ministry certificate in April 2010 and is planning to graduate with her Bachelor’s Degree in June 2013. She and her husband, Andy, were married in December 1989 and have three children – Dustin, Joshua and Abigail. They have since added to their family, a sweet Miniature Schnauzer named Asta, who they hope will be trained in agility to keep the family active.
Ali Najar
Custodian: Ali (all-ee) joined the Westminster staff in September of 1998 and has been an exceptional contributor to the growth of services within the facility group. Ali moved here from Iraq in 1997 to escape the regime of Saddam. Ali is married to the lovely Delvin (dell-veen) for over 6 years. Ali’s passion for Westminster begins right at the heart-level with his love for the church and people. He enjoys serving ministries and the many people that come through our doors each week. He also enjoys working out at the gym to keep his health strong, country music and especially his extended family.
Jeff Neuenschwander
Young Adult Worship Leader: Jeff first came to Westminster as a 4-year-old and he has been here ever since. Jeff has spent a large amount of his time at church serving with youth and in worship ministry. His current position has him leading worship and preaching on occasion in the CLC services as well as conducting live talks in the ALPHA ministry. Jeff has a business degree from Seattle Pacific University and a Master’s degree in Global Urban Ministry from Bakke Graduate University. In his spare time he likes to eat, study scripture, rock climb, and spend time with his lovely wife Cristina.
Bethany Newcomb
Children’s Administrative Assistant: Bethany started at Westminster in August 2010. Her primary passion is contributing to furthering spiritual growth in the lives of children. Bethany is a graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in Psychology. She enjoys spending time with people, reading and sports.
Holly Pankratz
Minister to Women & Counselor: Holly joined Westminster Chapel in 2008 as Minister to Women. She and her husband, Darin, live in Bothell. They married in 1992 and have three children. Holly has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from Moorhead State University in Minnesota. She also has a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle. Her passion is helping women find their unique calling and purpose. She also enjoys meeting people for coffee, reading a variety of books, and spending time with her family.
Steve Parsons
Connecting Pastor: Oversees Men’s Ministries, Women’s Ministries, Single Parents, and The City. Steve came home to us having grown up in the church and previously serving on staff in the area of youth. Steve currently serves as our Connecting Pastor. Steve is married to Sara and they have two beautiful daughters named Kailee and Tara. Steve’s primary passion is seeing the order and design of God seen through people and the rest of God’s creation. Steve was ordained here at Westminster and is a graduate of the University of Washington and Moody Bible Institute. He enjoys playing basketball, watching sports, fishing and gardening.
Mark Pedrin
Director of Language Assistance: Oversees the Westminster Language Academy, TalkTime, and other ESL-based outreaches. Mark started at Westminster in 2006, and loves working with internationals to help them find more fulfillment in life. He has a degree in English from Northwest University in Kirkland, and he has taught English overseas for a number of years. Mark has a love for English literature and enjoys walking or biking the Sammamish river trail with his wife, Mariya, and their daughter, Chloe.
Sylvia Ramquist
Minister to Internationals: Sylvia joined Westminster staff in 2003, but began her journey here in 1978 when she and Mark were married at the Chapel. In 1981 the Ramquists began a 20-year missionary career in Japan, developing relationships through worship ministry, Bible classes, mentoring, and leadership. Building on her wide experience of cross-cultural ministry, Sylvia brings a passion for mobilizing leaders and creating effective bridges to reach the multi-cultural community of Bellevue/Eastside with the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark and Sylvia’s family is completed by Corey, Shea and Elizabeth, and also two fat, lazy cats.
Jacquie Rauch
5th & 6th Grade Director: Oversees 5th and 6th grade ministry. Jacquie began attending Westminster in 1980 and began working with children around 1986. She has taught Sunday school, led women’s bible studies and, along with her husband, hosted tables at Alpha. She became part of the staff over 6 years ago as Elementary Director and started our current ministry for 5th and 6th grades in 2005. Jacquie is married to Ron and they have four children, John, Julia, Jessica, and Nicholas, and the only one still at home. Jacquie’s primary passion is helping people learn the truth of Jesus Christ and grow to have a vibrant, life changing relationship with him. Jacquie is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a BSN (nursing) and has taken graduate courses from the University of Washington. She enjoys skiing, hiking, gardening and great coffee and conversation.
Delores Reeves
Bookkeeper: Works in the Accounting Department doing accounts payable and payroll. Delores came to Westminster in 1986 and worked as receptionist before moving into the accounting department. She attended Western Baptist College in Salem Oregon. She has had many jobs including bus driver for the Salem school district and city. She has also worked in the Children’s department at Westminster. Delores loves pretending to exercise and taking really short walks on the beach. She also sings in the Choir. Delores loves to throw birthday parties in the office for her only child, Perky, a green “cheeky” Conure. If you see Delores, you must ask her about her dear friend, Agnus, a favorite entertainer at Chapel events.
Ralph Rowland
Mission Pastor: Oversees Mission department, Evangelism Training, Alpha Director. Ralph started at Westminster in 1989 and has served in youth ministry, small groups and ministry development. Ralph is married to Nina and they have four adult children and one grandson. Ralph’s primary passion is helping people learn to share their faith with others as a lifestyle. Ralph is a Graduate of Western Baptist College and received his masters in Marriage and Family Counseling from Azusa Pacific University. He enjoys salmon fishing, playing Bluegrass instruments and bicycling.
David Sanders
Senior Director of Benevolence & Counselor: David started working at Westminster Chapel in 1999. He has been married to his wife, Tiffany, for ten years, and they have two children, Rebecca and Luke. He graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education and earned a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology, both from Washington State University. Before working at Westminster Chapel, David worked as a high school teacher and school counselor. He very much enjoys watching Steve Nash play basketball for the Phoenix Suns.
Tiffany Sanders
Nursery Director: Tiffany started working part-time with the Children’s Department at Westminster in January 2004. She oversees the nursery program. She is married to Benevolence Director, David Sanders. They married in October 1996 and have two children. Tiffany was born and raised in Bellevue but has lived in Eastern Washington and Tucson, Arizona. She is a graduate of Sammamish High School and Washington State University with degrees in Broadcast Communication and French Foreign Language and Literatures. She left a career in Broadcast Meteorology to stay home with her children.
Carlo Skolrud
Graphic Designer & Webmaster: Carlo joined the Westminster staff in the summer of 2011. He received his degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Portland in 2005 and then accepted an opportunity to become a children’s pastor at his home church. Later, he also served as the worship leader before moving to Jakarta, Indonesia in 2008 where he and his wife Breanne became the youth and children’s pastors at an international church. He is currently finishing a degree in Organizational Management from Regent University. Carlo and Breanne have been married since 2002 and have 2 daughters: Ava and Kennah. Carlo also enjoys family time, art, traveling, photography, music, fishing, eating, reading, and a good cup of tea.
Andrew Swenson
Custodian: Bio coming soon.
James E. Terry II
Custodian: James started his employment at Westminster in December, 2003. James always has a friendly and pleasant manner and is eager to help. He has a strong commitment to excellent service. James has been married to a lovely lady named Burnestine for 26 years, and they have 3 adult children. James has worked at most major hotels in food service, and he has always showed a strong duty to help the senior and the sick. Now he’s a senior himself! He worked for Catholic Community Services in the Home Care Program where he did a variety of duties. James attended school at Seattle Career Institute, Seattle Community College where he received his certificate of completion in Vocational Planning. James likes bike riding, basketball, and golf.
Lynn Von Seggern
Creative Arts Administrative Assistant: Lynn came on staff in May 1973 as the church secretary and about ten years later, transferred into the Creative Arts Department. She has one brother, three nephews and five great nieces and nephews. She graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Lynn serves in the choir, tape ministry and communion preparation. Her hobbies include knitting, doll collecting and square dancing.
Kay Weaver
Internationals Administrative Assistant: Bio coming soon.
Jordan Whitten
Student Worship & Care Coordinator: Jordan has been leading worship at Westminster since 2008 and joined the staff in March 2010. He began his career in worship leading in 2000 at Cascades Camp where he found his passion for youth ministry and has been serving at various churches since then. Jordan and his wife, Emily, have been married since 2007 and live in Issaquah. He enjoys playing guitar and working on his guitar, amp, and guitar pedals. Other hobbies include fixing his car, welding, and golfing.
LuAnne Zaeske
Executive Assistant to Senior & Executive Pastors: LuAnne joined the Westminster staff in January of 1998 and serves as Pastor Gary’s administrative assistant. LuAnne attended Taylor University & Michael Reese Medical Center and was a radiologic technologist for 8 years before taking the position of Pastor Gary’s administrative assistant in Glen Ellyn, IL. She loves caring for and serving God’s family here at Westminster. She enjoys flea-marketing, exploring new places & events, art, organizing, and adventures with her puppy, Wrigley.

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