Westminster

Welcome!

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: 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 and has been a member of the Maintenance staff since that time. Darrel is married to Donna and they have three daughters, two sons-in-law and one granddaughter.
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: Oversees College & 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 entire Next Gen ministry department. Matt is married to Deanne who is a Middle School Counselor in SeaTac. Their son Austin was born in May ‘07. 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.
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.
Arlene Finley
Worship Minister: 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, working part-time 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, continuing her internship in Creative Arts while doing administrative work in the Global Missions department. In October 2005, she became our Minister of Worship where she plays an active role in leading worship not only in Sunday morning worship services but likewise in women’s ministry gatherings and retreats, Celebrate Recovery, and other Chapel special events. She is the music director of Crosspoint, a jazz-gospel ensemble, and also 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). Arlene enjoys working out in the gym, reading, traveling, and shopping.
Valerie Foskett
Care Coordinator and Counselor: 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.
Maria Gonzalez
Custodian: Bio coming soon.
Sue Granlund
Director of Early Childhood: 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!
Hanna Grove
Global Mission Administrative Assistant: Hanna Grove moved to Washington in June 2007 and started attending Westminster Chapel. Hanna had the opportunity to go on a short term mission trip to Uganda with a dynamic group (which included her new husband!) with Westminster Chapel in October 2007. Before coming to Westminster Chapel, Hanna was very involved in the youth group program at First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton, in Southern California. Hanna has a degree from Hope International University in Inter-Cultural studies. Hanna is passionate about people and sharing the love of Christ with others! She loves to read, travel, eat and sleep!
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 35 years 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.
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.
Jennifer Hill
Director of Community Relations Ministry: Jennifer began working at Westminster in 2001. She currently serves as the Director of Community Relations Ministry for the Chapel. Jennifer is very passionate about creatively integrating faith and the arts to effectively communicate the gospel. She has a BA in Communications from the University of Nebraska and is currently working on her Masters at Fuller Seminary. In her spare time she is acting, singing, cooking and songwriting.
Koti Hu
College Director: Koti came on staff with Next Gen in the Spring of 2005. He has been the primary worship pastor in training for leading the 11:15 AM Sunday morning 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.
Leslie Kendall
Alpha Administrative Assistant: Leslie Kendall joined our staff as the Alpha Administrative Assistant in August 2009. She has also been involved in the Children’s and Youth Ministries, and has been volunteering with the same group of girls for seven years. She’ll be moving to high school with them next year. Leslie loves to run, walk, hike, and read.
Kristine Love
Graphic Designer & Webmaster: Produces printed and digital pieces for each ministry and manages the content of this website. Kristine began attending Westminster in October 2002 and joined the staff in April 2008. She also leads a small group Bible study for young women. She is a graduate of Trinity Lutheran College with a degree in Christian Education and she has a Certificate in Graphic Design from Bellevue Community College. She enjoys cooking, reading, and hanging out with family and friends.
Abby Means
Connecting Ministries Administrative Assistant: Abby began attending Westminster Chapel in 2004. She joined the Next Chapter building project as the project administrative assistant for the construction company. She began serving as the Connecting Ministries Admin at the beginning of 2010. Abby graduated from Multnomah Bible College in May 2004 with a double bachelors in Bible & Theology and Educational Ministries with a focus in Family Ministry. In her free time, Abby ties flies for future fly fishing trips with her husband, Steve. She also enjoys horseback riding and knitting or crocheting afghans and scarves for friends.
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 in the high school ministry. His current position has him leading worship at the 3rd service gathering on Sunday mornings. Jeff is also in the process of obtaining a Master’s in Theological Studies from Bakke Graduate University. In his spare time he likes to eat, rest, rock climb, and spend time with friends and family. Jeff’s goal in life is to bring glory to Christ.
Bethany Newcomb
Children’s Ministries 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: 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
Pastor of Connecting Ministries: Oversees Men’s Ministries, Women’s Ministries, Life Groups, and First Impressions. 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 Pastor of Connecting Ministries. 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
Director of Internationals Ministry: 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 2 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: 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.
John Sloss
Junior High Pastor: John Sloss graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington in 1997. He then proceeded to Seattle Pacific University where he shuffled through three different majors before settling on a degree in Communications and a minor in Youth Ministries. John grew up in Westminster Chapel, going through its Children’s, Youth and College programs. John joined the Westminster staff in the summer of 1999 and was an intern in the Jr. High ministry for five years, going through the Pastor In Training program here. In 2005 John became the pastor for our Junior High ministry, The Crew. John would say that if you ever fully want to see him “alive” then find him when he is around teenagers. His passion is youth and he delights in nothing more than seeing students encounter God for the first time, and continue to know Him more. He also loves drumming, which IS a musical instrument, cheering on the Seahawks, and wishing he were Italian after his vacation there in the summer of ‘06.
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
Interim Youth Coordinator: Oversees week to week High School programs and assists with Jr. High ministries.
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
Senior Pastor Administrative Assistant: 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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