|
Staff |
 |
We are blessed to have welcomed the Rev. Dr. Laurie Andersen to Coastside Lutheran Church. An ELCA Pastor for 12 years, Pastor Laurie comes with a wealth of experience in many areas, including transitional ministry. She has served in parishes in both the Metropolitan New York Synod and the New England synod; working in city and suburban settings. Over the years Pastor Laurie became known for her gifts of preaching, organizing children’s programs, teaching, pastoral care, and administration. Pastor Laurie was also one of the pastors in the Metropolitan New York Synod, deeply involved following the demise of the World Trade Center on 9/11. Her doctorate in counseling, her disposition, and gifts became known and utilized in times of crisis. Pastor Laurie graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in NYC in 1994, sponsored by the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chicago where she attended post-graduate classes for two years. She was ordained in the ELCA in 1996, and received a Doctorate in Ministry in Pastoral Counseling with an emphasis on Family Systems, in May 2002 at Hebrew Union College (A Reform Jewish Seminary in NYC). |
Amy Cowan earned a BM in Voice from Rice University in Houston and an MM in Opera from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, MA. In addition to acting as music director/choir director for Coastside Lutheran, Amy teaches general music at King’s Mountain Elementary School, and directs the Intermediate Choir for Vivace Youth Chorus of San Jose. She is also in her fourth year as vocal director for Coastal Theatre Conservatory and teaches private voice through Lisa Spector’s Music School. This summer, Amy completed her Certification in Kodály Methodology from Holy Names University. Amy has lived on the coast for over three years with her husband, Brian. Please contact Amy at music@coastsidelutheran.org
Rebecca Jeffs
I am pleased to have this opportunity to do two things today—introduce myself and introduce the exciting programs here at Coastside Lutheran. To start, I was raised in Half Moon Bay (and baptized at CLC), attending church with my family at the United Methodist church. I grew up working as a youth leader at summer camps, working in the church nursery, and attending youth groups regularly. As it came time to decide what to do with my life, I realized that teaching children was a passion of mine. I attended San Francisco State University and received my B.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in speech and language arts in 2003. In 2004, I received my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and went on to teach first and second grade in San Jose for two years. Last year, after deciding to stay at home with my son Sam, I was invited to Rally Day. We felt so welcome and had so much fun that we have been attending ever since!
I am so excited to be the new Christian Education Director—it allows me to combine my love of teaching and raising my son. One of the things I most look forward to the most is the new J.A.M.(Jesus and Me), children from Kindergarten thru 5th grade get together with their peers to hear bible stories, do related crafts, cooking, and music. We are very optimistic about this new program and look forward to seeing your children enrolled! I realize that the time is unusual—if you need help with transportation I am happy to help arrange a carpool. If you have child who is outside the age range who you would really like to attend, let me know and we can perhaps arranging that as well. If you know any other children who may be interested, please pass this on to them also!
For older youth, we offer a Middle School and High School Youth Group every Saturday night from 6:30 to 9:30 (through May). These evenings include a group-prepared meal and prayer, and a multitude of fun activities including, (but not limited to), scavenger hunts, bonfire nights, game nights, and bowling.
I look forward to seeing your families!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Jeffs
rebeccajeffs@sbcglobal.net
Julie Barwick, Worship Accompanist, is a California native who grew up in the San Diego area. She received her B.A. in Music from UC, Berkeley. Recently she returned to the Bay area to continue her studies in composition. When asked what she enjoys, her first answer is that she loves to play, teach and listen to music. She also loves dogs and travel. Julie has been part of the CLC staff for almost a year.