Staff
Nancy Feniuk Nelson is the Pastor at Coastside Lutheran Church. Ordained in 1979, she came to Half Moon Bay in 1999 to serve as the Redevelopment Pastor at CLC, called by the Sierra Pacific Synod Council. She has since been called by the congregation to serve an open-ended call. Pr. Nelson lives in Half Moon Bay with her husband Jim , and their two dogs, Stella and Luna.
They have a son who is a freshman at California Lutheran University. Pr. Nelson was born in Chicago and served her first 15 years of ministry in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Her first 5 years in California, she served as Interim Pastor to three Bay Area congregations. She likes to snorkel and to learn more about California and the Pacific ocean.
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, she will complete her Certification in Kodály Methodology from Holy Names University. Amy has lived on the coast for over three years with her husband, Brian.
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) on Thursday afternoons. From 3:30-5:00 following the Cabrillo School District calendar, 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.
Barbara Walsh is the Office Administrator for Coastside Lutheran. Born on the East Coast, Barbara was raised as and is currently a practicing Roman Catholic. She came to CLC after retiring from the position of Office Administrator to the Physician in Chief at Kaiser Hospital, South San Francisco. Her office hours are from 9 to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, although she will frequently be found working well beyond those times. She edits and produces the monthly newsletter, the weekly bulletin, and coordinates use of the church building. Married, she is mom to two grown daughters and one dog. Hers is a faith shown in action, evident by the small touches she provides in addition to her "regular" duties.