Tell me about your family.

Liz: Jeffrey and I met at a VBS BBQ at my childhood church, Our Redeemer Lutheran.  I actually wasn’t going to go that night, but my mom convinced me and thank God she did or I might not have met him! Jeffrey and I have been married for almost 9 years and we have a precious baby boy who just turned one named Henry.

What are your hobbies? 

Jeff: I enjoy being outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, skiing and running. And of course music. I have a 55 Chevy Bel Air I disassemble when I was 17 and it’s still in my mom’s garage. I hope to have it done by the time I’m 55!

Liz: I love nature and being outdoors, camping, hiking and fishing when I can. I also enjoy swimming, bike riding, and reading.

Do you have any interesting stories about your childhood?

Liz: I have always had a love for animals however there was a time in my life when I wanted to be an archaeologist like Indiana Jones!  I had a rock and fossil collection when I was a kid and enjoyed excavating my backyard or wherever else I could.  

Jeff: When I was 8 years old I got lost in the snow playing hide and seek with my brother and some of our friends. I drew closer to God in that moment than any other time I can remember. Since then I’ve had a stronger faith and allegiance to Him.

What is your occupation?

Liz: I am a Registered Veterinary Technician. It is a fun and challenging career that I greatly enjoy.  Since having Henry I have been working 2 days a week which is perfect. However, when we make the move to Escondido, I will be taking care of Henry full time for a season.

Jeff: As the Director of Music, I’m looking forward to playing the organ, working with the choirs and growing the music ministry at CLC. My family and I are eager to join the CLC family and make new friends!

Liz: I am excited to make new friends and find young children for Henry to be friends with as well.  I am also looking forward to getting plugged in and finding out what ministry God wants me to serve in.

What ministries have you been involved with in the past?

Liz: My husband and I have led small groups at our home in the past.  I also started an outreach program called Perfect Paws Pet Ministry at First Baptist Church in Salinas.  It was a free clinic where I performed grooming services on dogs and cats, they received knowledge about animal care as well as information about our church, they were invited to fill out a prayer card and at the end of the visit they were invited to church.  God blessed this ministry even though it was short lived as we moved a year later to be closer to family.  I enjoy outreach even though it terrifies me every time.  The tech ministry was something I was involved with as well; my job was to change the slides.  I have also helped in the children’s ministries and the nursery.

What is your background in music?

Jeff: I grew up playing the piano. In high school I added guitar, drums and vocals. In college I majored in voice and participated in several operas as a tenor. I’ve been involved in the church music ministry since a teenager. I went to Azusa Pacific University for a Master’s in Choral Conducting.

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY TREE PROJECT? 

Community Lutheran Church is a growing congregation worshiping 550 people between two campuses each week. As we continue grow, it is important that our relationships with one another continue to grow as well.  Over the coming months, our church website and Facebook page will be introducing you to a member of Community that you may or may not know yet. You’ll have the opportunity to learn a little about each member and delight in the different personalities and lifestyles that come together each week to worship our Savior.

When you join us for worship on Sunday mornings or events throughout the week, we encourage you to reach out and connect with someone you don’t normally talk to. As Pastor Vogelsang so eloquently reminds us, we are all “dear Christian friends.” We just don’t know each other yet! I’d like to change that one photo at a time.

"So that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." - 1 Corinthians 12:25-27