Brent James - Minister for Community Life

Email:  Brent@lakegrovepres.org (503-636-5656 ext. 111)

Brent James has recently completed the M.Div. program at George Fox Seminary.  A 1996 graduate of Bethany University (affiliated with the Assemblies of God), Brent has served here for a little more than a year in the capacity of Pastoral Intern.  He came to us from Bel Air Presbyterian church (the largest church in the Presbytery of the Pacific and the one of the fastest growing in the PCUSA).  He also served as Worship Ministry producer at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church and Co-Director of the Crossing, a ministry for young adults. 

Susie Graham - Director of Children's Ministries

Email: susieg@lakegrovepres.org (503-636-5656 ext: 121)

Susie Graham received her B.A. in Religious Studies from Westmont College and a Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary.   Susie grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and came to faith at First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs.  Prior to seminary Susie spent six years working with and directing a day program for Developmentally Disabled Adults. She also worked with youth and was on staff at First Presbyterian in Fresno, CA.  During seminary Susie had the opportunity to work with VITAS Hospice as an intern chaplain and at First Presbyterian Church in Burbank, CA as a pastoral intern and as the Director of Children’s Ministries. 

Diane Parker - Assistant Director of Children's Ministries

Email:  dianeparker@lakegrovepres.org (503-636-5656 ext. 101)

Longtime Church School teacher and childcare coordinator, Diane Parker, is our Assistant Director of Children's Ministries.  Diane is a native Oregonian. She has four children, 12 grandchildren, and two beagles. Her love of children is obvious in her commitment to Children’s Ministries. Although she had her own office-support business for many years, she finds her  job very satisfying. “My goal is to continue making our nursery and classrooms a safe, loving environment – teaching all who enter the love of Jesus."

Kathleen Fast - Director of Youth Ministries

Email: kathleen@lakegrovepres.org (503-636-5656 ext. 117)

Kathleen came to LGPC after 15 years of working with Campus Ambassadors, a student ministry at Oregon State University.  She received her B.A. in journalism from the University of Minnesota and an M.A. in specialized campus ministry from Denver Seminary.   A self-proclaimed “demographics junkie,”  Kathleen studies teen culture statistics and sees this age as a crucial time for spiritual development and growth. “The challenge I take on is to create an appealing ministry that is both spiritually significant and socially relevant,” she says.  With her great passion for Christ, deep love for students, and contagious joy, we are very excited to have Kathleen as the director of the youth ministry staff!

Jon Jones - Director of High School Youth Ministries

Email: jonj@lakegrovepres.org (503-636-5656 ext. 119)

Jon is a recent graduate of Multnomah University with majors in Theology and Ministry Leadership.  He comes to us with several years of large youth group ministry experience at Emmanuel Bible Fellowship in Olyumpia,WA and at Hinson Church in Portland, OR.  A native Pacific Northwesterner, Jon has lived in Washington, Oregon, California and Utah.  He enjoys being outdoors and tries to ski, mountain bike, staketboard, surf, or wakeboard often.  He is passionate about music and is a gifted musician.  Above all, Jon loves the Lord and Gods Word, and enjoys connecting with high school students.  He says, " I believe that in Christ there is redemption and new life, and that hope, faith, and love anre the tenets that build and sustain our lives.  I believe that faith is more than just belief; it is a life lived out in relationship with our Creator.  I believe strongly in the church, and that God wants to use it as His vessel of blessing here on earth.  I believe that it is my life's mission to minister to people and tell them of the wonders and glory of our God.  I believe that people learn to follow Christ best through life on life discipleship."