Pastor Sue Schneider and her husband David Gipson have just arrived in Seattle from Madison, WI. Before Madison, Pastor Sue served congregations in Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA. She’s a graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA, and also has an M.Ed. and BA in English. Sue has worked in public relations for a theater and taught high school English. She is a passionate believer in God’s love for all of creation, and in our call to be partners with God in cherishing and serving the world. She often experiences God’s love in her own life through beauty–visual, auditory, and written. Email her at pastorsue@
Staff
MARI MITCHELL-PUTNAM
Church Administrator – Mari joined the staff of ULC in 2003. She is an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church where she sings in the choir and is involved in parent groups. She loves her work at ULC and see it as her “second faith family.” “I really feel called to this work and believe it is my vocation, not just a job.” She lives in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle with her husband, Dean, and son, Alex. Email at adminmari@universitylutheranseattle.org
BRIAN HIGHAM
Minister of Music – Brian began working at ULC in 2006. Previously he was Music Director for Luther Memorial and Maple Leaf Lutheran Churches, among others. He graduated from Cornish College with a degree in Voice and has a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from UW. Brian has extensive credits as a musical theatre performer and music director, at Village Theatre of Issaquah, Burien Hi-Liners, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Carco Theatre, Renton Civic Theatre, and others. He lives in Seattle with his wife, Katherine Klekas, English and Drama teacher at Newport High. Email at musicminister@universitylutheranseattle.org
LOGAN HAMILTON
Organist – Logan traveled from Meadville, PA after graduating from Grove City College with a Bachelor’s of Music with a focus in organ to join the staff at ULC in September 2017. He is graduating from University of Washington with a Masters in Organ Performance. His grand plan is to teach at the collegiate level and inspire his students and music listeners as his professors have. Logan is very passionate for all genres of music, including classical, jazz, and modern rock music. He is excited to be part of a musically active church that values many different cultural liturgies, and is happy to meet the many faces of ULC. Logan can be reached at lgnhamilton@gmail.com.
GIA ALFIERI
Child Care Coordinator – Since 1983, Gia has provided a safe and fun play-space for children at ULC. She wants infants and children of all ages to feel welcome and valued. Gia started helping in her own church nursery when she was ten. She has been a nanny for over 35 years, caring for babies, grade-school kids, and teens. Along with her work at ULC, she is a professional organizer and part-time nanny for two families. She lives in North Seattle with her cat, Sunny. Email to nursery@universitylutheranseattle.org