STAFF

Pastor Debbie Weatherspoon

Lead Pastor

pastordebbie99(at)gmail.com

(510) 588-5055

I became aware of God’s call in my life through participating in campus ministry at The University of Florida in Gainesville. Being raised in The United Methodist Church exposed me to social holiness, so my faith compelled me to engage in justice activism in college. Following in the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth means standing with the marginalized and seeking God’s will. My discipleship continues through serving in community, solidarity, and pastoral ministry. I also serve as a spiritual director, accompanying others as we listen to the Spirit’s activity in their lives. My husband, Dale, our sons, Wesley and Justus, and our dog Zayne are the members of my immediate family. My public engagement involves the effort to end gun violence, movements for racial justice, and pro-choice/women’s rights events. My clergy colleagues of all faith traditions mean a lot to me, and I value a multi-faith community. I am blessed to be in ministry with the Epworth congregation as we seek to work for God’s justice in this world.

Susan Jardin

Director, Children and Family, and Older Adult Ministries

Susan Elliott Jardin is Director of Children and Family Ministries and Older Adult Ministries at Epworth. She coordinates the Godly Play Faith Formation Program for children in grades Pre-K - 5, and works with Children's Council to nurture a welcoming and supportive community for parents and children at Epworth. In 2015 Susan added Older Adult Ministries to her duties at Epworth. Partnering with local non-profits to bring classes, learning opportunities, and wide range of activities to seniors to keep them active in community life, A+ (Older Adult) programs aim to help alleviate loneliness, isolation and depression through connection, learning and purposeful engagement in life through service to others. Susan has worked with children and educational programming for many years, as a ceramics art instructor, mentoring coordinator at a local public school, and as Chair of Epworth’s Children's Council. A graduate of Pitzer College, she holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology and lived abroad for several years. She is married and has two adult children.

Laura Heid

Director, Youth Ministries

Juan Carlos Altamirano

Pastoral Intern

Scott Jespersen

Director, Music Ministries

Joy Cha

Communications & Property Use Coordinator