Meet the Staff
Senior Pastor - Rev. Eileen Lindsay was appointed to Walnut Creek United Methodist on July 1, 2007 by the Bishop of the California-Nevada Conference. Rev. Lindsay fully embraces the "Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors" credo of the United Methodist Church in both speech and action. A graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, with a BA in Political Science, Rev. Lindsay was nominated for a North American Ministerial Fellowship of the Fund for Theological education by one of her Professors, New Testament Scholar Marcus Borg. Receiving the Fellowship (formerly called the 'Rockefeller') changed her path from law to religion. She received her Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. Rev. Lindsay has served five churches in the California-Nevada Annual Conference since 1980, including Fort Bragg and Elk on the Mendocino Coast, St. Mark's in Sacramento and Davis United Methodist. She and her husband, Bill, are the parents of four children in their twenties. Pastor Eileen enjoys painting in oils and watercolors, gardening and Jazzercize. Pastor Eileen can be reached at 934-4208 ext. 202
Director of Music and Arts Ministry-Carol Morris is a graduate of Indiana Stae University with a B.S. and M.S. in music education. She directs the Sanctuary choir and encourages each choir member to tap into the spiritual message in the music. Planning special choral programs accompanied by brass and orchestra ensembles stretches the choir to greater musical heights and enchances worship. Carol has a background in teaching and choral direction and has directed various choirs at Walnut Creek UMC for 19 years. She is the President of Sigma Alpha Iota, international music fraternity that promotes excellence in muisc. She has been a bassoonist with the Diablo Symphony and the Indiana State University Orchestra. She currently teaches piano in her home. Carol enjoys concerts, travelling and spending time with her grandchildren. Carol can be reached at 934-4208 ext. 206
Associate Pastor for Neighborhood Outreach
Rev. Pamela Abbey loves connecting us with the folks who live in our neighborhood! A major part of her work is directing our Bus Stop After School Program, which serves children who live near the church, most of them from immigrant families. She received her M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley and has served churches in Livermore, Quincy, Fresno and Concord. She was the winner of the Circuit Rider Sermon competition in 1994, and has had sermons published in “Christian Ministry” and “Circuit Rider”, as well as several drama pieces published by CSS Publishing. She also has as B. A. in Theatre/English from the University of Indianapolis and an M. A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota and directs an active drama ministry, Acting in Faith. She lives in Concord with her husband, Kent Parr, and two very spoiled cats.
Coordinator of Family Ministries-Jake Ritter is a graduate of UC Davis (class of ’08) with a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Religious Studies. He served for two years as the Director of Youth Ministries at the Davis United Methodist Church. After graduating from UC Davis, he went on a seven month journey throughout East Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. Jake is excited to be working in Walnut Creek, and is in charge of most of the nursery, children’s, and youth functions in the church, including Sunday School, the Youth Group, and the Summer Mission Trip. When not living out of a backpack, Jake spends his time sitting in a hammock reading, being bounced off the mats in HapKiDo, and spending time with his friends. Jake can be reached at 934-4208 ext. 207
Organist and choir accompanist-Natsuko Murayama holds a B.A. in music education from Kunitachi College of Music in Japan and a Master of Music in organ from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is a certified member of the American Guild of Organists. Natsuko brings a well-developed proficiency along with a wide repertoire of organ and piano pieces to worship. She is a positive and welcome addition to the music department.
Bell Program Director-Jane Patty has directed the bell program at Walnut Creek UMC for 32 years. After graduating from the University of Maine, the Pacific School of Religion lured Jane to California where she has lived ever since. After graduating with a master's in Religious Education from PSR, Jane initially served churches as a Director of Christian Education. Gradually she turned her life-long musical training in voice, piano, and organ toward organist positions, choral music, and handbells. She also added a degree in music from Cal State University in Hayward.
Office Manager-Cathy Stussi has been in our front office since 2004 and is the "face" of our church and the first person people usually contact. She has a wonderful way of putting people at ease and making them feel welcome. Cathy and her husband Tim have been members here since March of 1987. Having served on numerous committees has given Cathy an in-depth understanding of how the church functions. Prior to coming to our church , Cathy had worked 30 years in the transportation industry. She and Tim have a son, Taylor, currently in college. She loves color and texture which serves her well in creating our Sunday morning altars and in her quilting. Cathy can be reached at 934-4208 ext. 201