St. Mark's Lutheran Church
st. Mark's Leadership team
staff
Rev. matt keadle, Pastor
Matt Keadle grew up in Chicago and studied in Indiana, Mexico City, and Seattle before he was called to St. Mark's in 2011.
Pastor Matt finds the greatest joy in co-creating spaces where diverse children of God of all ages can discover and claim their voice. At St. Mark's, this looks like baptizing children of all ages, building relationships and partnerships in the community, drawing on the tools of community organizing, advocating at City Hall, lighting campfires, blessing bicycles, agitating leaders, learning new songs, creating art, visiting the sick, burying the dead, and being immersed again and again in the ancient stories of faith, hope, and love.
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In addition to leading St. Mark's, Pastor Matt also serves as the Lutheran Campus Pastor at the University of Southern California and as the Synod Youth Director for the Southwest California Synod, ELCA. With Pastor Zach Parris, Lutheran Campus Pastor at the University of Colorado in Boulder, he co-hosts a weekly podcast about Biblical texts and popular culture called The Vinyl Preacher.
Pastor Matt is married to Christina Heisser, a professor of history at Los Angeles City College, and together they are raising twin daughters Sierra and Maya.
Loja Moses, administrator
Loja Moses is the mother of three beautiful girls. I first came to St. Mark’s because members of my family had been long time members and invited me to church a couple of times. I continued to come to church services where I later decided this was where I wanted to continue my faith.
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I have been a member for over 20 years. My three children have been baptized here. We all enjoy being a part of the St. Mark’s community. I enjoy being a member of the Education Committee and being the Administrative Assistant for the church. I enjoy being a part of a small but mighty church where all the members know each other.
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I want to continue to help St. Mark’s to grow within itself and their services to the community and members.
Joe Williams, music director
mike serrette, percussionist
From the stage to the studio, Mike Serrette shares his creative gifts with young and old alike. This native New Yorker began his musical journey at age 13, as a drummer. He has appeared and/or recorded with gold and platinum artists, such as Ali-Ollie Woodson (of the Temptations), Doug E.Fresh, Martha and the Vandellas, and Tom Browne.
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Upon moving to the west coast, Mike ventured into another world of performing: acting. He acted in TV shows with mega-stars such as Will Smith and Frank Sinatra, sharing in entertaining the multitude of viewers worldwide.
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In 2003, Mike began sitting-in as the drummer for St. Mark’s Musical Gathering. More than 15 years later, he is a faithful member, joyfully contributing musically to St. Mark’s efforts.
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Having an appreciation for higher Education, Mike earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Workforce Education and Development.
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He is married, for a second time, and has three children.
church council
EVA BEHR, PRESIDENT
1. Why did you become a member of St. Mark’s?
The theology, the music, the community
2. What keeps you here?
The consistent alignment of the theology to my core values, the soul searing music that accompanies me through the week, and the community connections I am growing.
3. What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about empowering people. I do this professionally by trying my hardest to help teenagers believe in themselves and the see the power of being educated.
4. What do you think God is calling our church to focus on in the next two years?
Creating a safe, welcoming space for all who enter.
DENISE JACKSON SERRETTE, VICE PRESIDENT
1. Why did you become a member of St. Mark’s?
I was baptized at St. Mark’s shortly after the Jackson family joined. I have far too many good memories to list just one, but among those I hold dear are one from the Tug-o-War battles at the church picnics, Tea Party Hat Fashion Shows, Christmas Eve services, and anytime the music department performed well. In the next 2 years I want to support the growth and development of our Worship and Music Ministry by including traditional and contemporary sounds, selections, and instrumentation. In order to keep the Spirit of joy, love, and harmony flowing through music, you have to supply it. My tank is full of motivation. Anybody need a gallon??
2. What keeps you here?
Today, I enjoy the efforts the leadership is making to keep St. Mark’s ministry relevant to the youth and young adults.
3. What are you most passionate about and what do you think God is calling our church to focus on in the next two years?
In the next 2 years I want to support the growth and development of our Worship and Music Ministry by including traditional and contemporary sounds, selections, and instrumentation. In order to keep the Spirit of joy, love, and harmony flowing through music, you have to supply it. My tank is full of motivation. Anybody need a gallon??
Carolyn Phillips, TREASURER
1. Why did you become a member of St. Mark’s?
I became a member as a teenager, I liked the fellowship activities of the church like Tuesday & Friday school, and summer camp
2. What keeps you here?
The welcoming atmosphere, and the supportive environment
3. What are you most passionate about?
Supporting education, local politics and elder healthcare
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4. What do you think God is calling our church to focus on in the next two years?
Focus on welcoming new members, retaining current membership and growing our presence in the community to support the neighborhood
dieedra welch, SECRETARY
Why did you become a member of St. Mark’s?
I first came to St. Mark’s in 2014 due to Ms. Miller and other people who went here informing me about this church. My favorite memory of St. Mark’s is our bonfires and spending time together. I want St. Mark’s to do more bonfires because they brought us closer together and helped us build a closer relationship.
What keeps you here?
What I like about St. Mark’s is that you’re welcomed no matter what.
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What do you think God is calling our church to focus on in the next two years?
I want St. Mark’s to do more bonfires because they brought us closer together and helped us build a closer relationship.
SHAWNTELLE AUGUSTINE, YOUNG ADULT REP
Why did you become a member of St. Mark’s?
I became a member at St. Mark’s through my mother and grandmother. I was born into the church and stayed ever since
What keeps you here?
The church’s adaptation to change to reflect God’s goal is what keeps me at St. Mark’s.The church’s adaptation to change to reflect God’s goal is what keeps me at St. Mark’s.​
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What are you most passionate about?
I’m passionate about youth ministry and the medical field
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What do you think God is calling our church to focus on in the next two years?
God is calling our church to work together and rejuvenate our community as grow up upcoming leaders.
BARBARA BLADEN-FERGUSON, SENIOR REP
SUSAN STOUFFER, PEACE CAMP REP
Why did you become a member of St. Mark’s?
Because St. Mark's has such a strong history of social justice in this community and Pastor Matt is such a compassionate and creative leader.
What keeps you here?
I love the people of St. Mark's, their good hearts, and the way they work to make the world better.
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about supporting and equipping young people to become leaders. I am also very passionate about living into God's good Shalom on earth.
What do you think God is calling our church to focus on in the next two years?
I think our church should focus on nurturing and growing the next generation of leaders.
gerardo de la cruz, neighborhood rep
Why did you become a member of St. Mark’s?
Gerardo first came to St. Mark’s many years ago on Ash Wednesday. He came to the church seeking ashes, but the church had run out of ashes, so Pastor Brian anointed him with oil instead. He will always remember that.
What keeps you here?
What keeps him here is that St. Mark’s has a big heart, and it feels like there is unity right now. He appreciates that during COVID, instead of stopping our ministry altogether, St. Mark’s found new ways to continue serving the community.
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What do you think God is calling our church to focus on in the next two years?
As we look to the next few years, Gerardo believes our focus should be on teaching young children, and showing Jesus to the community.