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Meet Our Staff & Clergy

              



Patrick Wildman
Senior Pastor

pgwildman@gmail.com 
Hello, I am Patrick Wildman; being a part of the Christ Church community is one of the greatest blessings of my entire life. I became a part of Christ Church, along with my family, in 2000, was ordained a priest [pastor] in 2005, and was named the Sr. Pastor in 2008. As with everyone in our community, my role as Sr. Pastor is multifaceted – too much so to describe it all in one sentence. But to put it succinctly, my role is to lead, preach and teach so that Christ Church is able to live more fully into our Core Purpose and Values

I am married to Stephanie and we have two wonderful daughters. I have many interests but people who know me would immediately say that I love Alabama football, KU basketball, talking theology, hunting, fishing and vacuuming. I know it’s a weird combination but it’s me. 

Clergy:

Trish NelsonTrish Nelson
Executive Director & Priest

patricianelson1@gmail.com
My name is Trish and I am the Executive Director primarily responsible for the day-to-day operations of the church and staff. I serve often as one of the ordained priests in worship. I love my job.


Mel Clymer
Mel Clymer
Deacon
melclymer@hotmail.com 
Some people are designed to do something very unique. Many-gifted and multi-skilled, Mel has a background in education; she is ordained as a Deacon. She is a nurse, a social worker and brings a wealth of experience in ministry. During the week, she works in the operating room and serves as she can in a variety of ministries. On Sunday she serves at the altar in our services. 


DO Smart
Retired Priest

smart4455@aol.com X210
A retired Admiral, DO is a lifetime leader at Christ Church. Although DO retired from Christ Church staff, he still serves during our weekly Sunday and Wednesday worship. He is also Mel Clymer’s dad (see Mel’s bio above).



Staff:

Mike Ash
Mike Ash
Worship Leader
mash5ster@gmail.com
Hi. I've been at Christ Church since 2007 and being in this community is one of the greatest blessings of my life. My job, to put it simply is to help people worship God. I really enjoy playing music and learning the ways of Jesus. I'm married to Kristine and we have four wonderful children. I enjoy a good book, movie and hanging with my family. Some of the things I like are coffee, basketball, writing and recording...and I love a good laugh. 


Jenny Behrens
Director of Care Ministries
jennybehrens@gmail.com
I’m Jenny Behrens and I’ve attended CCA since I was in third grade. I became the Director of Care Ministries in 2006 after interning at the church for 2 ½ years. I’m the initial church contact for prayer requests, Stephen Ministry, hospitalizations, home communion visits, meal ministry and funerals. I serve alongside Suzanne Moore and Mary Longley and with a team of incredible lay ministers.

I’m married to Dean (see below) and we have a daughter who was born in 2009. I love the movies “O Brother Where Art Thou?” and “Lord of the Rings.” If I weren’t on staff here, I’d seriously consider working in a national park or being a safari guide!



Dean Behrens
Dean Behrens
Senior High Youth Director
deanbehrens@gmail.com
When I came on staff in 2007, I had lots of experience working with high school kids...but I had no idea how much God was going to grow my passion for them. Over the years, I have developed what the kids refer to as a "mother hen" instinct. I love them a lot and will go to great lengths to defend them and develop them. I have a heart for connecting them with each other and foster real community where they can be themselves and feel safe with each other. I really enjoy letting the kids ask hard questions and talk openly about the issues that are relevant to their lives. It's fun helping them work out their theology, without them even realizing that that's what they are doing. My goal is to equip them to better live their lives as intentional followers of Christ.
I am married to a wonderful woman, who is truly my better half (see above) and we have a daughter who is the sweetest thing to ever (almost) walk the earth.



Marie Drummond
Parish Comptroller
drummond.marie@gmail.com
Jesus talks about money more than any other topic in Scripture. I strive to handle God’s money with integrity, honesty and sound fiscal understanding. I hold a BSBA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from Rockhurst University. I enjoy good books, working out, and KU basketball. Please drop off any funds you'd like to contribute, pledge or tithe to my attention.



James Felver
James Felver
Director of Media
felverjames@gmail.com
Other than my lovely wife Jami, I enjoy good music, movies, mochas & Macs.  The things I enjoy that don’t start with the letter “M” are: KU basketball, graphic design, cinematography and writing and recording music.

The tech team and I really enjoy making everything sound and look good in the worship services.  We do our best to create a place where someone can worship and connect with God. 



Ed Goeke
Director of Worship Arts
egoeke@gmail.com
Hi, my name is Ed Goeke (pron. Gay’-key). I have the privilege of leading and assisting others to lead our worship experiences on Sundays and beyond. I first came to Christ Church in 1996 and have been in love with the people here ever since. My role as Director of Worship Arts allows me to work directly with gifted lay-leaders and staff from all walks of life. I love to sing, play and create moments of beauty in our worship services.

I am married to Katie and have two amazing adult aged children. Riding my bicycle gives me great joy and it gets me outdoors...which I adore. I like long casual dining experiences complete with lively conversation and great drinks - which is the reason I must ride my bike.  Calories in, calories out.



Dawn Heckert
Director of Children/Youth (New Generations Ministry)
dawnheckert@gmail.com
Family is a huge part of my life and it comes as no surprise to me that God led me into Family Ministry as the Director of the New Generation Team. Everyday I have the amazing pleasure of teaming up with staff members to impact the lives of parents, children and youth inside our walls and beyond our doors. I have a heart for parents to know that each season brings exciting NEW times and each GENERATION will connect with God in ways that are relevant to them. 
 
My personal family tree has  4 living generations actively pouring into the world; as one of twelve children, people often expect that my husband and I would have more than our two daughters.  But I just always remind them God has blessed me with many children through my work.


Mary LongleyMary Longley
Parish Nurse

mwlongley@everestkc.net
Hello, I am Mary Longley, Parish Nurse and a member of our Care Ministry Team. I am a retired school nurse of 23 years (which I loved!). I am physically at the church on Wednesdays but am available at any time by telephone, 913.649.1815. I monitor blood pressures, weight loss endeavors, and meet with anyone looking for resources or assistance relating to health issues. I organize blood drives, health information opportunities, flu shots and coordinate our emergency response team (C.E.R.T.).

My husband is Bill, our children are adults, and we have 7 grand children. I love spending time with family, cooking, knitting and enjoying the outdoors (in pleasant weather).



Suzanne Moore
Director of Care & Connections

suzannezmoore@gmail.com
My name is Suzanne Moore and my role at the church involves care and connections. I love meeting new people and helping them get as connected as they want to be. I host things like welcome lunches, info and membership classes and “connecting events.” If you aren’t sure who to call, start with me!

I have been married to my precious husband, Tom, for over 30 years. We have 3 wonderful daughters and 3 grandchildren. I enjoy going to the gym, cycling, bowling and cheering for the University of Louisville Cardinals.



Ali Brown
Ali Mueller
Junior High Youth Director
alimuellercc@gmail.com
When I tell people that I work with junior high students, I’m always amazed at their reactions. Apparently, it’s not a time that most people remember fondly! I work to change that for our students. The junior high age is a critical time where the overlap of kid and adult is very apparent. They are making decisions about who they are and what they want their life to be about. Our junior highers are a joy to be around, and I see my role as a coach to help them figure out how to follow God and love others in the context of their unique lives and gifting.

I c
ame on staff during the summer of 2007 after teaching English at Shawnee Mission North High School. I’m married to the man of my dreams, Mitch. We love to do a lot of things together, including working on our home, reading out loud, going to Shawnee Mission Park and mentoring inner city students a The Hope Center.


Cindy Purifoy
Worship Arts Coordinator

cindy.purifoy@gmail.com
It's my privilege to work with Ed, Mike, and James to plan and coordinate all worship services here at the church. I support their right-brained, creative energies with a healthy dose of left-brained organization and detail work. However, the bonus for me is that being part of the Worship Arts Department allows me the opportunity to use my right brain as well.

I am a proud Scandinavian from Minnesota ("Yah, you betcha!") and have been married to David for 25 years; we also have an amazing daughter. I love to cook, grow herbs, knit, watch Turner Classic Movies, and listen to a wide range of music from Palestrina to Rosemary Clooney to Death Cab for Cutie.


Nancy Pennington
Assistant to the Sr. Pastor

nbpennington@gmail.com
My past life in the corporate world centered on Performance Improvement Initiatives. Now, at Christ Church, my focus is Patrick Improvement Initiatives…. well, maybe just making his work environment easier. I manage Patrick’s very busy calendar, assist with executive communications, and coordinate projects for the lead team.  My real job is loving on and taking care of my fabulous husband and children. Sometimes I actually get the house cleaned. (Don’t tell the boss - I just found out he is a neat freak. Doesn’t bode well.) 


Donna Rimbo
Director of Marketing/Communications

drimbo@gmail.com
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and as a child thought that only tornadoes existed in Kansas. Since that time, I moved here, graduated from Blue Valley High School and Kansas State University and realized that Kansas just might be one of the coolest places in the world to live. You think I'm joking (and maybe I am a little), but it's just true. I have been here at the church for almost 10 years and can honestly say that I have found a second family here. Some of the best people I've ever met are a part of this place. As a job, I get the privilege of communicating all of the amazing things that God is doing here...along with getting to take photos, write, and play with photoshop.  I am really quite lucky.

For anyone that cares, my interests include spending my time talking with friends, taking photos of minutia, quoting movies, playing guitar, watching reality TV, and finding new and obscure bands......and of course long walks on the beach. :)



Sarah Schultz
Sarah Schultz
Director of Outreach

ichthus98@gmail.com
 
Christ Church is a place I consider home. I have been here for only 8 years, but I feel like I grew up here. My title is Director of Outreach. My role is to empower this community to live beyond themselves; exposure to unfamiliar places and spaces is where we are able to discover more of God…regardless of where we happen to be in our pilgrimages. It is through this community that I have come to see all that God is doing in the world and desire to be a part of it.

I never know what to “about me.” I love classic literature and a good estate sale; I love culture and new places; I could go to the movies every day; I am committed to Project Runway and American Idol; I occasionally focus on a project like quilting. Ultimately, I simply love a good conversation. I spent nearly two years in Uganda and had the best time of my life…but I am so glad to be back. There is no place else I’d rather be.



Mary Lou Sewell
Office Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator

marylsewell@gmail.com
Hello. I am Mary Lou Sewell. I have been a part of Christ Church for seven years. I am married to Darin, and we have three children. Christ Church has been a great blessing to our family, and I am now priveleged to also call my church my workplace. I work part-time on the admin team as an office assistant doing whatever I can to help.




Laura TateLaura Tate
Children's Programming

ltatechristchurch@gmail.com
Ok, so a little about myself. Well, I love working for Jesus. I love seeing Him in action everyday. In the beautiful and authentic way that 4 year olds pray, in the sparkle in the eye of an elementary student serving their neighbor and even in the sleepy eyes of a new mom as she realizes that she isn't alone. It is a privilege for me to work with the MOPS group, coordinate family events such as VBS and July 4th and being a part of the New Generations team with Dawn, Dean & Ali. I have THE best job!

When I'm not at church you will find me at movies, watching KSU football, Jazzercizing, doing my Beth Moore Bible Study and spending some quality time with my husband, Matthew, and our 4 year old son.



Kirk Wulff
Kirk Wulff
Director of Alpha and Adult Formation

alphakirk@gmail.com
Kirk, AlphaKirk, Wulffman, or Kirkenator... I'll answer to any of them. I've been a part of the Christ Church community for 25+ years. It's a great community to call home. My first career was as a sales manager for a manufacturer of city-sized engineered systems for the environmental industry. I joined the Christ Church staff in 1999. My passion, job, and ministry primarily revolve around the Alpha course, both locally and nationally. Alpha resonates with every bone in my body. I also love Jesus and Starbucks (in that order). You can usually find me at the Starbucks @ 89th and Metcalf enjoying the bold blend and getting to know their staff and clients. I have an amazing wife, Diana Dark, who is a physician and educator at St. Luke's Hospital on the Plaza and two kids. In addition to Alpha, my other passions are golf and fly fishing...but Diana always catches the largest trout when we go fishing.