Meet The Team

steve@columbineunitedchurch.org

Adventure, imagination, passion, and love are the  adjectives I hope describe my life. I earned my BA from Whitworth University in Spokane Washington, my Masters of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and my doctorate from McCormick Theological Seminary.  I enjoy building bridges with those from other faith backgrounds and living an active life outside of work. With my wife Phoebe, we raised three children and now we get to embrace the role of grandparents. We live in the mountains of Colorado in the log home we both built. I loves all things athletic- swimming, biking, running, hiking, and yoga. I even have a black belt in martial arts! On my days off I can be found either scaling a fourteen’er, or riding my Palomino horse, Magic.

Check out my podcast, Cowboy Jesus!

www.cowboyjesus.podbean.com

jill@columbineunitedchurch.org

I grew up in Boulder, Colorado and have had the opportunity to live and explore Washington, California, and Michigan. I attended the University of Washington for my undergraduate degree and earned my Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. My background is in youth and collegiate ministry and I have been been a Presbyterian Pastor (PCUSA) since 2011.

I enjoy working with people inside and outside church walls to build, create, give back, and simply enjoy life together! I am a lover of travel, cooking, gardening and my new hobby, watercolor painting! Life is busy with teenagers, and a house full of pets. 

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Some of my favorite places in Colorado include Grand Lake, Buena Vista and San Isabel National Forest. “Colorado is a great place to be! Columbine United Church is a great place to be.”

samantha@columbineunitedchurch.org

I grew up in Midland, Texas, and got my Master's of Divinity at Truett Seminary at Baylor University. I am also pursuing my Doctor of Ministry online at Chicago Theological Seminary. I have worked in a church since I was 16 years old-- and at CUC for 5 amazing years. I have a husband, Luke, a baby, Xander, and two dogs, Indy and Annie.

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I absolutely love the families at CUC and their joy! I love learning about Gen Alpha speak its got rizz like 67 and not skibidi toilet. When I am not at work, I love to get coffee at local places with friends and walk around my neighborhood in Aurora. I do several volunteer advocacy for immigrants and combating religious extremism! 

tag@columbineunitedchurch.org

Hailing from the great state of Kansas with a degree in Media Communications from the University of Kansas, I like to keep things running here at CUC. I have a passionate desire to “fix things” and care deeply about maintaining the space we share so that everyone who enters feels comfortable and welcomed. You may also see me at the sound desk on Sunday mornings managing the audio/visual and streaming aspects of our services or possibly even playing the drums at second service. Outside of work, I love traveling and seeing the world with my flight attendant wife, Alann. We are now enjoying the “empty nest” life after raising two fine young men, Tucker and Dylan, who are pursuing their individual passions out in the world.

anna@columbineunitedchurch.org

Growing up in the Catholic Church, the music always called to me. Church music is found in memories spanning my entire life and has always been how I feel most connected to my faith. After growing up right here in the Columbine community, I took my love of music and made a career as a professional musician for the last 25 + years. 

Then, 5 years ago got a job singing here and have loved connecting with the CUC community. I feel proud to be a part of a community that celebrates the arts and welcomes all. 

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When I am not working I love watching dateline NBC,

shopping, playing with makeup, and attending musicals supporting all of my talented friends.

I have been a musical director in the Denver area for numerous productions, and numerous theaters, including the Garner Galleria. I feel so blessed to be at CUC and have been a part of this community for the past three years. 

I am the keyboardist at CUC. I love sharing my passion for music during rehearsals, special occasions, accompanying the choir, and playing for both services on Sundays.

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paul@columbineunitedchurch.org

As a native of the "show-me" state of Missouri, I received my bachelor's degree in Choral Music Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, my master's degree in Voice Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music; a second master's degree in Choral Conducting and my doctorate in Voice Performance back at my alma mater, UMKC.  In addition, I work as the Director of Choirs at Mountain Range High School (Adams 12 Five Star Schools)-Westminster. 

As a church music director for the last 10 years in the Kansas City and Denver metro areas, I am grateful to serve CUC in the traditional music spectrum. Music has always been an integral part of my lifelong spiritual journey and it helps shape my faith in God. 

During my spare time, I enjoy traveling, riding my Peloton bike, going to concerts (I enjoy rhythm and blues and smooth jazz), and socializing with close friends and family. 

erin@columbineunitedchurch.org

I love supporting people and events behind the scenes. It's amazing how many cool things go on day-to-day in our building! Being involved at the heart of CUC is very rewarding and sooooo FUN! I love helping the community rent space, members use our facility well, and coordinating the events and connection opportunities. There is never a dull moment between the hilarious staff here and the wonderful community members!

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Before working at CUC, I worked in many different roles all around the United States; from time as a gymnastics instructor and Advertising Rep for a local newspaper in Iowa, to Florida adventures as a Foster Care Case Manager and Senior Adoption Specialist. I love learning new things and seeing life through other peoples perspectives. My most rewarding role though, has been "mother" to my three boys. We have lived in Colorado for the last 14 years and love it here!

My favorite way to spend time with my community is gardening, playing sports, and coaching my children's teams.

I have loved being a part of the children's and youth ministries at CUC for 30 years- I was even here before Pastor Steve! Telling stories and connecting with the little ones on Sunday mornings is the highlight of my week. We have the best youth in the world, and they keep me young. 

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My daughters grew up going to CUC. They are both adults now and I love this stage of being their mom. When I am not at CUC you can be sure that I am with my family and my pets. 

finance@columbineunitedchurch.org

I went to University of Kansas for undergrad and got my MB at University of Denver. My career has been primarily in the mortgage industry. I have been close with Pastor Jill for almost three decades and when she said that CUC needed help with finances I jumped for the opportunity to work for the community she had told me so much about. Working here has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and I love serving the community in this way. During my free time I enjoy skiing when I am not driving my kids to their events and activities.

media@columbineunitedchurch.org

I love CUC! I earned my bachelors degrees in Communication and Biblical Studies at Ouachita Baptist University. I have worked in churches writing curriculum and leading community outreach, worked odd jobs from senior care to bakery management, stayed home with my kids for a season, and as a family mediator. After a season of deconstruction, my family and I found a safe space to grow and learn in community at Columbine United church. 

At CUC I help out with the website, social media, and graphics. I am a mother to three wonderful kids and the cutest dog. My husband and I love Colorado and all of the trails and wildlife it has to offer. 

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In the community you might find me doing advocacy work, watching birds, or baking a sweet treat for a neighbor.