Brian Brandt - Pastor

(pastor@centralportland.org)

Who is Pastor Brian Brandt Child of God, yes, renewed daily in God's image, Jesus Christ. But spiritual renewal plays out differently now than in the '50s and '60s, when I was born and came of age.

"Post-modern" is one way to name me as God's beloved child. I was raised culturally Lutheran. But I chose that Christian tribe as my own tradition after learning from Asian religions through schooling and contemplative practice.

I still maintain a discipline of prayer and contemplation based in the wisdom of the East. But a spiritual crisis led me to follow Jesus' call. In 1992, I received a pastor's degree (M.Div.) from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. Serving churches in Chicago, I entered a doctoral program in Christian ethics. In 2002, I received the Ph.D. from Loyola University.

God led me to a variety churches as pastor: urban and suburban, conservative and progressive, first in the Midwest, now in my land of promise, Portland. Three of those churches, including Central, are what Lutherans call "Reconciling in Christ". RIC congregations welcome all people, extending an explicit welcome to GLBT persons. God welcomes people of every shape, size, color, nation, gender identity, and sexual orientation. I do, too!

I began serving as Central’s pastor in March, 2004. Today I can truly say this is a fascinating congregation. I am glad to be here. Central has welcomed my proclamation of renewal and hope in Jesus' name during this challenging time of transition for America. Could this be the church you're looking for? Could I be the right pastor for you at this time? Come and see!

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Janis Lord - Director of Music

(worship@centralportland.org)

Greetings from your new musician! Thank you with all my heart for welcoming me so warmly, and for including my in the life of the family here. Holy Week was an exhilarating time to begin, and I am pleased to have met so many of you through the many events of my first two weeks here.

I come to you with 20+ years as a church musician, directing choirs, playing piano and organ, and leading music in the Lutheran and Episcopal churches. Congregational music and music with children have been two special interests of mine. I have had two brief careers as an elementary teacher, and currently teach 19 piano students in my home studio in Vancouver. I have a 21-year-old son (a junior at Whitman College) and a pet turtle, and if you’d like to talk vegetable gardening, look me up!

I look forward with joy to serving with you at Central. Thank you for inviting me to join you in your journey!

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Linda J. Bergman -

Director of Children's Music and English Handbells.

Everyone needs something to relate to in a worship service, something that can give them inspiration through the week. That is what we try to do at Central Lutheran Church. We want children of all ages to feel that this is their community and we all have a part in making the service meaningful.

I was raised Lutheran in the Midwest, but as an adult decided the Lutheran church no longer filled my needs. After being a part of many churches through the years I was offered a position at Central. With some fear and trepidation, I took the position in the hopes that the liturgical tradition would be used but also expanded on, not knowing for sure what that was, only knowing I wanted to be a part of a team that was willing to risk and explore different ways of worship in a liturgical framework. We have it at Central and it is exciting to be a part of making that happen.

I have a degree in Music Education from Illinois State, with a background in Kodaly and Orff methods of teaching children music. I also have an instrumental background from playing the flute for many years and playing in many chamber groups. I have directed and played in many English Handbell choirs. I moved to Oregon from Illinois, having taught instrumental music from elementary through high school. Presently, along with my duties as Director of Children's Music and Handbells at Central, I teach elementary music in the Vancouver School District.

Come, we need you to be a part of our community!

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Sue Cushing - Office Administrator

In July of 1989, I started a new adventure when I pulled into Portland with my U-Haul truck, my cat, my dog and all my possessions. I did not have a job, I knew no one in Oregon, and was excited and a little scared to start this new chapter in my life. On that first Sunday, I walked around the corner from my new apartment, walked through the double copper doors of Central and after Bev Peterson took my hand and said "I'm glad you’re here", I knew I had found my new church home.

I was raised a Lutheran in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California, during the 50's and 60's in a growing congregation that was made up of third generation Californians and transplants from the Mid-west. I was involved in any way that a girl could be involved in a church at that time, from Sunday School, to Confirmation, to Luther League and the Youth choir. I went to Vacation Bible school, helped with work in the office, and went on weekend retreats with the other kids. I never really understood why the boys could light the candles at the alter every Sunday morning, but the girls couldn't.

When I left home for college, it was easy to become involved in life that didn't include church. Sometimes I would attend Mass at the old California mission in town, and sometimes searched out a Lutheran pastor when I had a crisis in my youth. In my mid-thirties, a friend invited me to her American Baptist congregation. I found fellowship and worship but also found that my Lutheran roots were ingrained in my religious perspective and that a liturgical worship service was what I needed in my life.

I have had careers as a deputy probation officer and travel agent. After searching for a third vocation, I was offered the position of Office Administrator at Central and found a new way to serve friends and God. It has been a blessing to be a part of Central in a supportive way in addition to my involvement as a member. I am continually excited and challenged in Central's mission to welcome everyone to the table and spread Jesus' message for Peace and Justice to the world.

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