GPNW Community of Christ

Organization Contact Info
Community of Christ
GPNW Mission Center
c/o 17349 SE 134th Street
Renton, WA 98059
Attn: Kathy Sharp
Fax: 206-339-6550
Financial Contact Info
Community of Christ
GPNW Mission Center Financial Office
2721 NW 117th Cir.
Vancouver, WA 98685
Attn: William (Bill) McFarlin
Fax: 206-339-6550

Click Name to Quick Jump
Mission Center President Kathy Sharp ksharp@cofchrist-gpnw.org (425) 488-8202
Mission Center Financial Officer William (Bill) McFarlin wmcfarlin@cofchrist-gpnw.org (360) 574-2758
Mission Center Recorder Elva Eliason eeliason@cofchrist-gpnw.org (360) 574-2433
Mission Center Communication Coordinator Karen Short kshort@cofchrist-gpnw.org (425) 572-0167
Mission Center Missionary Coordinator      
Special Projects Shari Amos ssamos@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Mike Bessonette mbessonette@cofchrist-gpnw.org (541) 923-3660
Congregational Support Minister John Bonney jbonney@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Liza de Guzman ebguz@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Francine Inslee francine@cofchrist-gpnw.org (425) 314-5273
Congregational Support Minister Tore Nilsen tnilsen@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Christie Ostendorp costendorp@cofchrist-gpnw.org (503) 287-7373
Congregational Support Minister Blake Puckett bpuckett@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Joe & Gloria Rasmussen grasmussen@cofchrist-gpnw.org
jrasmussen@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 
Congregational Support Minister Steve Sauve ssauve@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Brad Shumate bshumate@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Debbie Sullivan dsullivan@cofchrist-gpnw.org (541) 687-1633
Congregational Support Minister Michele Torrey mtorrey@cofchrist-gpnw.org  
Congregational Support Minister Tom & Susan Webber twebber@cofchrist-gpnw.org
swebber@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 
Webmaster Todd Sargeant webmaster@cofchrist-gpnw.org  


Shari Amos

Shari Amos

Special Projects
Assignment: Conference Coordinator
 
 
Email: ssamos@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 

Mike Bessonette

Mike Bessonette

Congregational Support Minister (CSM)
Congregations: Bend, Klamath Falls, Redmond, Southridge, Medford, Tuality CC, Grants Pass, Myrtle Point
(541) 923-3660
Email: mbessonette@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Mike grew up in Baker, OR and earned a BA from Graceland College, an M.S. from Southern Oregon State College, and did Administrative Course Work through University of Oregon. He has been married to Eleanor for 37 years, and they have two sons, Michael and Chris. Mike retired after 33 years in education, 11 teaching, 22 as an administrator at all levels.  He coached for 20 of those years. He has been serving the church as a Congregational consultant. Over the years has served the church in numerous roles including pastor, district president, and on the staff of camps and Spectacular. He is a High Priest.

John Bonney

John Bonney

Volunteer Congregational Support Minister (VCSM)
Congregations: Albany
 
Email: jbonney@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 

Liza de Guzman

Liza de Guzman

Congregational Support Minister (CSM)
Congregations: Bremerton, Olympia, Sequim
Email: ebguz@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 

Elva Eliason

Elva Eliason

Mission Center Recorder
Assignment: Part-time
(360) 574-2433
Email: eeliason@cofchrist-gpnw.org
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Francine Inslee

Francine Inslee

Congregational Support Minister (CSM)
Congregations: Cedarcrest, Crystal Springs, Montesano, Samish, Woodland Park
Email: francine@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Francine spent the first ten years of her life in the Seattle/Everett area. Her family moved to Lamoni, Iowa where she lived and went to Graceland College. That's where she met Steve. Forty years later, August 2005, they were married and now live in Marysville, WA. Francine has three daughters and eight grandchildren that she is crazy about. She graduated from Graceland with her BA in English and Education, and in 1988 she graduated with a MDiv from what is now the Institute for Ecumenical Theological Studies at Seattle University. She now serves on the ecumenical board of IETS. Her ministries include preaching, teaching, and consulting on outreach and congregational ministry.

Bill McFarlin

Bill McFarlin

Interim Mission Center President (MCP)
Mission Center Financial Officer (MCFO)
Assignment: Full-time
(360) 574-2758
Email: wmcfarlin@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Bill is married to Beth and they have two children. Over the past 25 years Bill has served as pastor and just about every other congregational leadership role. His undergraduate education was done at Graceland College and he received a doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic. He is currently enrolled in the MACM program of Community of Christ Seminary through Graceland University. He currently functions in the priesthood office of Bishop and his ministerial passions include health: relational, individual, congregational and denominational, understanding contemporary culture, providing ministry to older adults, and seeing the big picture yet managing the details.

Tore Nilsen

Tore Nilsen

Volunteer Congregational Support Minister (VCSM)
Congregations: Renton
Email: tnilsen@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Tore has served as pastor, counselor to district President,  District President, and Regional Pastoral Care Commission  leader in addition to numerous other roles. He received a B.A. Graceland college, an MSW from University of Michigan 1964,  worked as clinical Social Worker, Public School Social Worker and Executive Director of Community Mental Health Clinic, Huron county Michigan.  Taught one semester at Maryhurst University. He loves to read, going crabbing and wood carving. Tore currently functions in the priesthood office of Evangelist.

Christie Ostendorp

Christie Ostendorp

Congregational Support Minister (CSM)
Congregations: Ellensburg, Garden Grove, Selah, Yakima, WA
(503) 287-7373
Email: costendorp@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Christie was raised in Lincoln City, OR.  She has two daughters, Leah and step daughter, Roxanne.  Her grandchildren are Max and Madelyn.  She and her husband, Kent Wheeler reside in Portland. Christie has Bachelor degrees in Psychology and Sociology, as well as a Masters degree in Social Work. She has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 29 years and she currently sees clients on a part time basis. She is a Field specialist with focus on Youth Ministry and has served as the Chair for the bi-district Youth Commission. She has directed Jr. High and Sr. High Camps and Retreats and has been involved in various roles in youth ministry over 33 years. She serves in the priesthood office of Elder.

Blake Puckett

Blake Puckett

Volunteer Congregational Support Minister (VCSM)
Congregation: East Wenatchee
 
Email: bpuckett@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 

Joe & Gloria Rasmussen

Joe & Gloria Rasmussen

Volunteer Congregational Support Ministers (VCSM)
Congregation: Lacamas Heights
 
Email: jrasmussen@cofchrist-gpnw.org
grasmussen@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 

Todd Sargeant

Todd Sargeant

Webmaster for cofchrist-gpnw.org
Volunteer
 
Email: webmaster@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Todd is married to Nan and they have a son, Finley, and a daughter, Evelyn. He is an architect working for Wattenbarger Architects, a firm in Bellevue, WA. that specializes in Senior Housing. Todd founded the Hike of the Month Club, "a group of people dedicated to explore the spiritual journey of life. Our vision is to celebrate the wonder, beauty, and mystery of the Creator as we hike through the beautiful Pacific Northwest." Web site design is one of his many interests. Todd is a Priest.

Steve Sauve

Steve Sauve

Volunteer Congregational Support Minister (VCSM)
Congregation: Bridgeport
 
Email: ssauve@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 

Kathy Sharp

Kathy Sharp

Mission Center President (MCP)
Assignment: Full-time
(425) 488-8202
Email: ksharp@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Kathy Sharp became president for the GPNW Mission Center in 2007. She is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest and the mission of the Community of Christ here. She grew up in Port Angeles, Washington. Since moving back to the West Coast in 1982, Kathy and her family have been members of Crystal Springs Congregation in Bothell, Washington.
Prior to becoming a full-time minister, Kathy was a business consultant working with clients to communicate and manage change. She was an active volunteer in her professional association, the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Originally an English teacher, Kathy shifted to public affairs and human resource positions in academia and business.
Kathy was lay pastor of Crystal Springs Congregation and a member of the World Church's Investment Committee for four years. She was ordained a high priest in 2005, after serving as an elder since 1987. She enjoys visiting and preaching throughout the Mission Center, and is now enrolled in Graceland University Seminary. She previously earned her Bachelor's of Arts degree from Graceland University (Iowa) and her Master's of Arts from Inter American University (Puerto Rico).
Kathy and her husband, Lynn, love to spend time with their three grown children, two sons-in law, granddaughter, and a grandchild-in-waiting.

Karen Short

Karen Short

Mission Center Communication Coordinator
Assignment: Full-time
(425) 572-0167
Email: kshort@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Karen Short lives in Renton, Washington. As a lifelong member of Community of Christ in the Renton Congregation, Karen has been active as a youth leader and congregational Communications Coordinator. Previously, Karen was President of a real estate seminar company for more than 15 years, while also freelancing in communications design and production. Karen has won three prestigious newsletter awards, and has designed and published more than 10 websites. As a former member of Meeting Planners International, Karen also has extensive experience in multimedia presentations, as well as the design and production of a variety of print media. Karen has a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of Washington. Karen and her husband, Troy, have two children, Nick and Lauren.

Brad Shumate

Brad Shumate

Congregational Support Minister (CSM)
Congregations: Anchorage, Eugene, Fairbanks, Portland, Wasilla/Valley
Email: bshumate@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Brad is married to Jeri and they have two daughters, Briana and Lauren. He has served in priesthood ministry for 27 years and is currently a Bishop. He has been a church appointee for 10 ˝ years. His education includes an M.S. in Clinical Psychology and worked for 14 years in a public mental health practice as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He also holds an M.A. in Religion. His Ministerial Passions include Interfaith, Pastoring, Recovery Ministries, Mediation, Mission/Vision.

Debbie Blackwell

Debbie Sullivan

Congregational Support Minister (CSM)
Congregations: Cottage Grove, Lincoln City, Roseburg, Salem, Woodburn
(541) 687-1633
Email: dsullivan@cofchrist-gpnw.org
Debbie has served in a variety of roles including pastor, youth camp director, committees, and singles ministries. Her strengths are in organization, administration, speaking and facilitation. She currently has an accounting and tax practice and lectures on tax law around the state of Oregon. Debbie serves in the priesthood office of Elder.

Michele Torrey

Michele Torrey

Volunteer Congregational Support Minister (VCSM)
Congregation: Neilton
 
Email: mtorrey@cofchrist-gpnw.org
 

Tom & Susan Webber

Tom & Susan Webber

Volunteer Congregational Support Ministers (VCSM)
Congregation: Cowlitz Valley
 
Email: twebber@cofchrist-gpnw.org
swebber@cofchrist-gpnw.org