Senior Leadership
Lead Pastor
Brian Banke: Lead Pastor
Hometown: San Diego
Family info: Married to Dawn, Four children: Madeline, Alexa, Zoey, and Jacob. Several animals
Favorite color: not pink
Favorite food: Thai or Mexican food
What is your role at OSLC? Lead Pastor
What is the best part about your role? Being part of the lives of people at Our Savior
What is your favorite place on the earth? The Northwest
What makes you laugh? My attempts at being a handyman
What makes you cry? Government
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? The Apprentice
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? razors specifically designed for shaving your head
Ministry Directors
Director of Worship & Music Ministries
Director of Jr High Ministries
Gerod Bass: Worship & Music
Family info- Married to an incredible woman of God, Kari. We have one son, Taylor whose smile and fun personality lights up our lives daily.
Favorite color- Crimson Red and Turquoise
Favorite food- Pretty much whatever my wife makes and Taco Time
What is your role at OSLC? Minister of Worship and Music
What is the best part about your role? Being able to use the gift of music and the arts to bring God’s people into a closer, more intimate relationship with Him.
What is your favorite place on the earth? Grand Cayman
What makes you laugh? My son. My best friend Brett.
What makes you cry? Scene from “The Patriot” where Mel Gibson’s daughter is running after him saying… “Daddy don’t go, I’ll say anything you want” Gets me almost every time. A powerful worship or love song. Children suffering from cancer.
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? “The Voice”
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? The computer
Tim Ihssen
Vicar
Director of Sr High Youth & Young Adult Ministries
Tim Ihssen: Vicar / Sr High Youth
Your Name: Timothy Llewellyn Ihssen
Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Family info: Son of Bill and Betterae Ihssen, brother of Rik, Dave and Janine (Bernabe), uncle of Karl, Tori, Elsi, Nathan, Eric, Hans, Robert and Lina, husband of Brenda, father of Maeve
Favorite color: Maroon
Favorite food: Scotcherroos, Chinese barbecue pork Deep Dish Pizza from Cybelle’s 9th and Judah, San Francisco
What is your role at OSLC? I am currently a vicar, working towards becoming an assistant pastor at OSLC. I currently wrangle youth.
What is the best part about your role? Making my Sunday School class symmetrical.
What is your favorite place on the earth? In my sweet baby’s arms.
What makes you laugh? Monty Python, David Sedaris, Ricky Gervais and Rowan Atkinson.
What makes you cry? Nothing. I’m Finnish.
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? American Idol – as a judge.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? The Frisbee.
Director of Children's Ministries
OSLC Preschool Director
Peggy Pielak: Children & Preschool
Hometown: Tacoma, WA
Family info: Husband Dan, Daughter Katie 25, Sons Nick 24 & DJ 21, Daughter in law Leisha, Granddaughter Aria 2 ½
Favorite color: Red (is there any other color?)
Favorite food: Salmon, popcorn, blackberry pie
What is your role at OSLC? Children’s Ministry and Preschool Director
What is the best part about your role? The people…kids, parents, volunteers…loving on them, helping them grow, sharing Jesus
What is your favorite place on the earth? Anywhere my honey is
Actual physical location? ...Colorado Springs and north central Washington
What makes you laugh? Goofy, joyful animals
What makes you cry? Injustice
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? Some kind of cooking show…is there such a reality show? I don’t watch TV :)
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? The shower!!!!!
Director of Outreach & Connections
Tracy Sclatter: Jr High Youth
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA
Family info: My family is one of my favorite topics! I have been married to my husband John for 22 years. We have three children who are finishing high school and beginning college. Because Dylan, Tyler and Haley were all born within three years of each other, our house will empty out as quickly as it filled up. We are already planning how to get them to visit us often. Bribery has been discussed. John and I both have large extended families, as well. I am number five of six children, and John is number seven of nine! We have 13 brothers and sisters between us – 24 if you count their spouses! That means our children have 24 aunts and uncles. They also had 22 first cousins before they were even born. That number has grown to 27. There is never a dull moment in the Schlatter house, especially on holidays and special occasions.
Favorite color: Red
Favorite food: Shrimp Creole and pecan pie
What is your role at OSLC? I am the junior high youth minister
What is the best part about your role? I get to know dozens of amazing kids and their wonderful families. I also get to care for them spiritually, provide solid teaching, and plan lots of fun events. Oh, and I get to pick on Tim and TP his office.
What is your favorite place on the earth? Drinking up the sunshine on the beach
What makes you laugh? My husband, little children, and Jerry Seinfeld
What makes you cry? Sad movies make me cry. That’s why I don’t ever go to sad movies.
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? Real Housewives of Puyallup. We could argue over whose mini-van is nicer, squeeze mean people out of the carpool, plan an outing in the rain to see the Daffodil Parade, and fight over Christmas ornaments at the annual Christmas ornament exchange at Virginia’s house. I think I’m on to something.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? Excedrin and Advil. Excedrin and Advil fix most of my ailments.
Ministry Support Staff
Children's Ministry Asst.
Randi Ehli: Children's Ministry Asst.
Youth Ministry Asst.
Penny Jepson: Youth Ministry Admin. Asst.
Hometown: Grew up in Williston, ND I know how to drive a grain truck and shoot a gun
Family info: Husband, 3 daughters, 1 son, and 1 grandson
Favorite color:Blue
Favorite food: Fettuccini Alfredo/ Beef Stroganoff
What is your role at OSLC? Youth Ministry Administrative Assistant (long enough for you?)
What is the best part about your role? All of it
What is your favorite place on the earth? With my Family
What makes you laugh? Teenager’s antics and Children’s world views
What makes you cry? Not much that I will admit to
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? None
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? My electronic leash (cell phone)
Social Media Manager
Matt Kees: Social Media Manager
Hometown: Born in MN, but raised in Ventura, La Mesa & Santa Clara, CA
Family info: Married to Kymberly, step-kids Amanda & Keegan, twins Aidan & Griffin, grandson Eoghan
Favorite color: earth tones
Favorite food: Thai; any beef, chicken or pork BBQ'd or Grilled; Jambalaya; Mexican; the list could go on .... and unfortunately, it does.
What is your role at OSLC? Social Media Manager
What is the best part about your role? Helping people connect and stay connected.
What is your favorite place on the earth? Po'ipu on the island of Kauai in Hawaii
What makes you laugh? comedian Brian Regan... and there's a show on TV called "Impractical Jokers"... pretty hilarious. PG-13.
What makes you cry? Emotionally charged scenes in well done TV programs or Movies... e.g. Extreme Makeover, Home Edition... or when E.T. says good-bye to Elliott... "I'll be right... here..." ;)
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? I'd be sitting next to Vic Tim on American Idol as a judge :)
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? Digital technology
Adult Ministry Asst.
Tracey Keirns: Adult Ministry Asst.
Choir Director
Diane Zimmermann: Choir Director
Hometown: Fairfield, MT
Family info: Married to Dennis since 1981; 3 grown kids – 2 girls and a boy
Favorite color: Green
Favorite food: All ethnic foods – I love most any good food!
What is your role at OSLC? Choir Director for adults and children since 1995; worship leader/pianist; was organist here for over 20 years
What is the best part about your role? Music is such a gift to us from God, and it is so great to see others enjoy making music together, and growing together in the Lord. It’s a real “family experience” for many of them. I also love to watch children who are shy come out of their shells as they learn to perform in choir and musicals!
What is your favorite place on the earth? Probably Hawaii... or Greece... or Italy
What makes you laugh? Funny stories that are real life; people who enjoy life and love to laugh with me!
What makes you cry? Hallmark cards!
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? Dancing with the Stars!
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? Computers
Preschool Staff
Teacher
Judy Anderson: Preschool Teacher
Bio info coming soon....
Teacher
Robin Holm: Preschool Teacher
Administrative Staff
Sue Bratz
Director of Operations
Business Manager
Sue Bratz: Director of Operations / Business Manager
Hometown Puyallup... but born in Seattle
Family info: Married to Bruce for 35 years, Children: Son Joe & Daughter-in-law Bethany, Son Evan & Daughter-in-law Sammy
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite food: Pizza
What is your role at OSLC? Director of Operations/Business Manager
What is the best part about your role? The people I work with
What is your favorite place on the earth? Mt Rainier
What makes you laugh? Robin and Judy, our preschool teachers... they are the most fun and positive people I know.
What makes you cry? Dog Movies
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? Nineteen Kids and Counting (but not as the mom)
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? Hot showers
Pam Schoenholtz
Administrative Assistant
Office Manager
Pam Schoenholtz: Administrative Assistant/Office Manager
Hometown: Sidney, NE
Family info: Married to Chuck. We have a labradoodle puppy named Jake
Favorite color: Red
Favorite food: Dark Chocolate
What is your role at OSLC? Administrative Assistant - managing everyday office functions
What is the best part about your role? Hearing and seeing answers to prayer... seeing how God uses people for kingdom building!
What is your favorite place on the earth? The Northwest
What makes you laugh? Things that young children say
Office Receptionist
Susan Wakeman: Office Receptionist
Your Name: Well, depends on who YOU are. If you are family I am Mom, Grammie, Sis or Auntie Susie. If you are a friend I am Sue. At church I am Susan to distinguish me from Sue Bratz. To my mother I was Suzabella. But I will answer to most anything that can be said in polite company.
Hometown: Born and raised here in Tacoma
Family info: I have 3 grown children (Lance, Melanie, Angie) who are married to terrific spouses (Kim, Nick and Aaron) and 5 wonderful grandkids (Tyler, Nathan, Emily, Noah and Aly). They all live within 2 hours driving distance so I get to go games, competitions, recitals etc.
Favorite color: The colors of the forest: greens and brown.
Favorite food: If you cook it, I like it.
What is your role at OSLC? Sunday morning receptionist and volunteer receptionist during the week.
What is the best part about your role? People are NICE when they call on the phone! And I get to talk to everyone who walks thru the door!
What is your favorite place on the earth? ISRAEL!!! I have been twice and I hoping to go again soon. Want to go with me??
What makes you laugh? Watching little kids perform in front of their parents and grandparents.
What makes you cry? Don’t want to talk about it…I might cry.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? The Microwave! Without it my meals would consist of PB&J sandwiches.
Interim Director of Operations
SCOTT TOLSON :: Interim Director of Operations
Hometown-
Family info-
Favorite color-
Favorite food-
What is your role at OSLC?
What is the best part about your role?
What is your favorite place on the earth?
What makes you laugh?
What makes you cry?
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be?
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years?
Facilities Manager
Bruce Robel: Facilities Manager
Hometown: Yakima, WA
Family info: wife - Bonnie; children - Gary Chelsie, Cody
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite food: Bonnie's clam chowder... and her cream puffs
What is your role at OSLC? Facilities Manager
What is the best part about your role? Working behind the scenes
What is your favorite place on the earth? Washington State
What makes you laugh? Re-runs from the 60's
What makes you cry? Computers
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? None
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? Batteries
Bookkeeper
Renee Copeland: Bookkeeper
Hometown: Born & raised in southern California (later lived in Alaska and New York City).
Family info: Husband Steve
Twin Sister Roxanne, her husband Bill, our nephews Mark & Dan
Steve’s son Brian (wife Carina, our grandson Cayden)
Steve’s daughter Maureen (husband Shawn, our grandkids Tabitha, Isaac, & Kassi)
Favorite color: blue, green, red, etc.
Favorite food: none (or too many)…
What is your role at OSLC? Bookkeeper
What is the best part about your role? Getting all the numbers to balance!
What is your favorite place on the earth? hmm, this is a tough one. So far, here with Steve, and Bavaria (Germany) with Roxanne
What makes you laugh? Typographical errorors
What makes you cry? Sentimental TV commercials
If you could be on any reality television show, which one would it be? “Can You Organize Your Way Out of a Paper Bag?”
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? Ballpoint pens
Nursery Director
Tammy Luchsinger: Nursery Director
Family info: Husband Rodney, 2 daughters - Diane and Julie, 3 sons - Sean, Jeff and Jesse, 3 grandsons - Byron, Brandon and Robert, 1 granddaughter - Jamee
Favorite color: Purple
Favorite food: Mexican
What is your role at OSLC? Nursery Coordinator
What is the best part about your role? Caring for the kids. They are such a blessing!
What is your favorite place on the earth? The ocean
What makes you laugh? Things the children say.
What makes you cry? Sad movies.
What do you count as the greatest invention of the last 100 years? technology (computers, cell phones, etc.)
