Pastor Bill Snyder

Senior Pastor

Bill Snyder has served as Senior Pastor at Mission Lutheran Church since 2000.  Pastor Bill has a B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University and a M.Div. from Christ Seminary.  He formerly served congregations in Texas, Nevada and Arizona.  Pastor Bill has also been a Bridgebuilder consultant since its inception in 1992 and is a Healthy Congregations, New Visions, Crossways, and Prepare/Enrich facilitator.   Pastor Bill guides us with a clear vision.

“I believe that what God has called us to do is to look beyond ourselves… I believe we are to be a center for mission.  A place where people come because they know that God is going to transform lives through his grace.  As we gather we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to go into the world each day, so that in all we do and all the conversations we have, we bring Christ to that place.”

Pastor Bill is married,  the father of two children and four grandchildren.  He enjoys golf, reading, sports, and staying busy with never ending home improvement projects.

(949) 831-8820 ext. 203

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Leah Emerson

Associate in Ministry/Parish Nurse

Leah has served in ministry since 2002 and has been a member of the congregation since 1994.  Leah is rostered as an Associate in Ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  She is also an R.N. with certification in Parish Nursing.  Leah has a B.S. in Nursing from Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, and graduate theological coursework from Fuller Seminary.  Leah encourages and supports us in listening to the call of Christ so we can respond to our neighbor’s needs.

“This is the place where we meet God in order to be changed and accomplish his purposes.”

Leah is married and the mother of two children.  In her free time, she enjoys gardening, walking, reading and trips to Hawaii.

(949) 831-8820 ext. 201

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Deb McGowan

Director of Music Ministries

Deb is Director of Music Ministries at Mission Lutheran Church.  She joined us as an experienced music director in 2001.  Deb leads the children’s choirs, handbell choirs, Praise Team and the Chancel Choir.  She graduated from Carthage College with a B.A. in Music Education.  Deb sees music as a way of carrying out our mission and vision.

“Music is an important part of worship.  It provides an opportunity for people to grow in faith and share their gifts by being leaders in worship.  This is true for children, not just adults.  It’s important for children to participate in worship.  I want children in front to help lead worship as often as I can get them there!”

Deb is married with two children.  In her spare time, you can catch Deb on the slopes in Snowmass, playing for the Southern California Children’s Choir, or cooking a gourmet dinner.

(949) 831-8820 ext. 202

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Jamie Beaudry

Director of Christian Education

Jamie grew up in the Lutheran church and has been a member of our congregation since 1993.  Jamie was called into full-time ministry in 2003 and is currently serving as Director of Christian Education for all children and youth.  She has a B.A. in Communication Arts and History from University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she played for their Division I Women’s Tennis team.  Jamie earned her M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University and has her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.  Jamie wants youth to grow up to be life-long followers of Christ.

“We are trying to cultivate mature faith in young people so they can carry with them the commandment to love God and one another and integrate their Christ centered beliefs, values, and decisions in their everyday lives.”

Jamie is married with one child.  She enjoys sports, movies, walking her dog, and being with her family.

(949) 831-8820 ext. 200

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Jody Meager

Church Office Manager

Jody is the Church Office Manager and she coordinates all church activities.  If you want to know what is happening at MLC, talk to Jody!  She has been a member of Mission Lutheran since 1997, and joined the staff in 2007.  Jody graduated from the University of Akron and received her B.A. in Early Childhood Education.  Jody also volunteers as the chairperson of the Fellowship Team.  She embodies the warmth and caring spirit of Mission Lutheran Church.

“Being a part of this church, and singing in the Praise Team and in the Choir encourages me to share my gifts with others.  I feel more faithful when I am around the staff and people of this church, and involved in carrying out our mission.  They touch lives here, and they have touched mine.”

Jody and her husband have five children.  Jody enjoys traveling, entertaining, and being with her family.

(949) 831-8820 ext. 205

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Catherine Estanislau

Director, Mission Lutheran School

Cathy is the Director of Mission Lutheran School.  She first came to the school as a parent and enrolled her daughter in MLS in 1989.  Since then, Cathy has filled many roles at MLS, and she became Director in 1997.  Cathy has a B.A. in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton and a Certificate in School Administration.  She loves to motivate and inspire her staff, and she strives to make Mission Lutheran School a nurturing and safe place for the students and their families.

“Through Mission Lutheran School we reach out to the community and provide a wonderful pre-K through Kindergarten learning environment for children, while offering a combination of Christian education and school readiness.”

Cathy is married and has three children.  She enjoys traveling the world, getting together in large family vacations, and skiing with her husband!