Staff
Pastor David Steffenson
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David was born and raised on a farm in Wisconsin. He is a graduate of Concordia College (1979) and Luther Seminary (1983) in Minnesota. Having served two parishes in Minnesota, he and his wife, Julie, arrived at Mount Cross in January of 2005. The Steffensons have three grown children. Family and faith are mainstays in David’s life. David is also a loyal Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Twins fan. David believes that his best years are always ahead of him.
Sherylee Ceccanti, Office Manager
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Sherylee was born and raised in Pierce County, and most of her family still lives in the area. She is very family-oriented and really enjoys spending quality time with her family. Sherylee had a son, Tyler when she was 23 and he is now 8 years old. She was recently married in Hawaii and feels very blessed with all that God has given her in life, her husband, Mel and kids; Tyler (8), Luke (8), and Avaa (7) are such amazing gifts. She has been the Office Manager of Mount Cross since June of 2007.
Jamie Lindberg, Interim Youth Coordinator
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Jamie has been a member of Mount Cross since she was born. She recently graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2010 with a degree in Religion and a music minor. Jamie married her husband Matt in July of 2011 and is currently working toward enrollment in a graduate program for a Master’s degree in Elementary Education. A lover of music, she is a member of PLU’s community choir, the Choral Union. She has always enjoyed being a part of the youth atmosphere at Mount Cross from her days as a youth all the way through serving as a Sunday School Teacher. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working with the youth groups as the interim youth coordinator.
Michael Engstrom, Office Assistant
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I grew up in Indiana and graduated from Valparaiso University in 2006. I moved to Tacoma in the fall of 2007 and absolutely love the Pacific Northwest! In my free time I keep active by playing racquetball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, along with hiking, biking, and swimming. I have played percussion since middle school and and currently a member of the Tacoma Concert Band. I am constantly searching for new opportunities and pray that the Lord keeps my eyes and heart open to take full advantage of them.
Pam Erickson, Preschool Director
In July 1983, Pam Erickson, her husband Jim, and her two sons, Keith and Gregg, joined Mount Cross. Upon joining, she taught Sunday school to 3 year olds and eventually 4 and 5 year olds over a period of ten years. Pam was Sunday School Superintendant for four years. In 2001 she began working for Noah’s Ark Preschool and continues working there today as the Preschool Director. She enjoys interacting with the preschool children and their families.
Lorrie Stroup, Preschool Assistant
I have been a Para-Educator with the Tacoma School District for the last 10 years. I work with grades kindergarten through 3rd Grade, which I love. I have been married to my husband Bob for the past 33 years and we have 3 children.
Richard Nace, Choir Director
Richard Nace is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, University of Arizona and his post-graduate work was completed at the University of Southern California. Richard has taught 25 years in the Public Schools and was Faculty Artist at PLU and most recently University of Puget Sound. He now directs Honor Choirs and is a retreat specialist throughout North America and the Far East specializing in concepts of motivation for choirs and directors. Rich has directed at Mount Cross since 1984. When he is not working on music he fishes and hikes throughout the Northwest. “I’ve become a member of Mount Cross and I am really excited about its recent growth and the direction the church is headed in regards to Reaching Out to the Community, Rejoicing in Gods Gifts to its members, and the many opportunities to renew one’s faith in worship.”
Michael Reiter, Organist
Mike plays the piano and organ during worship and Choir rehearsals and is a member of Mount Cross. He now worships at Mount Cross with his son and daughter-in-law and his grandson. When away from Mount Cross, Michael operates his own piano tuning and repair business in the Puget Sound area.
Dave Anderson, Treasurer
Dave was born and raised in the Tacoma area. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran church. He graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in accounting. Dave and his wife Julie were married at First Lutheran in 1979. They have a daughter, Shannon, in Seattle and a son Ryan. Dave became a member of Mount Cross in 1983 and has served as Treasurer since 1992.
Yelena Zhurko, Custodian
Yelena Zhurko came to America 8 years ago from Russia. In Russia, she was a cook. She has two beautiful daughters and has worked at Mount Cross for the past six years and enjoys her time here.
