Westminster UCC - Pastoral Team

Pastor - The Rev Ms. Andrea Martha CastroLang,"Andy", is pastor at Westminster. Prior to coming to Westminster in September, 2002, she was pastor of the First Congregational UCC Church and Avoca UCC of Weeping Water, Nebraska. Andy CastroLang was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado and received her Master of Divinity Degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary. In addition to her experience in pastoral ministry, Andy has substantial background in Christian Education. She is married with two children. Her husband, Jim, is also an ordained UCC pastor.

The Rev. Ms CastroLang's "Statement on Ministry" provides a powerful witness to who she is and is reprinted here:

"Be not lax in celebrating. Be not lazy in the festive service of our God. Be ablaze with enthusiasm. Let us be an alive, burning offering before the altar of our God." Hildegard of Bingen

"Pastoral ministry requires deep joy and commitment to God's people. Service to God through the Church calls for enthusiasm, hope, and stamina. A sense of h umor certainly helps and the ability to ask for help is crucial as well. I believe the people of God need encouragement and welcome in our often cold and unwelcoming society. Churches need to be supported, reminded of the gifts they have to share with one another. Church families and the world outside their doors need to be encouraged in faith, hope and love. As a pastor I believe I am called to extend the welcome of God and assist a faith community in enjoying the love of God."

Assistant Pastor

The Rev. Ms. Marj Johnston came to Westminster in 2004 and was licensed to serve in 2005. Pastor Marj officially joined the pastoral team in February 2007 and was ordained in November 2007. Born and raised in Raymond, Washington, she comes to Westminster and Spokane with a variety of human and social services experiences that grounded her for her work as a pastor. Pastor Marj earned her Master of Divinity at Chicago Theological Seminary and has a BA in Human Services from Western Washington University. In addition to Spokane, Bellingham, and Chicago, Marj also lived and worked in Washington, DC for several years. She lives in Spokane with her partner Cindi who is works for the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Scot Stout - Acting Organist/Choir Master

Office Manager - Robin McLain

Sarah Hopkins - Publications Editor

Caretaker - John Koons, III