HARBORCOV.CHURCH

Michael White

Responsibilities

Michael is responsible for helping the congregation to reach people for Christ, develop disciples and live lives of compassion mercy and justice. He preaches, teaches, works with leaders and tries to hang out with people as much as possible.

Family

Michael is married to Megan. They have two daughters, Rachel and Allie, who are extraordinary in every way.

Other Interests

Michael is an avid runner. You can find him running the trails around the harbor. And even though he isn’t very good at it, he really likes fly-fishing.

Education

B.A., Religion: Pastoral Ministry, Southern California College

M.Div., concentration in Christian formation and discipleship, Fuller Theological Seminary

Ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church

Jessica Bauml

Responsibilities

Jessica coordinates and implements the ministry for children from birth to fifth grade, guiding children in developing an on-going relationship with God. This includes the nursery, Kids’ Church, Summer Kids’ Camp and special family events. Her passion is to help families get connected with God and each other by providing fun and meaningful ministries for children.

Family

Jessica has been at Harbor Covenant since middle school. She and her husband Jim have twin daughters, Audrey and Ava. Family ties run deep for her in our church as she is one of four active generations who attend Harbor Cov.

Other Interests

Jessica dedicates most of her time to her family, but when she has free moments it is spent with kids, kids and more kids. She volunteers at her daughters’ school regularly. If she gets a quiet moment, she also enjoys quilting and reading.

Matt Knapp

Responsibilities

Matt directs the ministries to Middle School and High school students to help them develop a faith that sticks into college and beyond. A big part of that effort is partnering with parents, training quality adult volunteers, and hosting quality programs for teens. He takes great honor and is completely humbled with the opportunity to build relationships with teens and help them develop their identity in Christ in this critical part of their life.

Family

Matt is married to his beautiful wife Cari, and they have three fantastic children – one son, Ethan, and two daughters, Isabella and Avery.

Other Interests

Matt loves playing with his kids and watching baseball with his wife. He also likes movies, ultimate Frisbee, cooking, hanging out with friends, and working on projects around the house.

Education

B.A., History, California State University, Fresno

M.Div, Princeton Theological Seminary

Ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Sammi McCubbins

Responsibilities

Sammi works with a team of people to help and serve others dealing with difficult life situations. Her primary focus is TREK, visitation, caring for those suffering loss, counseling and encouraging those facing life changes or difficult situations.

Family

Sammi and her husband Bill have lived in the Northwest for over 15 years where she is involved in community service.

Other Interests

Sammi enjoys golfing with husband Bill and walking with her friends and Maddie, her canine BFF.

Education

B.S., Elementary Education, University of Radford

M.Ed., Guidance & Counseling, University of Richmond

Clinical Pastoral Education, 2 Units

Blake Merwin

Responsibilities

Blake helps various ministry areas with outreach projects as well as a broader all-church outreach emphasis. This includes things like our Compassion Mercy Justice Sunday event, our “5 star” hospitality on Sundays, helping new people connect to the church, and plugging people into serving opportunities.

Family

Blake is married to Allison, and they have two children, Kimberlin and Kaden.

Other Interests

Blake loves being outdoors and has a passion for fly fishing.

Education

B.A., Church Music/Youth Ministry, Point Loma Nazarene University

M.Div., Fuller Theological Seminary

Ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church

Mark Willson

Responsibilities

Mark’s primary responsibility is developing Harbor Covenant’s presence in Gig Harbor North. In addition, he serves alongside the pastoral team in community engagement, spiritual formation, and walking through life alongside people.

Family

Mark and his family are new to Gig Harbor. He is married to Kelli. The amazing Willson kids are: Madelyn (Madi), Kameryn (Kami), and Brennan.

Other Interests

Mark loves being outdoors: fishing, hiking, running, biking, and coaching youth sports. A personal trainer and “crossfitter,” he loves exploring the relationship between the physical and spiritual. He also enjoys playing the guitar, singing, cooking (eating), and hanging out with family and friends.

Education

B.A., Organizational Communication and Management, CSU Sacramento

M.Div., Pastoral Ministry, Western Theological Seminary

D.Min., currently enrolled, Spiritual Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary

Ordained to Word and Sacrament in the Evangelical Covenant Church

Jill Branham

Responsibilities

Jill oversees the daily operations of the church, facilities, and supervision of clerical and facility staff. She enjoys working with church leaders and volunteers to ensure our many ministries run smoothly.

Family

Jill and her husband, John, are empty-nesters and really enjoying this phase.  They have two sons in their twenties, John and Erik. Jill & John have lived in the Tacoma/Pierce County area since college, settling in Gig Harbor in 1999.

Other Interests

Jill’s passions include her family, reading, hiking, traveling, museums, and exploring the Northwest.

Education

B.A., English, Pacific Lutheran University

Brenden Smith

Responsibilities

Brenden leads the worship ministries at Harbor Covenant Church. He is responsible for each aspect of our worship services, from the creative to the technical. One important aspect of this is training and developing leaders and recruiting volunteers. It is his desire to disciple others and to watch those disciples grow and deepen their lives of worship and prayer. He considers it a great honor to serve the Lord in any capacity and is so excited to be a part of what God is doing in Gig Harbor. Soli deo Gloria.

Family

Brenden is married to his incredible wife Jennifer. Together they have two extraordinary daughters: Bozena and Adelaide.

Other Interests

When he’s not hanging out with his family, Brenden is probably writing, playing, or listening to music. He loves being involved in the thriving northwest music scene and if you ask him he will tell you about all the groups with which he plays. Brenden also appreciates history, art, film, and those weird sea-creatures that people would draw on old maps.

Education

B.A., Music Theory and Composition, Central Washington University, Ellensburg

Christine Erikson

Responsibilities

Christine is the primary person on everything to do with worship preparations, including presentations and other media.

Family

Christine is married to Thor, and they have one son Derek. They also have a dog and horses.

Other Interests

Christine’s life is centered around her family. She also loves animals, skiing, hiking, and most things outdoors. Her passion is horseback riding.

Stacia Pew

Responsibilities

Stacia designs logos, postcards, bulletins, promotional material, and website graphics for various church ministries. She also volunteers as a facilitator for our DivorceCare ministry.

Family

Stacia and her husband Tom have four teenagers: Keegan, Carson, Kendra, and Adriena.

Other Interests

Stacia loves anything outdoors. She and Tom like to hike, snowshoe, kayak, garden, and camp in their old fifth-wheel trailer.

Education

B.A., Communications, Religion, Graphic Design, Pacific Lutheran University

M.Div., currently enrolled, Leadership & Spiritual Direction, Portland Seminary

Certified Lay Counselor

Jeremy Kidd

Responsibilities

Jeremy oversees and directs all aspects of ministry to children (birth-5th grade) at the North Campus, partnering with families and volunteers to inspire each child toward lifelong discipleship to Jesus Christ. He seeks to equip parents to disciple their children, empower adult volunteers to speak life and love into kids’ lives, and develop programs and events geared toward instilling Christ’s love and purpose in the heart and mind of each child.

Family

Jeremy is proudly married to his brilliant wife, Claire, who’s encouragement, love, and partnership inspire him constantly.

Other Interests

When not busy studying or working, Jeremy enjoys a wide array of social activities. When given the opportunity, Jeremy is extremely fond of acting, singing, and other forms of performance art. He loves to play sports, especially basketball, tennis, and ping pong, when he gets the chance; but he also enjoys video, board, and card games, especially with friends. His favorite TV shows and movies include imaginative worlds such as anything by Marvel, all Star Wars, and fantasy (i.e., The Lord of the Rings).

Education

B.A., Christian Theology, Seattle Pacific University.
M.Div., currently enrolled, Fuller Theological Seminary (expected graduation: Fall 2020).