Pastors and Staff

The Rev. Sarah Street

925-283-3722 ext. 501

pastorsarah@oslc.net

Rev. Sarah Jessop Street is delighted to serve as pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette. She lives in Concord with her almost-seven-year-old daughter, Cora, her spouse, Keith, her vibrant mom, Andrea, their geriatric cat, Ruby, and their enthusiastic puppy, Tule.

Sarah is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and has previously served at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sacramento and Saint Matthew Lutheran Church in Walnut Creek. Before seminary, she also worked as a therapist, an experience that continues to shape her ministry of listening, care, and compassion. She is passionate about building authentic connections, sharing God’s expansive love, and working together to embody welcome and serve their neighbors.

Brett Strader-music

Brett Strader is a Bay Area–based conductor, pianist, and composer with more than 30 years of experience in church music and worship leadership. He most recently served as Director of Worship & Music at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, and previously at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. In addition to his church work, he is deeply active in Bay Area musical theatre and opera, serving as a music director and conductor with companies including Lamplighters Music Theatre, Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre, and Woodside Musical Theatre. He was recently named Resident Music Director at Cinnabar Theatre.

Michèle Sharik- ringer

Michèle Sharik rings professionally with Sonos Handbell Ensemble, is the founding Artistic Director of Timbré, and is an internationally-renowned handbell soloist, conductor, and teacher. She has played, taught, and/or conducted bells in 40 US states and ten countries. She designed and was the Master Teacher of the Handbell Techniques curriculum for Handbell Musicians of America’s certification program. In addition to degrees in computer programming, visual and performing arts, and music technology, she has a master’s certificate in Performing Arts Medicine and is a fervent “evangelist” for safe ringing techniques. Michèle is excited to begin working with Bellisimo beginning January 19th.

Kari Speltz - Site Use Coordinator / Administrative Manager

Site Use Email: kari@oslc.net Phone: 925-283-3724

Admin Manager Email: Spirit@oslc.net Phone: 925-283-3722

Our Site Use Coordinator and Administrative Manager Kari Speltz started out as a member of our congregation. When the opportunity arose to join our staff, she jumped at the opportunity. She has an associate's Degree in Interior Design and spent many years as a Project Manager and Designer in the Commercial Design Field. With a background in space planning and project management, she brings plenty of experience to coordinating Creekside Commons events and site usage, along with managing the church office. She is passionate about the education system and has spent many years volunteering at her daughter's schools, both helping in classrooms and coordinating events. Kari loves being part of the Lafayette community! Her other passions include locally sourced food and cooking, gardening, long walks in nature, a good book or movie, and spending time with her daughter and friends.

Chrissy Willis - Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator

youthandfamilies@oslc.net

Chrissy is a bay area native and a long-time member of OSLC. She earned a bachelor's degree in organizational psychology from Saint Mary's College and a graduate degree in developmental psychology from UC Berkeley. Chrissy served as a Children's Ministry volunteer for several years before transitioning to the role of Children's Ministry Coordinator. She is excited for the opportunity to help create fun, spiritually-meaningful experiences for the children in our community and to help shape the future of Children's Ministry at OSLC. Chrissy also works part-time in higher education. She enjoys exploring our beautiful regional, state and national parks with her husband and two children.

Grace Herrold - Communications and Marketing Specialist

Media@oslc.net

Grace is a recent graduate of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, in Berkeley, California, and a recently ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ. She currently resides in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. In her free time, she loves to hike and bike,read, cook, hang our with her 2 cats and 1 dog, and garden! She recently got married to her best friend, Larry Herrold Jr.