Rev. Jason Bense is a Hoosier native who has found a home in Sacramento serving the church. In addition to urban ministry, ecumenical and interfaith relationships, and regularly preaching and leading worship, he is also a US Air Force Reserve Chaplain. A graduate of Valparariso University and the Lutheran School of Theology of Chicago, his life has been one of service to the church and community. When he’s not working with his congregations, organizations, or on-base, he enjoys running and biking along the American River Parkway. He’s never met a sunny day he didn’t like.
Michael Kravchuk is the Minister of Music for both Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Michael grew up in a Pentecostal Christian family with parents who fled the Soviet Union in 1990, and now lives in Sacramento with his wife and children. He has been a part of church music programs since the age of 15; as a graduate of Sacramento State, Michael is an organist, pianist, violinist, teacher, composer, music director and book publisher.
Lisa Agoitia is the Parish Administrator for both Gethsemane Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. She is a veteran of the US Coast Guard and worked on 41-foot search and rescue boats. After surviving many hurricanes while stationed in Florida and living in the Virgin Islands, she decided that earthquakes were not as scary as hurricanes. Lisa moved to Sacramento with her son Josh. She worked for Inverness pre-school for 3 years before it went bankrupt. Lisa found investors and moved the school to its current location at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. She has tried on many hats. Working for craft beer industry included brewing and judging beer competitions. She was certified as a Pony Express rider and rode the annual re-ride from Missouri to California. Her chosen trails were up in the high Sierra’s carrying the heavy mail bags on her trusty steed Harmony and transferring mail to the next Pony rider until it reached the end of trail at Old Town Sacramento or St Joseph Missouri. She worked and lived on a horse ranch feeding, caring and riding. During all that she has been with the church through all the challenges and blessings–for almost two decades. Her dogs Jake and Peanut, are never too far from her side.
LeslieAnn Grace is the Director of Outreach for both Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and Gethsemane Lutheran Church. A graduate of University of California Davis and American River College, LeslieAnn is an experienced event planner with a diverse background in legal studies, administrative work, and promotional event staffing. She weaves social connections throughout the church and community, and is always looking for avenues of progress for the congregations. During her off-time, LeslieAnn enjoys playing video games, being outdoors, her cats, and cooking.
Debby Wiedeman is the Sexton at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. From raising her children in the congregation to serving on the church council, she has always been involved with the church. A life-long Sacramentian and Lutheran, Debby is a dedicated follower of Christ whose primary role here is caretaker to the property. If it’s been fixed, cleaned, maintained, or improved, it’s probably been touched by Debby’s caring hands. She loves spending time with her two dogs and two cats, and is Melissa Etheridge’s number-one fan.