A Word from Laura: Welcome, Samuel Gray and Sofie Fashana!
While I was on sabbatical, members of Western’s leadership filled two part-time staff positions with two great candidates. Earlier in the summer Sam Gray signed on to serve as our Director of Music Ministry, and this past week, Sofie Fashana agreed to serve as our Coordinator of Digital Communications Ministry. While both have attended on Sunday mornings previously, this Sunday will be their first in their official capacities.
Sam Gray joins Western after relocating last month to pursue his doctorate in Music Education from the University of Maryland. Sam grew up in Minnesota, went to college in Wisconsin, and comes to us most recently from Colorado where he earned his master’s degree in Music Education from Colorado State. He served most recently as the music director for First United Presbyterian Church in Loveland and brings experience in Lutheran and Congregational settings.
According to some in his previous church, Sam “shows up with his whole self” and knows how to bring out the best in everyone who is singing. As you get to know Sam, you will experience his passionate faith and his deep love for sacred music and song. Don’t be surprised if he invites you to join the choir! Sam is married to Libby, who shares his love for music and is pursuing a career in law. Ask Sam about the “Beer Choir” groups he has helped lead elsewhere, and how he worked with other area choir directors to start an ecumenical service that raised community support for local nonprofits.
Sofie Fashana moved to D.C. to pursue graduate school. A recent graduate of Western Oregon University, she brings experience in political advocacy and nonprofits, specifically focused on foster care systems, in which she has lived personally. Sofie emigrated from Ethiopia at the age of nine, when she and her sister were adopted, and grew up in Oregon, attending a Presbyterian church. Talking with Sofie, you will discover she is passionate about her faith, Western’s commitment to our unhoused neighbors, and making sure people know what is happening in a way that invites them to join in.
Sofie is a self-starter – she began a clothing ministry for young people in need of clothes – and a committed communicator – she has worked to support social media campaigns, create flyers, and ensure the human touch required to “meet people where they are.” Her mentor in a campus ministry organization, also a college professor who has taught IT, affirmed that Sofie was not only a quick learner but an energetic leader.
Both Sam and Sofie will be with us regularly on Sundays, and they want to get to know you! Please introduce yourself, whether in-person or by email – sam@westernpresbyterian.org or sofie@westernpresbyterian.org. We also all appreciate your patience through these transitions and as we get used to working together. Please keep watching this space as Sam and Sofie communicate and lead our ministry into the future God has in store for us!
Special thanks to those who were part of the staff searches. For our Director of Music Ministry: Greta Morris, chair; Carlton Brose, Ray Kim, Letitia Obeng Roche, and Alec Resurreccion. For our Coordinator of Digital Communications Ministry: Kathy Hawk, chair of Personnel; Becky Koenig, Asia Perazich, and Alec Resurreccion.