PASTORAL STAFF
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Helen MansfieldYOUTH PASTOR
When I was 14, my family moved from southern California to a small town in Florida. When my Episcopal Sunday school teacher used the Bible to justify the segregation that was still happening even in 1969, I was outraged. She told me I needed to read the Bible. Sure enough, it was there. I still was outraged. I even made an appointment to speak with the priest, who told me that you can't pick and choose. I was done with organized religion at that point. Not done with God, because in reading the Bible from cover to cover I discovered that God has a lot to say about justice. Imagine my surprise when I first started attending Federated Church in 1999 and I started to feel I was being called to ordained ministry. In the midst of raising two boys with my partner in Cameron Park, I commuted to San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo. Finally, scripture began to make sense to me! I was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2012 and have served as a solo pastor at Galt United Methodist Church and New Community United Methodist Church before returning to my passion of youth ministry at Federated. I consider myself a process theologian (ask me and I'll be happy to talk your ear off about what that means) and love to read, hike, camp and cross-country ski in my spare time. |
Andrew HeaddenPASTOR
Dr. Andrew Headden has served as Pastor at Federated Church since 1997. He held previous pastoral positions at York United Methodist Nursing Home in York, PA, Paxton Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, PA, Craiglockhart Parish Church in Edinburgh, Scotland, and North Parish Church in Motherwell, Scotland. Andrew earned his B.A. in Religious Studies from Stirling University and his B.D. in Systematic Theology from Edinburgh University, Scotland, before going on to receive his D. Min. from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Andrew’s ecumenical approach to his faith led him to join the St. Meinrad’s Archabbey in Indiana, in 2009, as a Benedictine Oblate. He is passionate in his work to lead his congregation on its continuing faith journey, both spiritually and intellectually. His leadership has helped inspire relationships and collaborations with other faith communities. In addition to Andrew’s work at Federated Church, he has also served as a soccer coach and participated in numerous charitable and local organizations. Andrew is married to Natalie, a life-long educator, and has six splendid children and five lovely grandchildren. |
Susan TaseffASSISTANT PASTOR
Susan Taseff came to Federated Church in April of 2007, with a desire to do more than just be a member of this church. With head pastor Andrew’s blessing, she entered the Pacific School of Religion Seminary, graduating three years later. After being ordained in September, Susan became the Assistant Pastor and has held that position up to this date. Along with this position she oversees the Deacons program, chairs the Stewardship team, the Visiting team and the Health Ministry team. One of her passions is liturgical design, which she also oversees for both Sanctuaries. Susan has been on the Federated staff since 2010 and serves in a non-stipendiary capacity. |
Bob OlmsteadPARISH ASSOCIATE
Pastor Bob is a retired United Methodist minister who served parishes in Oakland, Santa Rosa, Reno NV, and Palo Alto. He grew up on the East Coast but came to California to attend seminary at Pacific School of Religion (and because his Carol, his soon-to-be wife, had taken a job with IBM in San Francisco.) He and Carol lived and served in a predominantly African American neighborhood in Oakland during the Civil Rights years. He joined Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the “Selma March,” but focused mainly on community organizing in north Oakland. His Santa Rosa ministry was rural and small-town, but his Reno and Palo Also appointments were downtown parishes with attendant urban issues. Both Reno and Palo churches had substantial numbers of Tongan members, and the Palo Alto church offered services in three languages every Sunday. Carol was a college mathematics teacher, who taught at Santa Rosa Junior College, the University of Nevada, and DeAnza College in Cupertino. She retired in 1999. When Bob retired in 2003 they moved to Placerville where they tend 7+ acres outside of town. Their four grown children have given them five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. As a retired pastor, Bob fills in around the edges of the vibrant ministry that characterizes Federated Church. |
Church Leadership
Our warm, committed leaders are always available to welcome, help, and answer questions.
Gabriel Silva
Music Ministry |
Jodie Regan
Minister to Children & Families |
Kate Evans
Secretary ~ Office Manager
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Other Church Leadership & Support
Learn more about these church leadership and support teams.
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