Come back soon for updated information. We have had new additions and will add them when new pictures etc. are gathered.
Pastors
Through June 2025, we are being served by co-senior pastors, Rev. Pam Abbey and Rev. Eileen Lindsay.
Pastor Pam Abbey has a long history with WCUMC, having attended here for several years while she was doing an Extension Ministry focused on drama and working a few years as the Bus Stop director. She has served churches in the northern Sierra, Fresno, and several congregations here in Central Contra Costa County. She is married to Kent, who is in our choir and serves as a Trustee. She has two degrees in Theatre and received her M.Div. from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Born a Hoosier, she has basketball in her blood and is a staunch Warriors fan. Do not schedule meetings on game nights!
Office Manager
Our office manager is the camera-shy Cathy Stussi (she/her). Starting 11/25/24, Office Hours will be 9:00 AM- 2:00 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Director of Music Ministries
Michelle was hired as Director of Music Ministries in March of 2022. Having earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and a Master of Music in performance from the Dana School of Music in Youngstown, OH, she initially landed at WCUMC playing trumpet with the Pacific Brass Quintet. The inclusive and service-oriented nature of the church was an immediate draw for both Michelle and her wife Tina who now claims the title First Lady of Music. They joined the church family in 2008, joined the choir, and have been nurtured here ever since.
Michelle was hired in 2013 as the Youth Director with the intention of providing stability for the program after several years of turnover. The joy of working with the youth and witnessing their spiritual growth fueled her own spiritual flame; enough for her to “step up” when the still small voice whispered to apply for the music position almost a decade later.
Michelle’s energy and passion are infectious, and one might hear an “A-men!” or “Oooh! Sweet Baby Jesus” in the middle of rehearsal or worship service. From traditional anthems to contemporary Christian chart toppers, praise band to gospel a capella, Michelle loves the diversity our musicians and congregation are willing to explore with her.
The opportunity to foster a deeper connection with God, deeper roots into one’s own faith journey, and the shared ensemble connection is a beautiful gift that music provides. “Grateful”, she repeatedly says, “is not a big enough word”.
Organist
Director of Bell Ministries
Tessique Houston became our Director of Handbells in August, 2013. She began ringing here in 2005. Tessique holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, where her main instrument was flute. She has been ringing handbells since she fell in love with them during her student teaching in 1995.
As an active musician, Tessique currently rings with Sonos Handbell Ensemble and Tapestry Ringers and Singers, teaches at various handbell clinics throughout the area, and works part time as a substitute teacher for the Mt. Diablo School District. She is also an active member of The Handbell Musicians of America and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Tessique and her husband, Brian, enjoy getting out in their 5th wheel to get away from it all – but they do take the cats with them!