Staff
Pastors
Erin and Russ Matteson are the pastors of the Modesto Church of the Brethren. They are both 1993 graduates of Bethany Theological Seminary, the only Church of the Brethren graduate ministry training school. They were called to serve the Modesto congregation beginning in August 2003.
Erin has a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. She has previously served as a pastor in Fremont, CA, and Batavia, IL. She is a member of the Women Touched by Grace cohort group, a gathering of protestant women pastors and Catholic women religious, for spiritual renewal and work at spiritual leadership in the local congregation.
Russ has a B.A. in economics from Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA. He has served previously as a pastor in Fremont, CA, and was the Director of Marketing and Sales for Brethren Press, the Church of the Brethren publishing house.
Community Outreach Coordinator
Leah Knipe began serving in this new position in September 2008. Leah’s work is to help the congregation and the local community connect with one another as the church seeks to be a good neighbor in this part of Modesto. Leah is a graduate of California State University-Stanislaus in Psychology and has worked in campus events organizing and as a social worker.
Administrative Assistant
Sonia Ramirez is the friendly voice that answers your phone call and greets visitors to the church office. Sonia has worked in many customer service capacities with a variety of companies and is excited to use her skills to serve this congregation.
Nursery Caregiver
Zuly Desiga serves as the caregiver on Sunday mornings and at other times in the church nursery. Zuly is pursuing an A.A. in Early Childhood Development at Modesto Junior College and brings a love of children to her work in the nursery.