Jamie Crook

Dan Britts

Glen Nielsen

Day job: Director of K6 Children's Ministry

First job:    

Family: 

Favorite movie: 

Greatest indulgence: 

Most recent purchase: 

High-impact book:

Biggest challenge: 

Inspiration: 

In CD player or iPod:

One of my proudest moments: 

Why came to UCC:

Little known fact:

What surprising thing has God been showing lately:

Kim Windall

Day job: Children’s Ministry Director (or whatever title works with Glen’s) and Teacher at UCNS

First job:  Babysitting a family with 5 kids

Family:  Tom, my husband of 28 years, Sarah, my daughter, Dave, my son-in-law, Mike and Ty, my twin sons

Favorite movie: I have lots of favorites but right now I would have to say The Rookie.

Greatest indulgence: Butterscotch Squares from See’s Candy

Most recent purchase: A new pair of sandals (I LOVE summer weather)

High-impact book: Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan

Biggest challenge: Balancing my time-knowing when to quit for the day

Inspiration: Newborn babies and watching someone treat someone else with kindness

In CD player or iPod: A variety-Celine Dion, Bob Seger, Tchaikovsky, Faith Hill, Styx, Hap Palmer

One of my proudest moments:  The days my children were born. I believe I will feel the same way when my grandbaby is born. Check back with me in February or March!

Why came to UCC: We moved back to Davis when my daughter was born and began attending UCC because my parents belonged to the church. Tom found a job in the area, we loved UCC and the people and UCC become our new church home.

Little known fact: I was in the Sacramento Ballet Company when I was in high school.

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: His power, love and forgiveness have NO end! My head knows this truth about God, but sometimes my heart needs reminding. I am amazed by the grace God shows me each day,. When I look for His presence, He is there with me, I just need to slow down and take notice.

Kyle Thomsen

Day job: Junior High Director

First job:  I went door-to-door helping people with financial planning when I was in high school.

Family: Kelly my wife and two bins of composting worms on the back porch

Favorite movie: Anything with Kevin Spacey

Greatest indulgence: Does video games count? If not, definitely college football.

Most recent purchase: Breakfast for my wife

High-impact book: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Biggest challenge: Showing up on time

Inspiration: Movies and nature/solitude

In CD player or iPod: Davis Road Trip Playlist: Jack Johnson, Juanes, Jason Mraz, Colbie Collait, Gavin Degraw, and Coldplay

One of my proudest moments: In fourth grade, the yearbook had a picture of me picking my nose.

Why came to UCC: I thought it would be a great place to do youth ministry.

Little known fact: I used to play chess competitively… I know; I know; I’m huge nerd. Thank you for reminding me.

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: That He does the work. He just asks me to be faithful while He does the important stuff.

Alex Wright

Day job: Youth Pastor at UCC

First job:  Paper boy.

Family: Married since 2006 so the amazing Erica Wright, living with our emotionally challenged black lab mix Sierra, and often found hosting international students.

Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption

Greatest indulgence: Orange dark chocolate

Most recent purchase: A jackhammer rental

High-impact book: Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

Biggest challenge: Experiencing the incredible joy and deep pain of youth ministry, simultaneously.

Inspiration: The hope and idealism of others (I'd name you, but you might be embarrassed by my doing so...just know that if you are a hopeful, idealistic person, you're probably one of them!)

In CD player or iPod: Death Cab for Cutie's Narrow Stairs, Weezer's red album, Beck's Modern Guilt, Linkin Park's Minutes to Midnight, (you don't seriously want me to list everything that's on my iPod right now, do you?)...

One of my proudest moments: Any night I fall asleep knowing that I've loved my wife well that day.

Why came to UCC: When I went to high school in Taiwan, our closest family friends were missionaries sent by UCC; later, I came to Davis for college and made the connection.

Little known fact: I'm an introvert, so I need solitude to recharge.

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: God uses the weak things of this world to shame the strong, the least likely people to do His work.

Matt Robbins

Day job: Associate Pastor of College and International Ministries

First job:  "Marketing Assistant for Codding Enterprises" a.k.a. I spent all summer by myself in a vacant store front at the Merced Mall painting giant Christmas Elf Mannequins. To tell you the truth, it was pretty creepy.

Family: Mom and Dad live in Merced where I grew up. My sister Debbie and her husband Ryan live in West Sac and attend our church (along with Sydney, Reagan, and Caleb). I have a younger sister and brother-in-law in L.A. and a brother, sister-in-law, nieces and nephew in Menlo park.

Favorite movie: The Postman (not really, but I made a bunch of friends watch it cause I thought it was going to be awesome. It was so terrible that they force me to claim it is my favorite movie as my punishment)

Greatest indulgence: Del Taco

Most recent purchase: Membership to Peak Performance Gym

High-impact book:The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonheoffer (in the original German...j.k.)

Biggest challenge: Cleanliness (yeah, I know, everyone always makes the "next to Godliness" joke)

Inspiration: Enthusiasm

In CD player or iPod: Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, Bebo Norman, U2, Psychedelic Death Monkeys

One of my proudest moments: When my daughter was 15 minutes old and was getting cleaned by the nurses, she held my fingers in her hands the whole time

Why came to UCC: Jamie had great hair

Little known fact: I love fishing

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: I am not the master of my destiny

Angela Yee

Day job: Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries

First job:  Worked at a shoe store selling shoes, a job I hated with a passion and only lasted there a few weeks because I spent more time avoiding customers than helping them. However, the main thing I accomplished was I helped catch a shoplifter.

Family: Husband Albert (18 years of marriage), an engineer and math/physics professor who likes to perform physics experiments on baby carrots during dinner, Daniel (15 yrs), who is an avid fencer and faithful piano and video game player (not at the same time), Megan (13 years), who sings/writes/draws/makes websites and videos/plays violin and piano and is overall just plain amusing. Daniel, the logical, analytical, strategic thinker, takes after his dad, while Megan, the creative-artist-with-a-short-attention-span-and-too-many-interests- to-get-everything-done, takes after me.

Favorite movie: Ratatouile. I have a penchant for cute rodents, as long as they are not running around my house. I also like to see someone discover his or her strengths and gifts...even if it's a rat.

Greatest indulgence: Organizational tools and bags, especially bags with lots of pockets. I am always on the lookout for the perfect bag, which I have yet to find. I also love boxes, and in my childhood I used to carry around a little box with me everywhere, just because I liked it. I've also learned to stay away from Franklin Covey stores.

Most recent purchase: A leather cover for my Circa notebook from Levenger.com, one of my favorite stores of all time. Catalog deliveries cause major drooling.

High-impact book: Besides the Bible, there have been too many to count. One of the recent, more fascinating ones has been "Made to Stick," by Chip and Dan Heath.

Biggest challenge: Trying to slow down. I eat fast, talk fast, type fast, walk fast, and do everything fast. Relaxation has always felt highly overrated to me, but I am learning what it means to enjoy the balance in life!

Inspiration: Prayer warriors, answered prayer and seeing God work!

In CD player or iPod: Downloaded sermons - Andy Stanley, Erwin McManus, Rob Bell and Francis Chan.

One of my proudest moments: When I published my first book, a lifelong dream. Even though it *was* a dull reference book... (http://www.summitstarpress.com)

Why came to UCC: I was hired! May 18, 2008 was my first day.

Little known fact: My favorite magazine that I read regularly is Popular Science. i get upset if Albert reads it first.

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: How amazing faithful he is to provide for our family — answered prayers over and over in ways that we can only say, "That was from God!" I keep prayer requests using a program called "Things" that works on my computer and iPhone. It is so cool to see how incredibly gracious our God is! 

Deanna Pense

Day job: Administrative Manager at UCC. I have been on staff for 13 years now. UCC was a small church of about 200 or so when I began in '96 and as the church has continued to grow my job has continued to grow. I love caring for the congregation in many different ways. One of those being: Meeting with women in the congregation for assessments for Stephen Ministry (a Christian one-on-one caregiving ministry) and assign caregivers to those in need.

First job: I was 16 when I got my first job as a receptionist & file clerk at an Independent Insurance Agency. I worked there for 4 years and was an Accounts Manager when I left.

Family:  Married almost 30 years and have three children - a daughter 28 and twins who will be 21 in January. 

Favorite movie:  Classics:  "White Christmas" or "Sound of Music" but most of the time I like chick flicks.

Greatest indulgence:  CHOCOLATE

Most recent purchase: Scrapbooking supplies....my hobby!

High-impact book: Return of the Prodigal by Henri Nouwen

Biggest challenge:  Finding balance in important relationships in my life. Such as, adjusting to adult children and changes that brings with it.

Inspiration: Seeing people go through difficult times and coming through with a stronger faith.

In CD player or iPod: "Mama Mia" I also like Michael Buble' or a variety of Christian artists.

One of my proudest moments:  Baptizing a little girl that I had mentored in an Awana program.

Why came to UCC: Originally came to UCC for the job....but have grown to LOVE the people and feel blessed to be a part of this congregation as well as Crossroads Christian Church in Vacaville,(we live in Vacaville and my father-in-law founded that church, so our roots go deep there.)

Little known fact: There is a street named after my family in Yountville, California - Tallent Lane (my maiden name).

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: That He can bring me through some major challenges and show me His love in so many practical ways. And allowing me to in turn be there for others as they go through crisis of different types. Death, grief, health issues of loved ones, challenges with teenagers....tough stuff, but He is my strength!  

Wendy Vander Haeghen

Day job: Administrative Associate at UCC

First job:  Cashier at Carl's Jr

Family: 2 cats and many teddy bears.

Favorite movie: Jane Austin's "Pride and Prejudice"

Greatest indulgence: Ghirardelli's Dark chocolate - with caramel, toffee or without it doesn't matter.

Most recent purchase: Teddy bear making supplies - glass eyes, fur, thread, felt, etc.

High-impact book: Bible

Biggest challenge: To see the light at the end of the tunnel and to keep a positive attitude when all of my strength is gone. That is why I need to continue to learn to depend on God's strength and not mine.

Inspiration: My mother and watching her faith grow and bloom.

In CD player or iPod: Plumb, Celtic Women, Celtic tunes, Rebecca St James, Chris Tomlin, Third Day..

One of my proudest moments: Being able to own my own home and soon in May 2012 it will be when I get my BS degree! 

Why came to UCC: When I moved back to California after 2 years in OK  I was searching for a church and I visited UCC and saw the employment opportunity for an admin. I applied and was hired in May 2000.

Little known fact: I am a teddy bear fanatic and collect them as well as make them which is making my house smaller and smaller. I am also a coffee tumbler addict seem to be collecting those too.

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: His Grace

Shelley Bronzan

Day job: I am an Administrative Assistant in the UCC office Monday through Thursday afternoons. In the morning I also work at Birch Lane Elementary in the Reading Room as a reading paraeducator.

First job:  I had my first ‘real job’ picking strawberries during June in Oregon. It was the summer between 4th and 5th grades. I had to catch the berry bus before 6:00 a.m. and ride it with 30 or so other youngsters to the strawberry fields. I think that I lasted about 3 or 4 days!

Family:  I am married to my best friend, Lou. He works at UCD in the Physical Education Department. He went to school and played football at UCD. We met when he was coaching football and I was the work-study secretary to the football office at Portland State University. Our oldest son is Mathew. He is 22 years old and attends Sacramento City College and lives at home. He loves to play on-line poker (the free version). Our middle son Robbie is 19 years old and he also takes classes at Sac City – when he is not playing city league softball, UCC pick up basketball or hanging out with his buddies at their apartment across town. Our youngest son Patrick is 13 and is in the 8th grade at Holmes Jr. High. He likes to Face Book his friends, run track for Holmes, and volunteer in the preschool at UCC.

Favorite movie: 

Greatest indulgence: My greatest indulgence would have to be pedicures. I love them! Oh, and chocolate!

Most recent purchase: My most recent purchase that can not be found in the grocery store would be tickets to the Shanghai Symphony. Lou, Mathew, and I are going there because Mathew has a class assignment for his Music Appreciation class at Sac City.

High-impact book:

Biggest challenge: My biggest challenge is staying focused on the task at hand – I tend to be a bit ADD and get side tracked easily.

Inspiration: My husband Lou! He is kind and intelligent. He always makes me laugh and he always tries to do ‘the right thing’ which is inspiring to me.

In CD player or iPod: I don’t have a CD player or iPod, but if I did I would probably be listening to classical music. I love Mozart and anything conducted by Sir Neville Mariner.

One of my proudest moments: I have a hard time choosing just one of my proudest moments – all the ones that come to mind have to do with things that I have watched my boys accomplish.

Why came to UCC: I came to UCC because when our boys were younger they did not want to be left alone in the preschool of any of the churches that we were visiting so consequently I didn’t get to hear many pastors giving sermons. Eventually, Lou started checking out churches alone on Sunday while I stayed home with the boys. One day he came home and said, “You have to go to UCC next Sunday and hear their pastor (Jamie) speak. He is great!” After that we all started coming to UCC and eventually our youngest was able to make it through a Sunday School session.

Little known fact: My grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Italy – so my mom is a first generation American. I am the first person in my family to go to college.

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: He has been showing me that he is always near, that he never leaves me, and that he wants to be in a relationship with me. I just have to do my part and continue to include him in my everyday life.

Becky Thwing

Day job: Accounting Manager

First job:  Bookkeeper

Family:  Married to Greg for 35 year and still in love, two grown children: Danielle (teacher) & Ryan (pastor)

Favorite movie: Blazing Saddles

Greatest indulgence: Chocolate!!!!!

Most recent purchase: Television

High-impact book: 40 days of Purpose

Biggest challenge: Getting up in the morning

Inspiration: Vacation

In CD player or iPod: Oldies 70’s music

One of my proudest moments: When both my children graduated from college.

Why came to UCC: Deanna Pense

Little known fact: I lived in Korea for a year.

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: To remember where I came from, whom I belong to and where I am going.

Carol Loscutoff

Day job: Wife of 36 years (actually 24/7 :) ), empty-nester who is a caring mom, friend, good listener, choir director (adults, kids, handbells)

First job: French teacher at Sacramento Country Day School   

Family: Husband, Bill; 3 grown kids:  Paul (27) married to Anna, Lilli (25) married to Sam Herbert, and Susie (23) married to Josh Booth.  Lilli and Sam have our only grandchild, Drew (2), and are expecting another baby in May.

Favorite movie: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"

Greatest indulgence: Chocolate!

Most recent purchase: Clothes/books/toys/anything for our grandson, Drew (not a good model!) 

High-impact book: The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

Biggest challenge: Balancing/prioritizing the different areas of my life

Inspiration: Being on the coast with my husband

In CD player or iPod: "Wicked" soundtrack; "Jersey Boys" soundtrack;  Matt Redman; Andrea Boccelli; Mannheim Steamroller

One of my proudest moments: When both my parents and Bill's parents celebrated their 50th anniversaries 

Why came to UCC: Bill's brother, Walt, who was living in Davis in 1974, attended UCC because of the great number of college students and young adults.  We appreciated that UCC is grounded in the essentials of the Bible, but embraces a wide variety of positions on the non-essentials, and respectfully considers the differing opinions.

Little known fact: I love to waterski and am a general sports addict.  Go, Bears!

What surprising thing has God been showing lately: That trusting him is the key to peace and freedom from anxiety

Jim & Marilyn Feather

Day job: Facility and Grounds

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Amy Duffy

Day job: UCNS Director

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Sharon Billings & Terry Sandbek

Day job: UCC Counseling Center

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