Canyon Creek Church | Mill Creek, Lynnwood and South Everett, Washington

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Jeffrey Welk_children's pastor

I was born and spent the first 12 years of my life in Anacortes, WA where, in this thriving metropolis of 8000 people at the time, nothing was more fun than taking a bike trip down to my uncle’s candy store.  Penny candy, Fun Dip and many more assorted candies awaited each and every time.  Until this day I still love a good run to the candy store!  I guess it is the kid in me that can’t seem to let that go! 

After sixth grade, I moved to Shoreline, WA.  What a change from the small town lifestyle!  Went to middle school and high school here in the Seattle area and after graduation attended Northwest University where I majored in Pastoral Ministries with a concentration in Youth Ministry.  While attending NU I met my incredible wife, Angela!  She caught my eye right away and continues to consistently turn my head with her beauty and radiance! She is amazing!  We fell in love and were married May 29th, 2005.

Since attending NU, I have embarked on a few different journeys - being a youth pastor, church planter and children’s ministry director.  All these experiences have been amazing, but none as amazing as becoming a father.  Ethan Matthew joined our family on January 7th, 2009 and has been the most incredible addition to our world!  Since becoming a dad I have really come to cherish the moments I have to bring encouragement, value and a loving atmosphere to my little guy.  That is what I desire for all the children that come through Canyon Creek - an encouraging, valuable and loving experience that directs their heart towards a life-long relationship with Christ!  I love the opportunity to partner with parents in the spiritual development of their children!  Could life get any better than that?  I submit it cannot!

Married To: Angela on May 29th, 2005

Children: Ethan Matthew was born on January 7th, 2009 and we are expecting another little one in the middle of August!

What I Do For Fun: I love to hang out with my family, go fishing, go camping, play sports, go to sporting events and love a good old fashion game night!

What TV Shows I Watch: Anything J.J. Abrams, Community, 30 Rock, SNL and a bunch of different reality TV shows.

What Movies I Recommend: Saving Private Ryan, Nacho Libre, Gladiator, Big, Princess Bride, Napoleon Dynamite, most trilogies, and anything Disney/Pixar.

Where I Like to Travel: I love traveling anywhere and any time I can get away...i love to camp!

What I Like to Read: The Bible, Anything written by Andy Stanley, Think Orange by Reggie Joiner, YES! by a bunch of different authors, Entertainment Weekly and the occasional random magazine...sports, National Geographic, wildlife or hunting, etc...

What I Eat: Love Thai food...I am searching for a really good Thai place around here! The Blazing Onion out at Snohomish Station is awesome....as is Shamiana Indian Cuisine in Kirkland! And who doesn't love a well deserved stop at either Cold Stone or TCBY!

What I Drive: I can be seen cruising around in one of two vehicles. First there is our family car, Zetta the 2001 Jetta...she is very good to us. Then there is Zippy, our '03 ZX3 Ford Focus, which gives us grief every now and then, but the gas mileage is excellent!

Where I Shop: I really don't like to shop that much....but I have a thrifty wife that loves to shop. It seems to work out great!

What I Drink: Love Vanilla Lattes, Water, Cherry Coke Zero, Eggnog (when season is right) and the occasional juice and soda mixed together (mainly Sprite with some sort of juice).

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): I would love to take my wife on a trip to Europe and several areas of Africa...that would be amazing!

RUSS JORGENSON_Development Pastor

I was born in Montana, with a cowboy hat on!  I was born on Tuesday and in Church on Sunday. I have a great Christian heritage.  I had my own horse (BUCK) before I had a bike.  I remember not liking my bike because it was harder to ride than my horse.  After graduating form High School I attended North Central University and then transferred to Northwest University.  Rhonda and I were married in 1987 and we both graduated in 1988. We were in Youth ministry for about 18 years. We were youth pastors in Wyoming, Oregon and Washington.  Our last adventure with Youth Ministry was here at Canyon creek for a short interim period.
We have four children – Trevin, Keaton, Colten, Lexie and believe me when I say that Lexie can hold her own with three older brothers. Our kids are very active in Church, School and Sports.  We love to play outside and play in the weather.  We have been involved in many different areas at Canyon Creek Church.  If you have not meet me just swing by the Guest Stop on Sunday and say Hi.

Married To: Rhonda Julene Jorgenson on August 22, 1987

Children: Trevin Russell, 9/24/1992; Keaton Wyatt, 10/26/1994; Colten Walker, 6/23/2000; Lexie Julene, 7/22/2002

What I Do For Fun: I like to be OUTSIDE! Sports that the kids are involved with, camping, hiking & BBQ's.

What TV Shows I Watch: Lost (it's a love/hate relationship) & Heroes

What Movies I Recommend: I like Sci-Fi and action movies.

Where I Like to Travel: I really like MEXICO! But my all-time favorite is camping (real camping not motel camping).

What I Like to Read: Right now I'm reading the new series of books "God's Man" from Kenny Luck.

What I Eat: Any place that makes great burgers, tacos, steaks and at the Gouras'

What I Drive: F-250 4x4

Where I Shop: Cabela's or any sports store

What I Drink: Mt. Dew, Carmel Machiatto & when Rhonda's around... water!

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): Grizzly 700!

Tyrone Rinta_Youth & Internship Pastor

I was born at a young age in Tacoma but grew up as a small town boy in Chehalis.  I’m thankful to say that I grew up in the church for most of my life and had a strong family and youth ministry to help me grow closer to Jesus.  As I approached college my dreams were to play basketball, get a degree in computer programming and then go get rich with Bill Gates.  Shortly after graduation, however, I went on a missions trip to Spain where God turned my life upside down.  It was there, in a little church in Gava, that God clearly called me to be a pastor.  I came home from that trip excited about my future for the first time in my life.  After attending Centralia College, where I was able to play basketball and get that out of my system, I transferred to Northwest University and graduated with a Church Ministries Degree.  From there I have had three great seasons of ministry in three other churches.  The first was in Walla Walla, WA at New Life Assembly.  Next, I went down to Modesto where I first served with Brandon and Di.  It was there that Amy and I met and were married.  In a crazy, God-ordained process, Amy and I ended up back in my home town (Chehalis) at my home church (Bethel) which is where we served from 2004-2010.  During this season we saw much fruit and growth in our ministry, our family also grew with the addition of Jude and Jaiden, and I was able to complete an MA degree from Chapman University in Organizational Leadership.  We joined the Staff here at Canyon Creek in the summer of 2010 still passionate about youth and young adult ministry - even after over 14 years! We love being a part of Uprising here and are excited to lead the School of Leadership, which is our internship program.  Our desire is to reproduce leaders within our church that can go out and turn the world upside down for Jesus! 

Married To: Amy

Children: Jude (05) Jaiden (08)

What I Do For Fun: Hang with my family, read, play basketball, work out, hang out with teenagers, kiss my wife, and believe or not I find yard work therapeutic.

What TV Shows I Watch: Sportcenter, sports shows, and sports games.

Where I Like to Travel: California, UK, & Montana

What I Like to Read: Anything Leadership. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Chambers. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. Maximizing Manhood by Edwin Louis Cole. Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill. An Incident Waiting to Happen by Jeremy Johnson. Anything C.S. Lewis (especially the Narnia movies he made)

What I Eat: Where Amy tells me... as long as its not Asian food.

What I Drink: Currently: White Chocolate Americano

Morgan Butcher_Youth Pastor/Internship Director

I was born in 1987 in Seattle, WA.  I started going to church when I was a sophomore in high-school, when I was invited to a youth group in Shoreline.  I slowly realized multiple voids in my own life, and quickly began to see the hope and direction that Jesus Christ had in store to fill my future with.  My life was turned upside down; I joined a student leadership team, and once I graduated high school I found myself introducing students to the same God that I had met, in the same church I had been invited to 2 years earlier.  I served in leadership and worked alongside my now wife (Nicole) for 2 years.  We got married in August of 2008 and began attending Canyon Creek Church, where she had been interning for a year.  I am amazed at what God has done, and is doing everyday in my life and in this church.  I serve as a Youth Pastor at Canyon Creek Church, and count it a serious blessing to be a part of such an amazing staff, full of people who I admire and look up to.  My desire in life is to see a generation of students who are, by every meaning of the word, HUNGRY for God.  A generation that realizes that without feeding themselves a constant diet of love, hope, forgiveness, and direction that only comes from Jesus Christ; that they are starving themselves of a life filled with meaning and purpose.  Furthermore, that because of their hunger for God in their own lives; they would see the importance of God living and breathing in their friend’s and family’s lives.

Married To: The B-E-A-UTIFUL Nicole Marie on August 29, 2008. Best wife EVER… No questions asked.

Children: We don’t use the “C” word in our house. At least not for a few more years. The world is not ready for little Morgan’s.

What I Do For Fun: First and foremost laughing is the easiest and best way to have fun, so I laugh a lot. I love playing, watching, talking sports. Be it baseball, basketball, football, soccer, golf, bocce ball (the best sport). I like hiking and being outdoors camping, generally not at camp-sites, I would rather make my own campsite somewhere no one else is. I love relaxing with my wife, kickin’ back and watching movies. I also love singing... I am not good at singing, but I like to make songs about whatever I am doing. I said this once in passing to someone, and to this day I believe it to be very true, "Life is better when its a musical." But honestly, I just love being around people, and being able to be a part of their life.

What TV Shows I Watch: If you see me watching TV it is because there is a sports game on, or because it is sportscenter, or because it is a sports highlight.

What Movies I Recommend: : Top 5 movies… ready… #1- The Sandlot, #2- The Three Amigos, #3- The Bourne Trilogy (It’s so awesome it counts as one!), #4- Nacho Libre, #5-Spaceballs. There you have it; a close sixth was going to be the infamous GOOD BURGER!!!!!

Where I Like to Travel: Well seeing as how I’m poor and don’t travel much, wherever someone offers a time-share!!! A shameless plug ;) We went to Maui for our honeymoon and it was amazing, I also really like Pacific Beach on the coast. I also like traveling to the 7-11 for a nice ice cold Slurpee.

What I Like to Read: My favorite is “Where’s Waldo,” but if I have to read I will usually pull out an “I Spy” book. I just read “The Barbarian Way” by Erwin Mcmanus, it was amazing. Just read "Communicating for a Change" by Andy Stanley, and of course... "Hunger Games". And am continuously reading this big book with lots of little books inside it, I think it starts with a “B,” that ones probably my favorite.

What I Eat: Ask my wife, I eat anything, and a lot of it. I used to want to be a chef, so I love cooking, but I enjoy eating more. I had to quit working in the restaurant because I was having difficulties giving delicious food to other people after I made it for them.

What I Drive: I have a sick 2004 Honda Civic, rolling on 16” plastic hubs, and a big hole in my back bumper. But don’t worry, I tricked it out with some sweet blue lights on the inside. My wife drives the Honda, I am rollin' in a sweet 1995 Nissan Pathfinder. It was given to me... I am blessed with great friends. I call it "Percy the Ice Intimidator." I gave it the name after it dominated the snow and ice in our crazy 2012 winter.

Where I Shop: I have realized that my wife buys cooler things for me than I do, so I usually just wait until she finds something cool I should wear. I really like J-Crew, Express, TJ Maxx and Marc Ecko Cut & Sew.

What I Drink: Slurpees, White Chocolate Americanos, and Coke.

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): Well I am not getting this for Christmas... but, someday I really want a boat to take out on Lake Washington and go tubing and wakeboarding with my family.

Josh Weisbrod_Worship

I am born and raised in Seattle. I grew up in a Christian home with great parents. I graduated from Cedar Park in 2005. After high school I interned at a church in Kirkland and began to serve on worship team and youth staff. During this time I met Katie who is now my wife. We both came to Canyon Creek in 2006.

Married To: Katie Weisbrod

What I Do For Fun: Play guitar and write music. Jam with friends. Be creative through drawing and painting. Go skating and snowboarding with my amazing wife

What TV Shows I Watch: rarely watch TV but I never miss the Seattle Sounders FC game. I watch shows like Lost but only when they are on dvd

What Movies I Recommend: Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, Hercules against the Moon Men, Attack of the Killer Leeches, Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Dead

Where I Like to Travel: Anywhere from Tokyo to London, but I prefer Mexico.

What I Like to Read: writings by dead philosophers. 1984 by George Orwell, Dracula by Bram Stoker, How Soccer Explains the World, Gulliver’s Travels, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

What I Eat: I eat every kind of food. I love good mexican food. Sushi is great and so is Indian food

What I Drive: I drive a green toaster, also known as a Honda Element.

Where I Shop: I shop everywhere from the mall to the army surplus store.

What I Drink: Dr. Pepper

Drew Eylander_Young Adults Leader

I grew up in a wonderful home with parents who introduced me to Jesus at a very early age. I am a Washington native, and I graduated from Marysville Pilchuck in 98’. Our family church tradition has been rooted in The Assemblies of God, and I have two uncles and two Grandpas who are, or have pastored AG churches. I met Pastor Brandon and Di at BCA when I was 15. Those were my semi rebellious days, and I didn’t enjoy Brandon’s dating rules at the time, so I never gave his youth group much of a chance (but I loved Di’s Sunday school class). I fully committed my life to Jesus at 20 and really felt a strong call to ministry. I was in the middle of testing with the Seattle Police department at the time, and was a criminal justice major. I met my wife around the same time through interesting circumstances (see her for details…lots of details). I returned to the church in which I grew up in to help with the youth group while I attended Puget Sound Christian College. I finished the BA requirements for my degree in Christian Ministry but transferred to Northwest in order to have a degree from there. I interned under Brandon for my degree completion and we decided to stay at Canyon Creek after my internship was complete.

Along the way, Kaylee and I have started multiple businesses and have had two super cute and fun children. We have moved 4 times in 6 years. We love people, and serving Jesus which makes Canyon Creek Church a perfect fit for us. We are extremely excited to be on board with the vision and crazy journey God has set out before CCC!

Married To: Kaylee (super talented musician and photographer) Eylander, September 14th 2002

Children: Estelle Grace Eylander 5, and Evan Wesley Eylander 2

What I Do For Fun: I love to golf, play basketball, baseball and football. I fish and hunt when I can. I really enjoy road trips with my wife, even though when she gets board she intentionally tries to annoy me. Getting doughnuts or golfing with Estelle, and wrestling with Evan. Hanging out with my peeps from Saturday Night Fever (see fusion groups)! I go to about 4 Seahawks games a year and a few Mariners games as well.

What TV Shows I Watch: I love The Office, Lost, and Survivor, all the stock market shows on msnbc like Fast Money, Opening Bell etc. Any of the major sporting events especially March madness.

What Movies I Recommend: The Patriot, Fight Club, Boondock Saints, We Were Soldiers, Schindler’s List, Thank You for Smoking, Black Hawk Down, Gangs of New York and, Dumb and Dumber for sure!

Where I Like to Travel: Maui, Sun Lakes, California, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Plain, The San Juans.

What I Like to Read: Men’s Health, The Wall Street Journal, “The Jesus I never Knew” - Phillip Yancy; “Mere Christianity” -C.S. Lewis; “The Last Days” -Joel Rosenberg; “Good to Great” -Jim Collins

What I Eat: La Hacienda, Azul, The Crepe Cafe -Seattle- , Dicks, Arby’s, Red Robin, Contos Pizza & Pasta and Arnies

What I Drive: Chevy Silverado, and Toyota Corolla

Where I Shop: Buckle, Aeropostale, Nordstrom and the Rack, Seattle Premium Outlets especially Lucky

What I Drink: Peppermint Mocha, Coke, I hate Pepsi. Monster (blue) energy drink

Adrian Loffer_Early Childhood Director

I was raised in Wenatchee and loved living in a small town where a traffic jam was more then 6 cars at a stop line. I graduated from Northwest University with my BA in General Ministries with a concentration in Children’s and Youth. I pretty much love kids and teens. I love hanging out with them and enjoy watching kids learn and grow in their love with Jesus.

I met Ryan, the love of my life in 2005 and we fell madly in love and he proposed in 2006 at the top of the space needle and we were married February 3rd 2007. We moved into married housing while Ryan finished up his schooling at NU and now have relocated to Woodinville, WA. We are enjoying experiencing life together and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.

Adrian Loffer_Early Childhood Director

I was raised in Wenatchee and loved living in a small town where a traffic jam was more then 6 cars at a stop line.  I graduated from Northwest University with my BA in General Ministries and a concentration in Children’s and Youth.  I pretty much love kids and teens. I love hanging out with them and enjoy watching kids learn and grow in their love with Jesus.

I met Ryan, the love of my life, in 2005 and we fell madly in love. He proposed in 2006 at the top of the space needle, and we were married February 3rd 2007.  We moved into married housing while Ryan finished up his schooling at NU and have now relocated to Woodinville.  We enjoy experiencing life together and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us. 

Married To: Ryan Loffer married on February 3rd 2007

Children: A Puppy named Bailee

What I Do For Fun: I love to read. There’s nothing better then a great book, beach chair and some sun. I also enjoy playing games, and hanging out with friends and family.

What TV Shows I Watch: McGyver and America’s funniest home video’s are my favorites. I also enjoy House, Heroes, and pretty much anything on TLC, especially A Baby Story.

What Movies I Recommend: Regarding Henry, Rear Window, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, and Anne of Green Gables

Where I Like to Travel: Italy is and will always be my favorite. I also love Jamaica and pretty much anywhere warm.

What I Like to Read: The Bible, I’ll read pretty much anything. I love mysteries.

What I Eat: Panera Bread is my favorite, I also love Thai food and eating at Tokyo Ninja, Subway and Anthony’s.

What I Drive: A little red Toyota Scion.

Where I Shop: Target, Nordstrom’s Rack, American Eagle and Urban Dogs.

What I Drink: Diet Coke with Lime, Grande Carmel Macchiato extra ice, Aloha smoothie from Jamba Juice.

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): A house.

Nick Bogner_

I have been a follower of Jesus as long as I can remember. With Gods help, I have somehow been able to navigate the first part of my life without screwing too much up. I grew up in a wonderful lower-middle class Christian home where all my needs were met. My parents are a wonderful example of battling through life’s tough times successfully and giving their children a loving stable environment.

In 1997 I married my beautiful wife, Renae, we were just kids, 18 & 19 years old. I then graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 2000 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. I had a unique and fortunate opportunity to go to work for a brand new company called Dynon Avionics, with only four other people. Today I am blessed to have seen the company grow to 40 people and have a fun and challenging job with a lot of responsibility.

Then we started having babies… That is where life threw me for a loop. Our oldest daughter was born with major medical problems. A close call, 2 Heart surgeries, 11 nose surgeries, deafness, growth & balance issues, and a zillion therapy sessions later she is a walking miracle and one of the most precious treasures of my life. Anyone who spends any time with her at all is blown away by the way she warms the heart. Her battles are not yet finished as we still face kidney issues, but she is God’s, and that’s all I need to know.

We didn’t stop there, in 2003 we had another daughter, and in 2007 we had a son. Don’t even get me started those little blessings! Every time I think about my family I get emotional, it is one those things that is hard to explain, our story has given us a new outlook on life and I am grateful for the journey we have had.

I like to camp, boat and go wheel’n, but mostly I like to do those things with family and friends. My family has been attending Canyon Creek Church for many years now and I am honored to serve on the Board or Elders. God is doing amazing things here and has big plans for us in the future.

Russ Jorgenson_

I was born in Montana, with a cowboy hat on!  I was born on Tuesday and in Church on Sunday. I have a great Christian heritage.  I had my own horse (BUCK) before I had a bike.  I remember not liking my bike because it was harder to ride than my horse.  After graduating form High School I attended North Central University and then transferred to Northwest University.  Rhonda and I were married in 1987 and we both graduated in 1988. We were in Youth ministry for about 18 years. We were youth pastors in Wyoming, Oregon and Washington.  Our last adventure with Youth Ministry was here at Canyon creek for a short interim period.
We have four children – Trevin, Keaton, Colten, Lexie and believe me when I say that Lexie can hold her own with three older brothers. Our kids are very active in Church, School and Sports.  We love to play outside and play in the rain.  We have been involved in many different areas at Canyon Creek Church.  We were Youth Pastors for a short time and now we are currently working with the development of our property on HWY 9, facilities and Men’s Ministry.  If you have not meet me just swing by the Guest Stop on Sunday and say Hi.

Russ also serves as Canyon Creek’s Catalyst Pastor.

Eric Drivdahl_Elder

Born and raised in Western Washington, I’ve always loved the grey skies and drizzle. Listening to the rain helps me sleep at night. I went to Kentwood High school and after graduation thought I would be a Boeing engineer in the footsteps of my father and attended Pacific Lutheran University for two years. After deciding to throw in the towel on engineering (I’ll be honest…it was the 3rd semester calculus and linear algebra that did me in) I transferred to WSU to complete a degree in architecture. Somehow, my father is still proud of me. We spent 5 years in Ohio after graduation while my wife completed some fancy graduate degrees in psychology where I learned that not everywhere in the Midwest is flat and fall can be the most beautiful time of the year. From mid-March to mid-April, I try and ride my bike to work as much as possible. Most of my time at work is spent bringing people’s dreams to life and most of my time at home is spent dreaming about what life adventures my boys Lego people can have next. I love Jesus and worship and serving Canyon Creek Church where I’ve been (at one point or another) an usher, greeter, Fusion Group leader, children’s church volunteer, worship team member, construction volunteer, development committee member and elder.

Married To: Sarah Beth on June 10th, 1995

Children: Noah, born July 7th, 2000; Ezra, born July 9th, 2003; Pheobe (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who certainly knows she’s descended from France’s Royal canines).

What I Do For Fun: Watch movies, swim, bike and run. Pretend I’m a fighter pilot.

What TV Shows I Watch: Call me weird, but I’ve never had ‘live TV’ or cable in our home since we got married. However, I’m addicted to Lost. On DVD.

What Movies I Recommend: Star Wars, LOTR, Avatar, Galaxy Quest. Pretty much any main stream SciFi.

Where I Like to Travel: To the wilderness. My favorite place on earth is hiking in the Selway-Bitteroot in late summer.

What I Like to Read: I’ve read through the Bible cover to cover every year since 1991. I’m currently reading the Harry Potter series, the Maze Runner, a Jack Reacher novel, Swiss Family Robinson to my boys and I’m writing a novel of my own.

What I Eat: Red Robin Bacon Burger w/ a Banana-Chocolate Milkshake. Of course a Daniel’s Broiler steak is good too.

What I Drive: A 2002 Volvo S-60 and a 2005 LeMond Reno 18-speed.

Where I Shop: Pretty much wherever my wife brings me.

What I Drink: Regular Coke, Tully’s Grande Mocha.

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): Brent Hermanson’s home theater.

Mike Collord_

I have lived in Washington my entire life and in Everett since 1965. I met Becky, my wife of 32 years, when I was a junior and she was a sophomore at Everett High School. We have four grown up sons: Nathan, David, Jonathan, and Stephen. I have been a teacher since 1980 and have had the wonderful privilege of teaching many of the people here at church when they were kids! I have intense passion for this church and the mission of our church. My biggest strength is that I tend to be extremely easy-going; my biggest weakness is that I cannot remember new names for more than five seconds :) By the way, I think our pastoral staff rocks and I think we are amazingly fortunate to have such a team!

Kevin Weisbrod_

I would love to say I have known the Lord from an early age, but for me that just wasn’t the case. I grew up in Southern California and thought life revolved around the beach, surfing, and having a good time. In the 70s, I came to Washington with the intent of going to school, but instead started working as a salesman. I met my wife Sheila at that time. A few years later, at the encouragement of some friends, we started going to church. Sheila found Christ first, and I faked it until a life of never committing came into conflict with the work God was doing on my heart. It was then that life as I knew it changed. I decided it was time to make a commitment to God and to my wife, and it was the best decision of my life. 

Sheila and I have been married for 30 years now, and I thank God everyday for her. We have one grown son, Joshua, who has been called into ministry. We are also about to be blessed this August with a daughter-in-law, Katie. 

Almost 4 years ago we moved back to Mill Creek and were looking for a new church. One where God’s Words were real and being lived out not only in the lives of its pastors and leadership but in the lives of its people. Canyon Creek is that place. I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as an Elder. Sheila, Josh, Katie, and I love being part of a Spirit filled church that is making a difference in people’s lives.

Scott Underwood_

I was raised the son of an Army officer and a banker.  Our family settled in the town of Steilacoom, where I excelled at pursuing and creating trouble.  This forced me into the loving arms of Jesus and I began a life of following Him.  After college at Northwest University, and two stints in West Africa, I served as a youth pastor, then associate pastor, and helped plant a church.  To make ends meet, I joined a small medical practice management software company in which I was able to gain ownership.  Coding gets in your blood - it is a passion I have carried since I was 13; when I get a chance to hack at interesting problems I truly feel at home.

In 2003 I was incredibly blessed to marry the beautiful love of my life, Sara.  We began attending Canyon Creek at our inaugural service.  This church has been the epicenter of our relationships, service, and ministry; each year, with great joy, we’ve seen massive transformation at Canyon Creek through a faithful devotion to God’s purpose for our church.

Our son Blaise was born in December 2007, and I learned what great love and joy is possible. We delight in being a small, tightly-knit family.  We enjoy story-telling, reading, and anything outdoors.  Our family camping trips are memories I wouldn’t trade for anything.  We pray each night together, and we pray for our church, for which it is a great honor to serve.

Nicole Butcher_Administrative Assistant

Not much to say about me, actually that’s a lie…there’s really too much to say and not enough space so I’ll give you the basics. I was born and raised in California, found Jesus early on in High School and my whole life changed. When I graduated, instead of going to law school like I always thought I would, I felt God call me into the ministry so I begrudgingly headed up here, away from the warm sun and predictable weather to the rain, where the door had opened for me to go to NorthwestUniversity. I spent the last four years in Kirkland living in the dorms, barely stomaching cafeteria food, and trying to figure out what I really wanted to do with my degree in Pastoral ministry. Just so everyone knows I still have absolutely no idea, hopefully something creative and original that reaches people and shows them how wonderful living for Jesus can be.

If you know anything about Northwest this next part is probably not going to be much of a surprise. While at NU I met my husband Morgan. “Ring by spring or your money back,” right?…I’m still waiting for my refund check. The big day was August 29th which didn’t seem like it could come soon enough.

Basically this is me in a nutshell: I love Jesus, I love my hubby, I love my family and friends, I love the sun, I work hard, I play hard, I wind up laughing at myself a lot more than most people, I am as detail oriented as they come, sometimes have obsessive compulsive tendencies, passionate about math, law, business and inner city kids, adore sleeping (God created a Sabbath for a reason), have a huge movie collection that most men would not appreciate, quote Friends and Gilmore Girls a little too much and am finally learning how to cook.

Katie Weisbrod_Youth Assistant

I grew up in a Christian home and came to know the Lord at a very young age.  I gave my life to the Lord in Sunday school as a child and later when I was in junior high, I dedicated my life to Him and was baptized at my church in Edmonds.

About two years ago I left the church I was attending with the Weisbrod family and we began to look for a new church home.  Living in Mill Creek, Canyon Creek Church was an obvious church for us to visit.  After coming a few times we fell in love with it.  The worship was (and is) amazing, and I don’t think I had ever enjoyed a sermon like I did Brandon’s.  It was awesome to see people who really loved God.  In the future I hope to see myself graduating from the University of Washington with a major in Spanish and finding a place to use that for God.  I am planning on going on our youth group’s mission trip this summer and I am so excited to be used by God.

Sky Holzinger_Media Director

Personally, I want the holy spirit to spread a spirit of joy through me. When I walk into the room I want it to be a better place, where people can feel Joy. I don’t always accomplish this. In fact, what I’ve learned is that even the best of us, including myself, is capable of hurting people through our sinful nature. That’s one reason I’m a Christian. I’m not capable of significant good or growth without the hand of God, the blood of Jesus, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in my life. No matter what wrong I’ve done or thing I’ve managed to screw up, the grace of God makes it so it doesn’t matter. Jesus, because of His sacrifice for our sins, can forget what wrong I’ve done, and in turn I don’t have to feel guilty. I’ve heard this hundreds of time growing up in church, but it didn’t hit me hard until I realized that I needed forgiveness. When I did, I was really glad to have it.

I hope some day to turn this truth into compelling film many times over.

Married To: My Beautiful wife maren.

Children: Nope. Just a dog for now.

What I Do For Fun: Snowboarding during the winter months, Barbecue during the summer. Home renovation it seems as of lately.

What TV Shows I Watch: The Biggest Loser, Lost, Clone Wars, The Soup

What Movies I Recommend: Matinee, redbox, and netflix.

Where I Like to Travel: I love to get on the airplane. I just don't like paying for the ticket.

What I Like to Read: I'm up to date on Game of Thrones. But I refuse to watch the show.

What I Eat: Mongolian Grill, Taco Del Mar, Wienerschnitzel, Ashira Teriyaki, The Dirty Bird, H-Mart, Pad Thai with chicken, pineapple, and 4 stars.

What I Drive: Jeep Cherokee 4x4.

Where I Shop: Marshall's, Ross

What I Drink: Ice Tea, I try to cut sugar out where I can.

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): MacBook Air or iPad3 Canon EOS 60D Star Wars Blu-Ray complete saga Black & Decker Grass Hog 12-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer

Heather Taylor_Office Manager/Administrative Assistant

I grew up in a great home with loving parents and a wonderful Christian mom who introduced me to Jesus when I was around four. I had the privilege of attending private, Christian school for nine years where I received a great Christian foundation for life. As a sophomore, I attended Shorecrest High School where I got a “real education” in life and saw how many truly lost people there were all around me. It was at this time that I determined to be a living example of what a Christian was and to not allow myself to be caught up in “religion,” but to make Jesus my “lifestyle.”

I married Daryl and I like to say that it was then that the best part of my life began. I suddenly had the confidence to try new things, take a handful of college classes, talk to new people and express myself, knowing that he was there beside me, loving and supporting me in whatever I did. It is amazing what you can do when you are confident someone loves you and regularly encourages you.

We have four great kids ranging from 19 to 11 and we are trying to enjoy their growing up years amongst all the busyness and chaos that life throws at you. We are huge Sounders fans and fans of whatever soccer or cheerleading team that our children are involved in.

Married To: Daryl Taylor...my junior high and high school sweetheart

Children: Alex, a sophomore soccer player at Northwest University; Morgan, our 2010 Jackson High School senior and soon-to-be college freshman; Maddy, the soccer playing freshman at Jackson High and our 7th grader and resident cheerleader, Livvy.

What TV Shows I Watch: Glee...it's an addiction!

What Movies I Recommend: Anything in the Twilight saga and most sappy chick flicks

Where I Like to Travel: I have four kids...we only road trip it to soccer and cheerleading tournaments!

What I Drive: SUV...I'm a soccer mom

Where I Shop: Nordstrom...even when I shouldn't!

What I Drink: White Chocolate Mocha

Ryan Loffer_Worship Pastor

Well, I grew up in the sprawling metropolis of Buckley, WA…known for its 1 stop light, teenagers who wear STIHL overalls and proudly display their “prize” chainsaw to passersby in the school parking lot, and where the smell of cow manure is the popular local cologne.  Now some of you may have been misled to Buckley’s “coolness” if you have seen the popular 90’s comedy Black Sheep starring Chris Farley & David Spade.  To help remedy this misconception, I must inform you that while it is true that the writers based the movie in Buckley, the town was so lame that they did not actually film there…sorry to ruin your day.

After graduating high school, I attended and graduated with my AA from a local community college, while volunteering in the youth ministry at my church.  After finishing, I then took a 5-year hiatus from school to work full time and enter an internship under my youth pastor.  Over the coarse of these 5 years, God did an amazing work in my life where he immersed me in servant hood in both the youth and worship departments.  Eventually I went on staff as one of the youth pastors, and decided to return to finish my BA in Ministry Leadership from Northwest University.  While there, I met my wife Adrian, wooed her and married her, met Pastor Brandon as one of my professors who invited my wife and I to check out Canyon Creek.  Years later and here we are, excited to be a part of the Canyon Creek Family!

Married To: Adrian Melissa on Feb 3rd 2007.

Children: One adorable baby daughter, Emery

What I Do For Fun: I love to eat, love playing my guitar, sports, hunting, fishing, movies, golf, video games, and SLEEP!

What TV Shows I Watch: HOUSE, Hell's Kitchen, 24, Everybody loves Raymond, MacGyver, Criminal Minds, CSI New York, & Surviver!

What Movies I Recommend: Braveheart, 300, Remember the Titans, Dumb & Dumber, Tommy Boy, Liar Liar, The Count of Monte Christo, Star Wars, Back to the Future, The Usual Suspects, Rounders, Goonies, DUNE, What about Bob, The Bourne series, Ice Age, Over the Hedge, Aladdin....the list goes on and on.

Where I Like to Travel: Jamaica, anywhere in the Carribean, and Hawaii.

What I Like to Read: The Bible, Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels, & The Bourne series; Authors: Andy Stanley, John Maxwell, John Bevere, & Tom Clancy.

What I Drive: 2004 Dodge Durango HEMI!

Where I Shop: The Rack- The Buckle- etc etc

What I Drink: Iced Mocha-

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): My own Motorcycle

Rocky Hawkins_Children's Pastor

I am a creative organizer, who loves working with teams.  I grew up on Whidbey Island and that is where I first got involved in church.  I worked at South Whidbey Assemblies of God for nearly four years as a volunteer in the children’s ministry. It was there I discovered that I love working with children. Then, while I was a student at Northwest University, I helped start a church plant in Marysville, where I co-lead the children’s ministry.  Now that I have graduated from Northwest, I am excited to put all these experiences to good use at Canyon Creek.  This is an awesome church, and I am excited to contribute to the “C4” Children’s Ministry.

Married To: Amey on December 31, 2005.

What I Do For Fun: I play board games, watch TV, go for walks, spend time with my wife, and occasionally I play computer games with friends.

What TV Shows I Watch: Heroes, House, Smallville, Monk, and Psych.

What Movies I Recommend: My favorite movies are Braveheart and Life is Beautiful.

Where I Like to Travel: Anywhere that is not too hot.

What I Like to Read: Bible, almost any kind of leadership or theology book, and fantasy novels, such as, the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

What I Eat: I will eat any Mexican food and love going to the Olive Garden.

What I Drive: A worn out land boat.

Where I Shop: Target, Wal-mart, Fred Myers, Ross.

What I Drink: Dew, random coffee drinks.

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): New Car (not going to happen).

Russ Jorgenson_Development Pastor

I was born in Montana, with a cowboy hat on!  I was born on Tuesday and in Church on Sunday. I have a great Christian heritage.  I had my own horse (BUCK) before I had a bike.  I remember not liking my bike because it was harder to ride than my horse.  After graduating form High School I attended North Central University and then transferred to Northwest University.  Rhonda and I were married in 1987 and we both graduated in 1988. We were in Youth ministry for about 18 years. We were youth pastors in Wyoming, Oregon and Washington.  Our last adventure with Youth Ministry was here at Canyon creek for a short interim period.
We have four children – Trevin, Keaton, Colten, Lexie and believe me when I say that Lexie can hold her own with three older brothers. Our kids are very active in Church, School and Sports.  We love to play outside and play in the rain.  We have been involved in many different areas at Canyon Creek Church.  We were Youth Pastors for a short time and now we are currently working with the development of our property on HWY 9, facilities and Men’s Ministry.  If you have not meet me just swing by the Guest Stop on Sunday and say Hi.

Married To: Rhonda Julene Jorgenson on August 22, 1987

Children: Trevin Russell, 9/24/1992; Keaton Wyatt, 10/26/1994; Colten Walker, 6/23/2000; Lexie Julene, 7/22/2002

What I Do For Fun: I like to be OUTSIDE! Sports that the kids are involved with, camping, hiking & BBQ's.

What TV Shows I Watch: Lost (it's a love/hate relationship) & Heroes

What Movies I Recommend: I don't like recommending movies, but I like Sci-Fi and action movies.

Where I Like to Travel: I really like MEXICO! But my all-time favorite is camping (real camping not motel camping).

What I Like to Read: Right now I'm reading the new series of books "God's Man" from Kenny Luck.

What I Eat: Any place that makes great burgers, tacos, steaks and at the Gouras'

What I Drive: F 150 4x4

Where I Shop: Cabela's or any sports store

What I Drink: Mt. Dew, Carmel Machiatto & when Rhonda's around... water.

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): Grizzly 700

Di Beals_Connection Pastor

I am driven, energetic and I spend a LOT of time in my car; three kids in multiple sports make sure of that!  I grew up in church, but truly gave Jesus my heart, my life and my future while I was a student at Northwest University. I am an “all or nothing” person, so I have not looked back since.  While at Northwest, I met a guy who was like no one I had ever met.  He was cute, athletic, smart, motivated and funny, AND he loved Jesus!  Two and a half years later that man asked me to be his wife, and in 1992 I married Brandon Beals. I graduated from Northwest with a behavioral science degree, but somewhere in those college years I felt “called” into ministry.  Actually, I just genuinely fell in love with ministry of any kind and over the years I could not fathom doing anything else with my life.  Inspiring others to live for Jesus and to chase after more of Him is what brings me fulfillment and joy.  I feel like MY calling is to help other people find THEIR calling.  Over the years God has been so good to Brandon and I, I am so grateful for a life of purpose and a best friend and partner to share it with.

After serving in ministry at the churches we grew up in and getting married, we spent 7 incredible years as youth pastors at Bethany Christian Assembly in Everett.  During that time, our beautiful daughter Rachel was born.  In 2000 we went on a crazy adventure to California where we spent 4 years at Calvary Temple in Modesto.  It was there that our twin boys, Judah and Elijah were born.  We had a great time in Modesto, growing an amazing youth ministry called Phenomenon and traveling ministry teams around the country.  In 2003 we made the riskiest leap of our lives, following a crazy dream to plant a church in our “hometown” Mill Creek, Washington, and thus Canyon Creek was born.

After 7 1/2 years at Canyon Creek where I serve as the “Connection Pastor,” I can’t help but shake my head at how God works.  Our family’s life is an adventure, and we’ve only just begun!

Married To: Brandon on June 19th, 1992.

Children: Rachel Lynn born September 25, 1996. Judah Michael and Elijah Austin born on December 11, 2000.

What I Do For Fun: Take pictures, drink coffee, practice yoga, lift weights, watch my kids play sports, cook, go to movies, and do anything with my husband and kids (especially if it involves a vacation!) I also run almost every day...I'll be honest, I do not enjoy it, but I don't hate it anymore either! And I might as well put "driving" since that is what takes up most of my free time!

What TV Shows I Watch: House, Fringe, and Chopped. I also like So You Think You Can Dance, and love to have the Food Network on in the background of any mundane household chore.

What Movies I Recommend: My all time favorite movies are Spiderman 1 & 2. I also love inspiring movies like Remember the Titans, Friday Night Lights, and Dead Poets Society. And the Burbs, that is a funny movie.

Where I Like to Travel: Hawaii, Cabo, New York City, and San Francisco. Someday I would love to go to Switzerland, Italy or Greece (or preferably all 3!)

What I Like to Read: Bible, various fiction(I like to make my way through the bestsellers at Borders), and cookbooks! I also love Women's Health Magazine and I am currently reading "The Hunger Games" Series and "Breath" by Keri Kent.

What I Eat: I love Italian food, Mexican food, Thai food, and I LOVE crab! Give me chips and salsa though, and I am a happy girl.

What I Drive: An Acura MDX which I LOVE! (which is good since I spend so much time in it!)

Where I Shop: Banana Republic, Express and Target are where I end up most, but Kenneth Cole is by far my favorite. I used to say if I ever won a shopping spree I'd want to spend it at Kenneth Cole, but this year I DID win a shopping spree there! I had a blast shopping for designer clothes for FREE!

What I Drink: My current favorite hot drink is a grande non fat extra hot vanilla latte. And when I say hot I mean burn-your-tongue-HOT! But I also love water, cranberry juice and apple-chai infusions. I am a beverage girl all the way!

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): A maid? Can I ask for that for Christmas?

Christian Lindbeck_Senior Associate

I was born in Seattle, and grew-up intermittently between here and California. After high school, I went straight into the Air Force and served four-years culminating with Desert Storm/Desert Calm. I was married in my junior year at Northwest College and graduated in 1996 with a degree in Religion and Philosophy. That summer we moved to the north shore of Boston and I completed my Master of Theology degree. I stayed for four years as the Director of Marketing for Gordon-Conwell. We moved back to Seattle in 2000. Over the next four-years, I served three positions at Northwest University, ending with Vice President for Student Development, and started a new church with my close friend Dan Neary.

In 2004, we moved back to Boston, where I completed the more robust Master of Divinity Degree and pursued my PhD in Theology. Most recently, I have been a full-time Ship Chaplain in the busy and amazing Port of Boston. Now, we are back in Seattle and here at Canyon Creek! I have promised my wife that we will not move back to Boston – ever. We are delighted to be here, and I am excited about the future of this church. This staff is not interested in doing church as usual. But, like generations before us, we are ready to reform the church and to live courageously for God. I am passionate about building community and Christian discipleship. I whole-heartedly believe in the church’s potential to impact the world, change lives, and build the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Married To: Jennifer Rae on December 30, 1994. I am a lucky man.

Children: Josiah Christian Theodore, born June 1999; Samuel John, born March 2002.

What I Do For Fun: Play with, discipline, chase, feed/ hydrate, be mystified, horrified and amazed my boys. Otherwise, I love getting lost on purpose, books and places without people.

What TV Shows I Watch: Generally, I hate TV. But, I am no purist. I do watch almost anything on Discovery, “The Amazing Race,” and “So You think You Can Dance.” Yes, I watch a dance show. However, this should not in anyway be confused with “Dancing with the Stars.” I’d rather eat nails.

What Movies I Recommend: Henry V, Braveheart, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, So I Married An Axe Murderer, In America. Recently, I would add Inception. Great movie.

Where I Like to Travel: Manzanita Beach, Vashon, Whistler, British Columbia; Quebec City, Quebec; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Palm Springs, New York, NY

What I Like to Read: “The Pursuit of God,” by AW Tozer; “Not the Way it is Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin” by Cornelius Plantinga; “The Death of Satan” by Andrew Delbanco; “Faithful Church: Issues in the History of Catechesis” by John H. Westerhoff and O.C. Edwards (This is way more interesting than the title sounds). “The Albion Trilogy” by Stephen R. Lawhead; Anything by C.S. Lewis. Try the Space “Trilogy” or “The Weight of Glory” if you have read his more popular work; “The Silmarillion” by JRR Tolkien.

What I Eat: Any good Pho, Sushi Zen, Pen Thai ; Red Robin; Pickle Time, and anywhere Jon Gouras recommends.

What I Drive: Saturn. Boring. I dream about a 1969 Mustang GT convertible (California), red with white interior. Also have a soft spot for the 1968 Malibu SS

Where I Shop: Wherever they are having a sale. My favorite shirt was $3.99.

What I Drink: Double Tall Americano

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): IPad 2

Brandon Beals_Lead Pastor

I am ridiculously ordinary. I grew up around this area. I began the journey of following Jesus when I was in high school. Upon graduation, I attended Northwest University and studied Pastoral Ministries. Northwest is where I met my extraordinary woman, Di. When I graduated from college I accepted a youth ministry position at Bethany Christian Assembly in Everett. I served there for almost 8 years before moving to Modesto, CA to work with my hero in ministry Glen Berteau.

I was the youth pastor at Calvary Temple in Modesto for 4 life changing years. During my time in Cali, I completed my masters at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. It was during my graduate studies where I began to imagine what church could be. I finally decided to take a huge leap of faith and launch a new kind of church in the Seattle area. Not wanting to do it alone, I coerced several of my friends Jon Arnold, Jacob Davis, Jim York, and Angela Smith to join me. We all packed our bags and moved to Mill Creek and launched Canyon Creek Church.

Married To: Diana Marie on June 19, 1992

Children: * Rachel Lynn born on September 25, 1996 * Judah Michael born on December 11, 2000 * Elijah Austin born on December 11, 2000 * Rocky (a sheltie) * Jack (an aussie)

What I Do For Fun: Travel, work out, hang out with my family, drive fast, and all things MMA.

What TV Shows I Watch: Survivor, Celebrity Apprentice and the UFC.

What Movies I Recommend: Gladiator, Braveheart, The Burbs, Rocky I and III, and Orange County.

Where I Like to Travel: Hawaii, New York City, Las Vegas, and Southern California

What I Like to Read: The Bible, Entertainment Weekly, and Onward by Howard Schultz

What I Eat: El Gauchos, Chuck’s Seafood Grotto, and Pickle Time

What I Drive: A 2010 Dodge Challenger and 2004 Harley Fat Boy

Where I Shop: Diesel, Buckle, Affliction, Best Buy, and Pier One

What I Drink: Cherry Coke Zero and the occasional Americano

What I Want For Christmas (or someday): A cat

• Services: Sun @ 8:30, 10:00 & 11:30AM
• Location: 1122 75th St. SW, Everett, 98203
• Phone: 425.582.2366


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