REv. Dr. Sara GarrARD - Pastor (she /her)
A south Georgia transplant, Sara comes from a long line of Methodist pastors. She received her MDiv from the Emory University (‘13), CTM from the University of Cambridge (‘13), and DMin from Emory University (‘19). Her master’s thesis analyzed the the redemption of women and sexuality in art and her doctoral thesis dealt with reimagining churches for a more just, sustainable future. Sara is passionate about social justice and racial equity. Apart from church work, Sara loves crossfit, her dogs (Lawson + Marshall), and spending time with her wife, Tamra.
Contact Sara at: sara@oldwestchurch.org
J.J. Martinez - Contextual Education INTERn (he/him)
J.J. Martinez is a graduate student at the Boston University School of Theology pursuing a Master of Divinity on the pastoral ministry track. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from The University of Texas at El Paso, graduating summa cum laude with honors. He will pursue a Ph.D. after graduating.
J.J. is a declared candidate for ordination in the New England Conference of The United Methodist Church, hoping to pastor once he completes his education.
DAvid Tweedy - Operations Manager (he/him)
David is at the heart of all we do at OWC. He tackles Administration, Operations, and Community Engagement. If you would like to schedule an event or meeting at OWC, please contact him.
Contact DAvid at: oldwestchurchboston@gmail.com
Dr. Olga Lipina - Minister of Music and Arts (She/her)
Dr. Olga Lipina is Minister of Music and Arts at the Old West Church in Boston. Her ministry integrates practical involvement in the life of the church with theological and theoretical exploration of arts as a source for congregational development. Dr. Lipinaʼs experience and expertise is summarized in her dissertation, The Role of Arts in the Process of Leadership Formation and Ecclesial Transformation. This dissertation demonstrates that art, as an expression of faith, brings renewal and leads the religious community in the process of a holistic transformation.
Dr. Lipina received an extended training in the area of arts and theology. Her formal education includes following degrees received from the Boston University School of Theology: Master of Sacred Music (1999), Master of Divinity (2005), Master of Sacred Theology (2007), and Doctor of Ministry (2010). She also holds degree of Master of Arts in Conducting and Choral Arts from the Latvia Conservatory of Music, Riga, Latvia.
Dr. Lipina is the recipient of the American Association of University Women International Fellowship. She is the founder of the Child Music Development Program at the Church of All Nations, Boston, Massachusetts. Her specialization also includes organization of multiple International Festivals of Religious Music that facilitated inter-religious understanding and dialogue between the different faith communities.
Dr. Lipina is the founder of the Faith and Arts Center at the Old West Church, promoting arts as a cross-cultural liaison for different faith, cultural, and educational institutions.
Patricia Grahmann - Co-Lay Leader (She/Her)
Patricia is a medical device project manager and co-leader of the Lay Leadership Team. She focuses her efforts on the Fiber Arts Small Group and tech-team with co-leader Kate to stream worship services. She came to Massachusetts in 2014 to study at Wellesley College and the changing seasons have kept her here! Patricia enjoys all things science, baking, and has recently taken up pottery classes in her spare time.
KAte Brewer - C0-Lay Leader (She/her)
Kate Brewer is an aerospace engineer originally from Louisville, KY. I came to Boston for college and loved it so much I stayed! I now live in Beacon Hill and enjoy reading, cooking, and learning new things. She has been attending OWC since 2019. She serves alongside Patrica as OWC’s co-lay leaders.
She is also one of the lead volunteers in the OWC Food Forest.
Elsa Bengel - Finance Chair (She/Her)
Elsa is our finance chair, overseeing the finance committee. Along with the Finance Team, Elsa is in charge of all the income and expenses that come through OWC.
Here Elsa is pictured with the rest of OWC’s growing with hope team: Elsa, her spouse John, Ladonna, Karen, and Pastor Sara. (from left to right)
Karen Spiller - SPRC CHAIR (She/her)
Karen is the chair of the SPRC. Her role is to oversee the committee that oversees pastoral appointments and church staff. The committee works to encourage, strengthen, nurture, support, and respect the pastor and staff and their families. The committee provides guidance to set priorities that strengthen the OWC's ministry with its members and the community. The committee is the connection to the Church district, evaluating appointed leadership and, recommends candidates for ministry. She linked OWC with Boston Food Forest Coalition and Food Solutions New England.
Karen is pictured here, with Elsa and Ladonna.
Mike Moehring - TRUSTEE Chair (He/Him)
Mike serves as the Chair of the Trustees, assisting with matters related to building usage and maintenance, along with other church ministries.
Here he is pictured with his spouse, Ladonna.
Rev. Caroline BASS - DEacon (she/her)
Caroline is an ordained deacon in the New England Conference. She became affiliated with Old West Church while attending seminary at Boston University School of Theology. She currently serves as a hospital chaplain in the DC metro area.