Before accepting our call in 2016, Joanne served as a pastor, founder of a Small Group ministry, and a professor of religion. She holds three advanced degrees from Harvard University in Divinity and Theology and is a graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota.  Joanne’s ministry focuses on helping us discover our Christian calling, especially through the challenges of what Father Richard Rohr terms, “The Second Half of Life.”  She and her husband, John Thorbeck, are the parents of four children, far flung from Ithaca to Minneapolis, Shanghai to Fort Bliss, Texas; and grandparents of five. When work is over, Joanne puts on her cycling shoes or hiking boots and explores her adored new home of California.

Ken is multi-talented, blessing us with his breadth of knowledge about local change agents and non-profits; and his sensitive insight into our church members’ lives. Ken was honored as “2000 Citizen of the Year” by the Salinas Chamber of Commerce, as well as other numerous awards for community service. Ken is a partner with his wife Nancy Borino at the beautiful home décor shop in the Crossroads Shopping Plaza, Casa Di Campagna. And, as parents of two and grandparents of two, Ken has no free time!

Melinda graces us as pianist, harpsichordist and organist. Since 1995 Melinda has not only led superb music planning and Sunday performances, she has also blessed us with her extensive network of musical friends and colleagues who perform in our Concertino. She received her B.A. at UC Santa Barbara, and her M.A. at the University of British Columbia. Melinda is married to Carmel’s beloved troubedour, Bob Armstead, and together they are parents, grandparents and houseparents to hundreds!

Adam is a lifelong resident of the Monterey Peninsula. He has been a police officer, firefighter and teacher, always working in ways to provide a service to the community. Life changes provided Adam with an opportunity to shift his career to his love for art and design, returning to college and earning a degree in graphic arts. Adam is excited to provide his graphic design services to the church and its members.

Because of her love for nature, Kerstin immediately fell in love with our church after attending a Carmel Bach Festival concert many years ago. When she’s not working, Kerstin spends every possible moment in nature, hiking, biking, kayaking, photographing or simply relaxing on the beach. In addition to her duties at the church, Kerstin is a Bach Festival Associate, in charge of housing for musicians, carefully matching local homeowners with Carmel Bach Festival musicians — another sort of “wedding”!