The Rev. Dr. Steven R. Smith joined St. James
on July 1, 2006 as the Designated Pastor. The Reverend Smith brings to St. James 24 years
of experience having been ordained in 1982. Steve is a native Californian who spent his early
years in the Orange County area. Please see his full
Biographical Information page elsewhere on this site.
Email Rev Smith
The Church Administrator, Frank Heckadon,
is a CPA and has been in a private accounting and tax practice since 1964. He is the past
president of the California Society of Accountants. Frank brings to the church strong
organizational skills and a great sense of humor.
Email Frank
The Church Secretary is Jan Bruszak. When
you call St. James, it is likely that she will be the first one to help you. Jan became a
St. James member in 1979 and joined the office staff in 1988. She is a lifelong Presbyterian.
Jan has a strong working knowledge of St. James and is the information source for most
questions relating to the operation and scheduling of the church.
Email Jan
The Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministries, please welcome James Mathew who has recently joined St. James. He is a graduate of Fuller Seminary in Christian Leadership. James has been a Youth Ministries leader in several Los Angeles area churches and was on the faculty of a leadership training school. He comes from a family devoted to missionary work; his mother and father were missionaries in India for 35 years. James is married and has two daughters.
Email James
In Youth Ministries Lizabeth "Liz" Schultz has joined St. James working with the youth of the church. Liz literally grew up at St. James and has been a member since birth. In addition to leading faith based discussions with St. James youth she is responsible for organizing the Youth Summer Camp where she is a Head Counselor. Liz is particularly proud of her work as a member of the Designated Pastor Nominating Committee and on the committee which rewrote the St. James Mission Statement. Liz is an active member of the St. James Praise Band.
Email Liz
The Music Director, Claire Rydell, is a
professional musician and well known music director. Her innovative style and skills
bring a new dimension to the worship service. Claire is responsible for the entire
St. James music program including five voice and instrumental choirs. She holds a Master's
degree in conducting and has sung with major choral groups in the area.
Email Claire if you would like to join in one of the many choirs or groups bringing warmth
and light to our Sunday worship service. Email Claire
The Choir Accompanist, Roger Wright has joined the St. James music department as our accompanist bringing his considerable talent and experience to our sanctuary each Sunday. He has put his piano virtuosity on display throughout the U.S., Europe and Australia and has been a frequent award winner having received first place awards in numerous piano competitions. Roger enjoys interacting with children and young performers. During this last year he worked with and coached children with special needs.
The Youth Handbell Director, Christine White, began her
music career in a kindergarten band. This lead to a life long interest in percussion instruments
and a BS in Percussion and Music Therapy. She is a music teacher and 1st Sergeant for the US Army
Reserve Band where she has perfored for the last 27 years. Christine enjoys communicating God's love
and music ministry with the younger Saint James members through their spirited handbell playing!!
The Custodian at St. James is Luis Chaidez. Luis
has been our helper and friend since 1990. He can be seen at every St. James
function from Worship Service to weddings attending to the needs of members and visitors
with a warm "hello" and a friendly smile. Luis is married with three children and two
grandchildren. He enjoys his work at St. James during the Worship Service and other
church events.
The Nursery Attendant at St. James is Ella Ronquillo.
Ella has been at St. James for 14 years and has been there for generations of St. James
members and visitors attending to the needs of infants during the Adult Sunday School and
Worship Service. Ella has one daughter, Sofia, who attends UC Santa Barbara. She
lives in the San Fernando Valley and enjoys caring for children while members and visitors
are attending St. James.