Our Team

Meet our pastor, staff, and church officers who provide servant leadership for our church family.

Meet Our Pastor

Gunnar Tesdahl

Pastor Gunnar brings a deep passion for God’s Word, a love for the church, and a heart to reach the community for Christ. Born and raised in Spokane, WA, Gunnar first sensed God’s call to ministry in high school after coming to faith in Jesus Christ. He holds a degree in Speech Communication with a music minor from Whitworth University and a Master of Divinity from Knox Theological Seminary. Gunnar served in various areas of church ministry, including youth, worship, preaching, and leadership. He was ordained into pastoral ministry in the Presbyterian church in Gig Harbor, WA.

Gunnar is married to his beloved wife Aimee, who is a devoted follower of Jesus and mental health counselor by training. Gunnar and Aimee are blessed with two beautiful daughters, Kennedy and Brooklyn.

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Ministry Staff

The staff at the Pres want to help you get plugged into ministry! Please reach out with any questions or how we can support you in your walk with Jesus.

Lauren Thill

Pastoral Executive Assistant

Lauren sensed God's call to SYVPC when she first stepped on campus. She joined the coffee shop staff, stepped into management, and has now joined the church staff. As executive assistant to Pastor Gunnar, Lauren supports the ministry of the church in a variety of ways. She brings with her a love for Jesus, a heart for discipleship, and a genuine desire to reach our community for Christ.

Email: lauren@syvpc.org

Autumn van der Linden

Office Manager

Since joining the church, Autumn has taken on key organizational and administrative role. Additionally, she stepped up to revive and host the annual Solvang Christmas Nativity Pageant at the church after its hiatus. Her dedication reflects her heart for our community and her faith in Jesus, making her an integral part of the church’s mission and outreach.

Email: autumn@syvpc.org

Phone: 805-688-6323

Ruthy Gallo

Children's Ministry Director

Ruthy oversees our children's ministry program at SYVPC. She brings a passion for kids and families to know Jesus and grow as participants in his family, the church. Ruthy leads our Sunday School programs at church for nursery through 5th grade, as well as special activities during the week like the Thursday night Kids Rock program and the community outreach Mom’s Day Out.

Email: ruthy@syvpc.org

Phone: 805-688-6323 ext. 400

Alan Satchwell

Worship Director

Alan has been faithfully serving SYVPC since 1997, playing a key role in leading worship and overseeing the church’s media ministry. In addition to leading worship on the stage each Sunday morning, Alan supports the church’s vibrant music ministry and helps orchestrate inspiring worship experiences for our church family.

Email: alan@syvpc.org

Phone: 805-688-6323 ext. 200

Church Officers

SYVPC is led by a team of elders– the servant leaders of the church– who form a board called the Session that seeks to discern the mind of Christ together and oversee the vision and ministry of the church (1 Peter 5:1-4). Under the Session, our deacons–the lead servants of the church– are commissioned to care for the felt needs of our church family (Acts 6:1-6).

Session Elders

The Session is composed of the pastor and elders who are elected by the congregation to serve terms on the board.

Rob Wolf (youth)

Karin Aitken (congregation life)

Bill Gnekow (buildings/grounds)

Debbie Jones (clerk)

Joel Williamson (discipleship)

John Donati (outreach)

Paul Larson (finance)

Pastor Gunnar Tesdahl (moderator)

Board of Deacons

The Deacons each serve regions of our community, called parishes, as well as provide for various needs in the church.

Pam Gnekow (co-moderator)

Meta Clow (co-moderator)

Gail Wolf

Pat Tieken

Jackie Gruendyke

Mary Kestenbaum

Paul Kimes

Helen Kimes

Sherry Gasch

Elijah Barrows

Hannah Barrows

Paula Albrecht

Kathie O'Neil

Ken Spaar

Miyuki Spaar

Contact Deacons

Church Office Email

office@syvpc.org

Call

805-688-6323