Pastor Len Hoffman
In the past six years, Pastor Len has served as interim pastor for several Northern Illinois Synod congregations. Recently serving Our Savior’s Rockford, Salem Sycamore, Trinity Galesburg, Shepherd of the Hills McHenry, and Bethany Crystal Lake all in Illinois.
Over the past 40 years of ministry, in addition to being an associate pastor, pastor and senior pastor, Pastor Len served as Vice President for Development at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Associate Director of the ELCA Foundation and Executive Director and Vice President for advancement for Lutheran Social Services New England, and as a capital campaign consultant.
His education includes a Doctor of Ministry degree, with a concentration in leadership and stewardship, from Luther Seminary, and a Master of Divinity degree from Christ Seminary (now Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago), with a focus on education, administration and communication. He is a member of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives, the Interim Ministry Association of the ELCA and Interim Ministry Network.
He looks forward to getting acquainted and working with the congregation as we begin a transition process leading to the calling of the next pastoral leaders.
Pastor Martha Neff Stum
Born and raised here in Tucson, Pastor Martha has always been active in the church. Baptized at Tucson Dutch Reform Church, her parents joined the Lutheran Church when she was 8-years-old. She started teaching Sunday School at the age of 12 and directed her first children’s choir at 16! She also used to direct the college-aged choir right here at OSLC! She has served on various churches and ran the Synod Elections for 5 years.
Through the love and encouragement of the members of Abounding Grace Lutheran Church, Pastor Martha started seminary in 2006. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2010. From there, she served a congregation in Kelseyville, CA and was Interim Pastor for Grace Lutheran in Ukiah, CA and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marion, IL. She briefly retired due to health issues, which have been fully resolved since she moved back to Tucson.
Pastor Martha has a husband, Paul, and two grown children: son John - Sergeant First Class in the Army, and daughter Diana. She also has five grandchildren (3 boys, 2 girls). We greatly appreciate her and welcome Pastor Martha as our Weekly Worship Leader with open arms!
Kathryn Barrera - Parish Administrator
Kathryn Barrera accepted the position of Parish Administrator in July 2019. She has worked in many administrative positions at universities, music schools, and churches, and enjoys the detail-oriented work that goes along with each position. While office work is her primary focus, Kathryn is also passionate about music. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from San Diego State University and enjoys putting on concerts with her husband who is an opera singer. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys reading Stephen King and going to the pool with her two-year-old son.
Steve VanMeter - Publications Coordinator
Steve joined the OSLC staff in February of 2018. He was born and grew up in Las Vegas, NV, graduating from UNLV in 2005 with a BA in Advertising. He moved to Tucson in 2013 to marry his husband, Darren. He spent the previous decade before joining the OSLC staff in various positions within the banking industry, but is very happy to be back doing what he most enjoys. Steve travels back to Las Vegas monthly to oversee and perform in a successful show he’s run there since 2001. He enjoys traveling, films, books and spending time with his family and terrier, Jack.
Josh Nichols - Music Leader
Josh Nichols, native of Jackson, Mississippi, is an organist, conductor, composer, and performer. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Belhaven University in Organ Performance, a Master of Music in Organ Performance from Mississippi College, a Master of Music in Composition from the Florida Atlantic University, and studying for his doctorate from the University of Arizona in Composition. He has written both concert and commercial music, ranging from sonatas and concertos to advertisements and film music. Most recently, he wrote a Ballet titled "Stone and Light" which was premiered in April. He also has a Concertino for solo percussion and Wind Ensemble premiering in late February.
As an organist in the church, Josh observes the differences between performing for the congregation and accompanying in support of the congregation in worship. He believes that, in worship, music functions in a very specific way, and that way is not always aligned with the performance mentality of the 21st century, classically-trained musician or organist. He believes the goal of music in the church is to uplift and serve the congregation in their spirit, voice, and song.
Josh considers himself a collaborative musician, always striving to reach the maximum satisfaction of working together with musicians and performers. He believes that music is ultimately a relationship between composers, performers, and audience. When the motivations and spirit align between these three groups of people, the music becomes alive and shows light into an often dark and damp world.
Josh is married nine years to Anna, and has two children: Alina (5) and Olivia (2).
Graham Sims - Handyman
Graham recently moved back to Tucson in late 2018. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Art Institute of Seattle. He has over ten years’ experience as a Graphic Designer, the last three as Art Director. Growing up and working in Montana, Graham has trained and worked as a locksmith. He also has extensive experience in landscaping and building maintenance. He enjoys live music and is a devotee of American Film. Graham also enjoys sharing outdoor activities with his wife Melissa, daughter Amelya and their two crazy little dogs.