Janelle Aldrich-Dale, Interim Pastor

Pastor Janelle graduated from Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle with a BA in Biblical Studies and from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN with a Masters of Divinity. She was ordained at Christ Lutheran Church in Edmonds, WA in 1998. She has been serving as a pastor in the Oregon Synod since that time. She is trained as an intentional interim minister and has been serving in that capacity since 2003. She has served churches in Salem, Coos Bay, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls and now in Milwaukie. She is married to Gary Dale and between them they have five children and 13 grandchildren. She also enjoys knitting and spinning, along with reading and watching football and baseball with Gary.

Brian Brown, Director of Youth and Family Ministry

Brian graduated from the University of Oregon in 1999 with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.  Brian worked with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship as a volunteer staff person for 3 years.  He led Bible Studies and helped with large group meetings.  He went to China on a six week mission trip right after college graduation and discovered the call  to Youth Ministry through that trip.  He worked as a Youth Director in 2000 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, WA and worked there for 1.5 years. He moved to Our Savior’s Lutheran in Salem, OR for the next 3.5 years. Brian joined the MLC staff 2005.  Brian plays competitive volleyball. He also enjoys playing football, golf, soccer, going skiing, and just about every other sport. Brian likes video games, working out, reading, and hiking/camping.  He married Erin in November 2004.   Erin and Brian have a daughter, Kaitlyn who was born in September 2007

Sheryl Ann Waage, Administrative Assistant

Sheryl Ann has been a member of Milwaukie Lutheran since 1981.  She has been employed by the church since 1989 as Administrative Assistant (the title has changed several times, but the job has been the same).  Sheryl Ann has been married to husband Rod since 1971 and they have three grown sons and seven grandchildren.  Sheryl Ann is a Stephen Minister, a certified Spiritual Director, certified Healing Touch practitioner and retreat facilitator.  She enjoys reading, canoeing, spending time with family and friends and has started a small business that includes the creating and selling of handmade cards, journals and art.

Maya Story, Pianist and Organist

Owen James, Choir and Contemporary Music Director

Owen James and Maya Story have been partners in life and in music for 17 years, performing together frequently as a jazz guitar & vocal duo, but until now had not had the opportunity serve in the same church together. 
Owen was raised and confirmed in the Lutheran church, and often sang in the choir or accompanied songs on the guitar as a youth.  He holds Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Miami, and has performed in clubs and concert halls across the U.S.  In addition to performing, Owen has directed choral ensembles since 2000.

Maya was most recently the accompanist and Worship Team Leader at West Linn Lutheran Church.  In addition to being a classically trained pianist, she is also a jazz vocalist and a board certified music therapist.  Maya is currently an assistant professor at Marylhurst University.
Owen and Maya, and their children, Leif (7) and Inanna (2) have lived in Portland since 2008.