Meet Our Staff

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Luther W. Symons

pastorluther@orlc.gg

Intern Pastor

Nathan Sliwa

nathan@orlc.gg Nathan Sliwa is serving as Intern Pastor at Our Redeemer, completing the final step before ordination in the ELCA. He brings a deep love for ministry, a gift for music, and a heart for inclusivity to his work with the congregation—whether he’s preaching, leading Sunday School, upgrading tech, or improving the church’s overall “vibe.” Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Nathan’s journey in faith began in a high school praise choir and grew alongside his passion for music. With a background in classical voice, musical theater, worship bands, and even collegiate a cappella, Nathan earned his BA in Music and Biology from Roanoke College in Virginia. He later served for four years as Minister of Contemporary Music at Christ the King Lutheran in North Carolina, where he managed five worship bands, led the congregation through becoming Reconciling in Christ, worked with Fuller Youth Institute’s Growing Young initiative, and became a certified lay preacher. Nathan began seminary in 2020 at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, arriving with nothing but suitcases and a lot of faith. He has since completed his Master of Divinity coursework and brings experience in both traditional and innovative ministry settings. Outside of church life, Nathan loves intramural dodgeball and kickball, karaoke, reality TV, and a good cup of tea. He’s especially proud to have cycled 545 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles in the AIDS/LifeCycle, raising funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS care and prevention. Nathan’s ministry passions include church redevelopment, fostering belonging, large church leadership, and contemporary worship. He’s thrilled to be walking alongside Our Redeemer in this season of learning and growth.

Parish Administrator

Julie Cantrell

office@orlc.gg 714-539-9541 Julie Cantrell is the friendly and unflappable force keeping the Our Redeemer office running smoothly. As Parish Administrator, she manages everything from greeting visitors and brewing the coffee to preparing Sunday bulletins, weekly newsletters, and keeping the church calendar and member records in order. If it needs organizing, Julie’s probably already on it. Before joining the ORLC team, Julie spent over 30 years as a civil litigation paralegal, developing razor-sharp organizational skills, a knack for precise writing, and a deep understanding of professionalism and confidentiality. Looking for a slower pace and more meaningful work, she took a similar role at her former church in Northern California, where she served faithfully for three years before relocating to Southern California. What drew Julie to ORLC—and made her stay—was the warmth of the people. She quickly made it her church home. She especially enjoys seeing the behind-the-scenes work of the church’s many ministries and helping support both the congregation and the wider community. Plus, the creativity of crafting bulletins and announcements is a bonus. Outside the office, Julie is a lifelong horse enthusiast who still proudly identifies as a “horse-crazy girl.” She enjoys riding English style and has volunteered at horse shows and jumping events. She’s plans to take lessons again, proving that passion knows no age limit—and horses agree.

Worship Director

Ann Badertscher

ann@orlc.gg

Organist/Pianist

Lee Lassetter

lee@orlc.gg

Media Coordinator

Blake Williams

blake@orlc.gg Blake Williams keeps the digital side of Our Redeemer running smoothly. As Media Coordinator, he manages the sound board, livestream, and social media presence—blending technical skill with a creative eye. He grew up running sound at his home church and brings that experience, plus a well-practiced love of Instagram, to ORLC each week. Outside of church, Blake works as a freelance photographer and is an avid reader and writer, often exploring topics like art, religion, and queer theory. His creative work isn’t just a side note—it’s taken him across the country on tour for a short film he wrote and starred in. One standout memory? Waiting two hours for a burger in Savannah, Georgia, the only place open after 9pm. He describes the whole ordeal as “an aggressive, slow fever dream.” When he’s not behind a camera or soundboard, Blake is likely plucking away on his dobro—a resonator guitar he bought during a post-COVID haze. Entirely acoustic and delightfully analog, it’s a welcome break from the tech-heavy world he usually inhabits. He’ll be the first to say he’s not very good at it yet, but that’s part of the fun. Blake brings creativity, curiosity, and a dry sense of humor to everything he does. Whether it’s helping worship reach people online or experimenting with new artistic projects, he finds joy in both the polished and the perfectly imperfect.