Meet Our Staff

pastorluther@orlc.gg Pastor Luther Symons brings a truly global perspective to his ministry as Senior Pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. His calling has taken him across the world, equipping him with a rich blend of academic expertise, cultural awareness, and a heart for mission. Pastor Luther’s educational journey reflects his deep commitment to theological scholarship and lifelong learning. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1978 from Luther College at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, followed by a Master of Divinity in 1981 from Lutheran Seminary in Saskatoon. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there: he completed a Master of Arts at the University of Calgary in 1986, a PhD at the University of Manitoba in 1991, and a Doctor of Theology from the University of South Africa in 1999. His career has been as diverse as his studies. Pastor Luther has served as a mental health counselor, an interim lay pastor, and a missionary with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the ELCA, helping to establish theological education programs in Cameroon and Thailand. He later pastored congregations in North Dakota and served as Senior Pastor at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Poway, California, for 16 years before joining Our Redeemer in 2023. Pastor Luther’s ministry is rooted in an outward, mission-centered orientation. He believes the church is called to live love in the world rather than merely speak about it. Whether encouraging mission trips, developing partnerships with nearby congregations, serving neighbors in need, or nurturing the faith of church members, Pastor Luther is passionate about helping others become Christ’s hands and feet. At Our Redeemer, he focuses on preaching, teaching, administration, pastoral care, and providing a strong, visionary leadership for the future. Beyond his professional work, Pastor Luther is an avid reader with interests in theology, philosophy, languages, and religious studies. He and his wife, Nusrat, have shared nearly 34 wonderful years of marriage, cherishing time with their three children and five grandchildren. Together, they enjoy traveling the world and discovering new places, always returning with stories and gratitude for God’s wide world.

​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.

lee@orlc.gg Lee Lassetter brings a lifetime of music, passion, and working with people to her role as Organist and Choir Director at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Whether she’s leading voices in worship or drawing out the rich tones of the sanctuary organ, piano, or harpsichord, Lee’s musical leadership is grounded in both expertise and joyful expression. Lee holds a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance and Music Education from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, where she also placed first in the inaugural Strader Organ Competition in 1975. She later earned a Master of Arts in Education from Northern Kentucky University and a Certificate in Music Therapy from California State University, Long Beach—an education that reflects her holistic, people-centered approach to music and ministry. Before joining Our Redeemer, Lee served as organist at Manhattan Beach Community Church, where she accompanied the adult choir on five European concert tours. She also sang for 20 years as a soprano with the Long Beach Camerata Singers and spent nine of those years as their Administrative Coordinator, managing operations and writing government grants to support the choir. Lee is passionate about working with people across the lifespan. She currently teaches in the North Orange County Community College District as adjunct faculty, where she directs two chime choirs and two choruses for older adults. She also maintains a piano studio that includes students with autism, creating an inclusive and nurturing space for musical growth. As a fun personal note, Lee is an enthusiastic amateur recorder player and played second soprano in the Los Angeles Recorder Orchestra. Her love for music is matched by a love for people, and she brings both into every rehearsal, worship service, and classroom she enters.

blake@orlc.gg ​ Blake runs the sound board, livestream, and social media at church. He grew up running his home church's sound systems and is chronic on Instagram, so he guesses that he's a good fit. Personally, he does freelance photography, and enjoys reading and writing (usually about art, religion, or queer theory). As a fun fact, Blake toured the country for an award-winning short film that he wrote and was featured in. Through that, he learned that Savannah, Georgia has only one burger place open past 9pm, and the entire experience felt like an "aggressive, slow fever dream:" he did not get his burger for two hours. Blake plays the dobro too. He bought it in a post-covid brain-haze, with the intention of never needing to plug it into a sound system (it is entirely acoustic), so it is a good relief from all the technology that constitutes a contemporary life. He says he's not very good at it yet, so that keeps it fun.

david@orlc.gg

cathy@orlc.gg Cathy Seabourne serves as Community Coordinator at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, bringing a vibrant mix of faith, creativity, and coordination to the ministries she supports. Her Lutheran journey began in 1959 when she was baptized at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Lakewood at the age of seven. She later spent many years at St. Olaf Lutheran in Garden Grove before finding her spiritual home at Our Redeemer in 2015. Cathy spent 25 years doing what she always dreamed of—teaching English Literature in the Los Angeles School District. Over the years, she taught everything from Creative Writing and Journalism to Remedial Reading and Honors English for students in grades 9–12. In addition to her love of language, Cathy also has a passion for cooking and once supervised the central kitchen at Golden West Junior College as head cook and caterer. Her hobbies reflect her wide-ranging curiosity and energy: she practices Tang Soo Do Korean Karate, Tai Chi, Egyptian dance, writes poetry, and is a voracious reader. Since joining Our Redeemer, Cathy has jumped into congregational life with both feet—volunteering with Vacation Bible School, serving on the Pre-K School Council and Altar Guild, preparing meals for Ship House, distributing food for the Lord’s Pantry, joining the church Book Club, and leading Tuesday morning Bible Study. As Community Coordinator, Cathy provides essential support to lay ministry groups and serves as a bridge between congregational volunteers and the ministry staff. She helps coordinate and care for the teams that support Altar Care, Worship Hospitality, Greeters, Care & Kindness, Eucharistic Ministry, and Stephen Ministry. With her heart for service and her gift for encouraging others, Cathy helps Our Redeemer feel more like home for everyone who walks through its doors.

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