Staff and Leadership
MEET OUR TEAM
Please don’t hesitate to contact any of us for any reason. We’re here to help. It is also possible to get in touch through our CONTACT US page. We’d love to hear from you!
REV. PATRICK GRUBER
PASTOR
“Pastor Pat” was called to be the Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Washington in 2013. Originally from Minnesota, Rev. Gruber previously served churches in Mexico and Cuba (the cities in Missouri, not the countries). He received his Master of Divinity in 2005 and was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament by the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area in 2006. He loves to teach classes, participate in dramas, watch movies and a good cup of coffee (or two…or three). Karen and Alex, rounding out his family, have been welcome additions to our church family as well.
JAIME BRINKMANN
Administrative Assistant/Financial Secretary
Jaime became part of the PCW family in February of 2020 (just in time for the pandemic!). She has lived in Franklin County all her life and is a Washington High School graduate. Jaime is currently working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. She currently lives in Washington with her sons, Logan & Bennett. Jaime loves to play cornhole, fish, shop, and grill.
REV. JOCELYN VAN BUSKIRK
Parish Associate
Jocelyn VanBuskirk was commissioned Parish Associate at the church in 2014. She is an honorably retired pastor member of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery. She is primarily involved with the Adult Christian Education program of the church: teaching an adult Sunday school class and often leading the women’s Horizon Bible Study monthly gatherings. She leads the Thursday morning “Prayer For Life” prayer group and assists the pastor with pulpit supply. She lives with her daughter Heather and son-in-law George Miller. She is an eclectic reader, an avid knitter and cross-stitcher, college football and St. Louis Cardinals fan, – and a lousy cook. She loves classical music, English Victorian literature and Tudor history, and storytelling. And she writes occasional poetry.
Aaron Bounds
Director of Music Ministries
Aaron Bounds is in his fourteenth year as Director of Bands at East Central College. Aaron has also been an adjunct music instructor at St. Louis University as the director of their Concert Band for a decade. At East Central College he has taught World Music, Fundamentals of Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Low Brass private lessons, Jazz Combo, Jazz Band and Concert Band. Aaron has also developed and taught Music Appreciation: The Age of Rock & Roll as well as Jazz Appreciation. In 2006, Aaron received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and in 2008 he received his Master’s in Music, both from Missouri State University in Springfield. Throughout his studies at Missouri State, Aaron performed with many ensembles including MSU Jazz Band under the direction of Jerry Hoover, MSU Lab Band directed by Randall Hamm, MSU Wind Ensemble under Dr. Belva Prather, and the MSU Orchestra with Dr. Robert Quebbeman. During this time, Aaron also performed with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps for two summers (2003, 2004). Currently Aaron stays busy by balancing his local Jazz combo “Friends of Aaron,” his position as Director of Music Ministries for the Presbyterian Church of Washington and his beautiful family; Emily (wife) and two sons, Carl and Theodore.
EMILY BOUNDS
Accompanist
Emily Bounds plays piano, organ and helps lead the Choir for the Presbyterian Church of Washington. She has been a part of PCW since she was a child. She was confirmed and married in this facility. Her husband is Aaron Bounds, the Music Director. Together they have two children, Carl and Theodore. Her parents are John and Jane Bugele, who serve as leaders of the church.
Emily became a part time accompanist at PCW in 2014, and in 2018, she and Aaron were hired as the Music Team. Along with her position as accompanist, Emily works at Stanton Elementary in Rockwood School District as the Vocal Music teacher for K-5 grades.
Craig Matzes
Youth Director
Craig Matzes has been our Youth Director since August 2021. A native of Rolla, Missouri, Craig has been a Washington resident since age eight. He graduated from Washington High School, earned an Associate’s Degree from East Central College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education Degree from Central Methodist University, and a Master’s of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. His broad experience with children began when he was a youth baseball umpire for the YMCA. Craig has also been a sixth grade teacher, an ESY (Extended School Year Services) teacher for Special Education, and the Youth Director at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Washington, and at Camp MoVal in Union, owned by UCC. In our church, Craig coordinates the programming for children and youth: Sunday School, Youth Group, Vacation Bible School, and various other events. Most of our adult members are well acquainted with Craig through his weekly “A Time With the Younger Church” in our Sunday worship service. Craig and his wife Michelle have three children, age 20 to 4, and are expecting a baby in March 2022.
Andrew Brehe
Live Stream Operator
Andrew Brehe is the Live Stream Operator for our Sunday worship services. He joined our staff in 2021 and was trained by members Ed Bonney and Jolene Patterson, who developed the Live Stream operation during the pandemic so that our own members and the public could worship with us online. Andrew was homeschooled in Washington, and graduated in from East Central College in 2018 with an A.A. Degree in General Automotive Technology. Two years later at Ranken Technical College in St. Louis he received an A.A. Degree in Automotive Technology, with an emphasis on General Motors products. Andrew is currently employed by Purcell Tire and Service Center in Washington, working primarily on commercial tires for semi-trucks, dump trucks, and other large vehicles.
CHARLIE NINNESS
Nursery Supervisor
Please take time to welcome Charlie Ninness to our church staff! In January of 2020, Charlie was hired to be our Nursery Supervisor. She began her work with us on Sunday, January 19th. Charlie and her family live in Union where she runs an in-home daycare program. Charlie is married to a Wright City police officer and has three children. Welcome to PCW, Charlie!
KEN ROETHELI
Custodian
Ken is our longest tenured employee. Ken has been on staff at PCW since 1988! Ken and his wife, Anna, have two children and three grandchildren. In his spare time, Ken enjoys bowling, working in his yard and playing with his grandchildren. Ken has enjoyed developing strong relationships with many of our members over the years.