A Community United in Faith
Meet Our Team
Our Staff
Reverend Christopher Hogstad
Pastor
I have been serving as Pastor at Zion since May 2022, and have been an Ordained Pastor for 18 years. I am married to my lovely wife Megan and we have two teenage children, a girl and a boy. My call to seminary came during a Via de Cristo retreat weekend in 2000, where faith became real to me. I was exposed to the usual Sunday school stories, but those were never personal for me. On that weekend in 2000, I realized Jesus loves me for who I am, and that began this unusual and interesting journey of ordained ministry.
I enjoy studying history, sports, and traveling. I am a Volunteer Rules Official for the Washington Junior Golf Association and also volunteer at LPGA and USGA events as well.
Patricia Hagensen
Administrative Assistant
I’ve been a member at Zion for forty-six years. My husband Dave was baptized at Zion. Driving from Crescent City, California a little way along the Redwood Highway, I couldn’t see enough of those enormous trees. They were to me a visible voice of God saying “I AM”. The sight of them shook me to my soul.
I enjoy African violets, Collies, reading, planning/preparing teas, being outdoors, and traveling.
Destiny Rose Nielsen
Youth Ministries Director
I have been Zion’s Youth and Family Minister since January 2024 and my heart’s desire is to see our church flourish and grow closer to the Lord. One of the most profound moments in my faith journey occurred during the summer of 2015 when, as a 15-year-old, I attended youth camp. I heard a man share his powerful testimony of surviving near-abortion, facing rejection from society, and overcoming a difficult upbringing. His journey to discovering Jesus Christ as his Savior gave him purpose, and as I listened, I was deeply moved. The Lord spoke to my heart, dispelling my insecurities and revealing to me the incredible love He has for me as His daughter and His princess. ~ My hobbies include writing, reading, podcasting, media management, and art! As a published author I also enjoy filling my time journaling, writing new works to publish, and mentoring others.
Kelly Bruce
Council President and Christian Education Liaison
I have served on Zion’s council for 4 years and have been a member since 1995. My family has a long history with Zion which started with my parents being baptized, confirmed and married at Zion. My sister, brother and I were also baptized at Zion before moving to the Seattle area. I am blessed with strong family relationships and faith which has supported my love of God and worship.
My passions and interests include wine, France, and travel, I am a Foodie and enjoy cooking and entertaining, walks along the river, and spending time with friends and family.
Susan Purkerson
Council Vice President, Fellowship Coordinator
I have been a Council member at Zion for two years, and a church member for over twenty years. I was raised in a loving Lutheran home, and this carried my faith into my own family. My husband, son and I are long-time Washougal residents of 28 years.
I enjoy traveling, sewing, reading, and riding my eBike, but most of all spending time with my family and wonderful friends.
Sandy Houseman
Council Member, Property Committee Chairperson
I have been a member at Zion for over one year, after relocating from out of state. Having been raised in a Lutheran Christian household, I have known Jesus’ love for me my entire life. Special moments were having the opportunity to be present to support others when they needed to see, hear, and feel God’s love for them.
I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, reading, baking, and cooking new recipes.
Mary Ann Eichler
Council Member, Evangelism and Social Ministry Liaison
I have been a member at Zion for three years. I learned about Jesus as my Lord and Savior as a child from my mother. This was reinforced during confirmation classes as a young adult.
I moved from Texas to Vancouver to be closer to family. I enjoy sewing, quilting, gardening, jam making, cooking, visiting friends/neighbors, and volunteering at Zion and in the community.
Jim Bibler
Council Member, Finance and Stewardship Committee Chairperson
My wife and I have been at Zion for eleven years. On our arrival in Vancouver, Washington, we tried several ELCA churches in the area. The minute we walked into the Zion Sanctuary, we knew we were home! I left the church when I was in high school. Thirty years later, on the advice of Nancy’s pastor, I read C.S. Lewis and suddenly it all fell into place for me. I am convinced Jesus led me directly to that point!
My favorite hobbies are traveling, reading, writing, walking, and music.
Florence Faraone
Council Secretary, Senior Ministry Liaison
I have been a member at Zion for 5 years. At my church in New Mexico, we had huge windows looking towards the mountains. Whenever we would sing a hymn that I knew I would look up at the mountains and know Jesus was with me.
I enjoy sewing, decorative painting, traveling, and knitting.
Maxwell Malcom
Council Member, Member at Large
I have been a member at Zion for all of my 21 years of life. An important Jesus moment to me was due to being an only child, sometimes I felt like everything was weighing on me and it was always refreshing to know there was someone else to shoulder the burden.
I play the Trumpet in multiple bands, enjoy baking, and mixology, and am a full-time college student pursuing an upper level degree.
Tiffany Ladage
Council Member, Worship and Music Liaison
I have been a member since 2000. Zion quickly became my spiritual home when I started attending with my (now) husband. I feel the most connected to the Trinity when I’m involved in some type of music, whether it’s singing, listening to, or attempting to play!
I enjoy games of all sorts (board, card, video, TTRPGs, pick-up soccer and more), and I’m an avid crafter.