Staff and Leaders
Lead Pastor Pastor Michael Patzloff
Michael grew up in California, received his BS in Business Administration at Nebraska Wesleyan University and his Masters of Divinity at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He was ordained a Deacon in 1995 and Elder in 1998. During his almost 20 years of ministry in Nebraska, he served seven (7) churches ranging from a church of 25 to a church of 1300 members. Michael was welcomed into the Desert Southwest Conference in 2014, serving University United Methodist Church (Las Vegas, NV), Faith United Methodist Church (Phoenix, AZ), and The Bridge United Methodist Church (Phoenix, AZ).
Michael is married to John Lefeber and has two children, Elias and Faye, who were adopted through the foster care system. His hobbies are varied but you are likely to find him reading a book, working in the yard, planning their next travel adventure...or cleaning the house when his anxiety gets the best of him. Michael is passionate about animal rights. Over the years, he and John have been fortunate enough to have several rescue dogs that have brought much love and fulfillment into their lives.
“If there was one scripture that speaks to who I strive to be it would be from the Prophet Micah - ...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? - May it be so.”
Administrative Assistant Christine
Christine is originally from Germany. She spent ten years in the state of Washington before moving to Arizona twenty-two years ago. She does a lot of gardening and cooking (Greek, Thai, Chinese, Italian… everything!) She enjoys history and watching documentaries. She and her husband like to go walking, so you may see them on the side of the road picking up trash. Be sure to welcome her the next time you’re in the office!
Community and Engagement Lead Jennifer Gantwerker
An Illinois native, Jen holds degrees in Theatre and International Relations from the University of Southern California, and spent several years working as a special education paraprofessional in Connecticut. Since relocating to Arizona, she has worked extensively as a teaching artist, bringing drama (the good kind) to schools across the greater Phoenix area through in-school enrichment classes as well as professional development programs that help classroom teachers integrate drama into their existing curriculum. She is also an ensemble member with several local theatre companies and writes, directs, and performs with a Phoenix-based sketch comedy troupe. When she is not making art, Jen teaches yoga, drinks coffee, and reads books.
She is truly delighted to lead Desert Mission’s children and families closer to each other, their faith, and our church community, and hopes to inspire them to approach both their lives and their faith with a sense of curiosity, joy, and wonder.
Worship Lead Sydney Myers
Sydney Meyers has been a passionate, lifelong follower of Christ, and is blessed by the opportunity to honor him through worship. Originally from Indiana, she came to Arizona to earn her degree in Vocal Performance from Grand Canyon University. While there, she was part of their top Critical Mass Choir, singing for several churches in the valley. Along with being a worship leader, Sydney also teaches piano and Voice and performs around Arizona. Her goal is to display God well and draw people closer to him through music, because “the Lord inhabits the praises of his people.” (Psalm 22:3)
Choir Lead Jules Schubert
Jules Schubert is completing her degrees in Popular Music and Music Learning & Teaching at Arizona State University.
Fueled by tea, books, and time with her cat, Jules loves bringing the joy of choir to Desert Mission while continuing to serve as a weekly performer.
Worship Team
Women in Leadership
There is no place in our church for sexism, discrimination against women, or hatred of women. Women are accepted as preachers, pastors, leaders, liturgists/speakers, and any other role of authority in our church.
If you believe you are called by God into leadership, whether you are female, male, or non-binary, please contact us. We would love to be in conversation with you about how God is speaking to your life and how we may support you in serving and in becoming who God calls you to be.
Full Staff:
Jennifer Gantwerker, Director of Children’s Education
Pastor Robert Payne, Pastor of Worship and Engagement
Christine Richwagen, Administrative Assistant
Rev. Jim Wiltbank, Lead Pastor
Bob Weier, Pianist
Church Leaders and Administrators:
Dave M, Staff-Parish Relations Chairperson (HR Committee)
Mark M, Finance Chairperson
Annette B, Lay Leader
Chuck B, Trustees Chairperson
Barbara DH, Council Chairperson
Mary Ann C, Missions Chairperson
