STAFF

Rev. Dr. Steven H. Craig, Pastor

As Pastor of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Steve’s deepest desire is to lead others into a love relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Steve believes that “The Christian life is marked by discipleship: a process wherein we respond to the call of Christ in humble obedience, learn from him in the context of Christian community, and are so equipped with his message and ministry by the power of the Spirit that we are demonstrating his love and sharing his life-changing message with those around us.” 

To that end, Steve is especially passionate about Biblical preaching and teaching, worship that is joyful, participatory and historically grounded; the cultivation of small discipling communities (Lifegroups) as a key means of spiritual growth and outreach into our community; and a recognition of our dependence upon the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit for Christ-like living. 

Steve grew up in a pastor’s family; and it was through his mother and father that he was first introduced to the love of Christ.  Both his father and brother are presently serving as ordained pastors.  Steve received his Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature and Classical Studies from U. C. San Diego, his Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary.  Some of Steve’s favorite sporting activities are hiking, running, weightlifting, tennis, and skiing.  Steve is married to his beautiful wife, Lisa, who is a licensed Marriage, Family, & Child Therapist.  They have two young girls, Corynn and Kaitlin.

Minister with Students

Allison Sego, Minister with Children and Families

Allison Sego is responsible for St. John’s Children and families Ministry, which includes infants to 6th grade and their families. Allison attended Pepperdine University, where she received a degree in Psychology with a minor in Youth and Human Service. She continued at Pepperdine to earn her Masters in Education and teaching credential. For the past four years Allison has been teaching kindergarten and 1st grade. Allison has been a member of Brentwood Presbyterian Church for over 20 years, where she was very active in youth ministry and worship planning. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her friends, listening to music, and traveling.

Sandi Dick, Church Administrator

Sandi Dick, our Church Administrator has a Bachelors in Business Management and Social Sciences with a background in Administration, Education, Trade Shows and setting up and running satellite offices. 

Sandi is an active member at Gateway Christian Church where she serves as an Elder, Vice Chair of the Board, Chair of the Worship Committee, Lay Reader  and sings in the Choir.  She has been active in Vacation Bible School, teaching Sunday School and Children’s Moments during Worship Service. 

After 25 years Sandi recently retired as a volunteer for  Angeles Girl Scout Council.  She is a  Big Sister to a 17 year old girl who lives in West Los Angeles, they will be ending their relation through the Big Sister program in June, but will remain connected.  In September she plans on having a new Little Sister!  

Hanne Overbeck, Nursery School Director

Director Hanne Overbeck has been nurturing and fostering children and meeting parent needs at St. John’s Presbyterian Nursery School for more than twelve years.  Hanne brings with her a wealth of experience and education in the early childhood development profession.  Born and raised in Denmark, Hanne moved to the United States.  Settled and educated in Washington State, Hanne later relocated to Southern California, where  she continued her education in early childhood development and administration.  Married with three grown children of her own, two of which are in the education field and the youngest one still in college, Hanne finds time to contribute to the betterment of the community by assisting parents and their young children both personally and professionally.

Jean Carfagno, Lifegroup Coordinator

Jean Carfagno has been Lifegroup Coordinator since August 2002.  Ms. Carfagno was reared in Ohio where she received two degrees from the Ohio State University, in Education and Counseling Psychology.  She moved to California in 1963 and transferred her church membership to St. John’s in 1964 when she also joined the choir.  St. John’s became family for Jean and her sons who grew up in the church and were active in the youth programs.  Jean has served three terms as Elder, and as Chairman of the most recent Pastor Nominating Committee.  After teaching junior high for 20 years, Ms Carfagno used her MA in Counseling and post-grad work at UCLA to enter a therapy career in 1983.  She is now a partner in a treatment center for chemical dependency and a college instructor in a local college.  Jean enjoys music, theater, football, swimming and especially her three grandsons who are blessings in her life. 

Ignacio Luna, Custodian and Gardener

Ignacio Luna, “Nacho”, became St. John’s Custodian in March 1985.  Prior to full-time employment he worked as the on-call custodian for two years, providing coverage for the previous custodian when he went on vacation.  Before working for St. John’s, he was a waiter at a restaurant named Anna’s.  Nacho is a happily married man with two sons and a grandson from his oldest child.  He enjoys the company of family; his cat, Tigger; and his parrot, Rocky.  When Nacho is not at home caring for his family and animal companions, he’s taking care of the Church’s garden to keep it nice and healthy.  He is also responsible for maintenance and basic repairs.  When staff members have questions or concerns regarding basic repairs and gardening, he is the person they can always rely on.  The same assistance applies to our very own web surfers.

HaeSung Park, Church Organist

Lynne Verdi, Celtic Choir Director

Dr. Lynne Verdi, a talented pianist, organist and vocalist, who has a passion for the Lord and who shares our desire to continue offering a blended service of worship.  In her own words:  “I am familiar with all styles of music, from classical to contemporary praise music…. I love sharing spiritual truth in song and feel the Lord has blessed my ministry with this talent and desire.”

Lynne has a Bachelor of Music degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible, a Master of Music degree in Organ Performance and Choral Conducting, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Organ Performance from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. Lynne has enjoyed furthering her studies in voice and conducting while singing under the direction of Don Neuen in the Angeles Chorale, Bunnie Thornberg in the Cantori Domino, and Fred Bock in the Hollywood First Presbyterian Church Choir.

Lynne has been the Music Director-Organist at several churches, including Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations, and comes to us from Sepulveda United   Methodist  Church  in  North  Hills.    She  is  also a   seasoned   music educator, having taught students of all ages and levels for the past 25 years.  She is currently teaching choir at several elementary schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.  Lynne lives with and cares for her mom, and also loves spending time with her daughter and three beautiful grandchildren.  We are glad that Lynne is now a part of our St. John’s family.  Please give her a warm welcome when you see her!

Home Page | St. John's at a Glance | Who We Are | Calendar & Other News