Don Ashburn, Associate Minister

Don came to Piedmont Community Church in 2003 after having served at the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland as an Education Consultant and then Associate Pastor since 1998.

Don grew up in La Jolla, California, attending local schools and then graduating from La Jolla High School. He received a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Master's Degree in Sociology from UC San Diego. Don was an active member of both La Jolla Presbyterian Church and the Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church, participating in choral and fellowship groups and teaching Vacation Bible School and Adult Sunday School.

His keen interest in Soviet and then Russian society, particularly the interaction of religion and politics, was the impetus for Don's travels to the Soviet Union, study of the Russian language, and pursuit of further training. The fall of communism was but one factor in Don's decision to focus solely on religion.

Don entered the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley with a plan to study Theology, but soon answered the call to ordained ministry. Don graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1997. After serving as a chaplain at Stanford University Hospital for a summer, Don joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in Oakland.

The Rev. Don Ashburn, Associate Minister		home

Don came to Piedmont Community Church in 2003 after having served at the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland as an Education Consultant and then Associate Pastor since 1998. Don grew up in La Jolla, California, attending local schools and then graduating from La Jolla High School. He received a Bachelor's Degree in History and a Master's Degree in Sociology from UC San Diego. Don was an active member of both La Jolla Presbyterian Church and the Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church, participating in choral and fellowship groups and teaching Vacation Bible School and Adult Sunday School. His keen interest in Soviet and then Russian society, particularly the interaction of religion and politics, was the impetus for Don's travels to the Soviet Union, study of the Russian language, and pursuit of further training. The fall of communism was but one factor in Don's decision to focus solely on religion. Don entered the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley with a plan to study Theology, but soon answered the call to ordained ministry. Don graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary in 1997. After serving as a chaplain at Stanford University Hospital for a summer, Don joined the staff at First Presbyterian Church in Oakland.

	Don and his wife, Margaret, live with their son and daughter in nearby Oakland. Don's parents and his two sisters and their families reside in the San Diego area. Before moving to the Bay Area in 1993, the Ashburns lived in Quito, Ecuador for six months. In South America, they traveled extensively and were active in church fellowship. Don also took classes in Spanish and worked briefly with the Latin American Council of Churches. Don is an avid reader, loves sports as both spectator and participant, and enjoys traveling. His growing family, however, is his greatest joy.

Don brings a wealth of experience in pastoral leadership and parish care to PCC. His membership in the San Francisco Presbytery is highly valued by his colleagues and friends who recognize his wisdom, hard work, and integrity. He has made mission work, especially with regards to local outreach, a high priority for his work here among PCC congregants. He also enjoys organizing adult studies programs, leading a seniors' Bible study group, and providing pastoral care to seniors. His warmth and well-practiced gift of listening to God's people and their concerns are already deeply appreciated by all who know him!

PIEDMONT COMMUNITY CHURCH 400 HIGHLAND AVENUE PIEDMONT, CA 94611 510-547-5700