From Left: (Don Ashburn) New members JD Donaldson, Beth Black, Jim Stehr, Nancy McHugh, Bob Simon, Marissa Cardon, Al Lee, Sarah Pae, Shelley Clopton, Shaun Clopton and John Mittan (Steve Schibsted).

Marissa Cardon – I’m an HR professional at a marketing technology company, overseeing People “HR” Programs and Operations, and a mom of two active boys. I’m drawn to Piedmont Church by the warmth of the community, the pastors, the staff and the children’s program.

Brad Cardon – I work in the commercial real estate investment industry. Family is my life, and I love to spend time with my wife and two boys. I am very active in my boys’ activities, and love to lead them in Cub Scouts, coaching them on the soccer and baseball fields, and battling them with Nerf. I am drawn to Piedmont Church by my faith, the tight-knit community and the community outreach.  

James Stehr is the Piedmont Boy coming home. Jim’s a Piedmont High School grad who went on to UC Berkeley and a career in architecture. In those early years, he was deeply involved with Piedmont Community Church. After raising two sons in Piedmont, James Donald and Michael Paul, the winds of change took him away to other parts of life. Now, after 40 years, he’s back to his spiritual home. Jim’s retired, but very active teaching Climate Change 101 at Piedmont Adult School, studying and writing about astrophysics and evolution. He and his wife Sharon live in Alameda.

John Mittan was raised in Berkeley, attended First Presbyterian Church Berkeley as a youth, and graduated from UC Berkeley and Vanderbilt University. He and his wife Maggie moved to Piedmont in 2012 and their children currently attend Piedmont schools. He looks forward to becoming a part of the Piedmont Church community.

Shaun and Shelley Clopton – We are a military family that came to Piedmont while Shaun attends graduate school at UC Berkeley. We came to visit Piedmont Church last summer and fell in love with the service and the people in the congregation immediately.  We have 3 children in the Nextgen program. We are excited to be joining Piedmont Church and have a church home even when the Navy calls us elsewhere. 

Nancy McHugh – As a teenager I was baptized in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lee’s Summit MO. After moving to CA in 1968, I was a teacher in Piedmont, then principal of Beach Elementary School for 28 years, and now remain active in several community organizations. During all the years in Piedmont, I’ve felt comfort and support from the church and was married here in 1986. I look forward to joining Piedmont Church and being part of a religious community that is welcoming and inclusive. 

Linda Brown is a widow with one 20-something daughter living in New York City. Retired from career in high tech and aerospace. Attended a choral concert held in the sanctuary and fell in love with the feeling of a village church in the English countryside. I lived in England just after college and hold fond memories of that time. 

Bob Simon lives in Rockridge, works for Bank of America in San Francisco, and is a dad to three boys ages 20, 18, and 15. Bob is drawn to Piedmont Church by the wonderfully kind and welcoming members, the amazing choir and music, the fantastic pastors and the beautiful Sanctuary.

Susan Brady – I first joined Piedmont church in March of 1952. My husband and I were married at Piedmont church in 1966. After living various places and attending other churches, I found my way back to Piedmont Church after my late husband’s illness and death, and feel very comfortable and at home here. 

JD Donaldson. I live in Woodminster and have been a Christian since I was 7. I am most attracted to Piedmont Church because the Bible is preached at the pulpit, its music ministry and its congregation who have been very warm and welcoming to me. 

Beth Black. I have been involved in the Piedmont community for 24 years as a teacher at Piedmont High School. What draws me to Piedmont Church is the warm welcome that I have always received when I attend worship. I am looking forward to engaging with others and helping the church continue its mission.

Al Lee and Sarah Pae. We both grew up outside of California, in the Midwest (Sarah) and New England (Al). We have four children ranging in age from 8 to 1. We are most excited about raising our kids in a Christ-centered church that believes our faith goes beyond Sunday mornings and unapologetically permeates every facet of our lives.