Pastor David Brandfass
Welcome! This is a wonderful family of faith which I have had the honor of serving since 2012. I was born in Burbank, CA, and baptized at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Granada Hills, CA. In college I majored in hospitality management which took me to Kaua’i. From Hawai’i I went to Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. There I met my wife Gwen. Now you know some of my story, and I look forward to hearing yours!
Pastor Julie Gerrish
Pastor Julie was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and received her MDiv from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. She completed her internship year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and then started at CLC as the Vicar. She is so grateful to be here now serving as Associate Pastor. Come and say hi! Pastor Julie would love to get to know you better.
Katherine LaTorraca
Music Minister Katherine LaTorraca has been active in Sedona since 1990. Katherine holds degrees of Master of Music in Voice and Opera from The Boston Conservatory of Music and Bachelor of Music in Voice from New England Conservatory of Music. She served as featured vocalist with the United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus. Since January of 2026 she has been leading the Sanctuary Choir and Celebrate Team and accompanies all our worship services. Katherine also works with the Jewish Community of Sedona, is a vocal instructor and enjoys when music brings the presence of God to individuals and communities.
Canda Rooney
Canda Rooney is our Office Administrator, and joined our team in 2015. Canda builds our weekly bulletins, the monthly newsletter and keeps all the church records in order.
Canda grew up in Findlay, Ohio where she lived before moving out West to Sedona. She is married to Dr. John and between them they have eight children.
When you call or visit, Canda will be the first person you meet.
John Conway
John Conway serves as our Finance Manager. John is a long time Sedona resident and member of Christ Lutheran Church. John brings vast business experience and knowledge of QuickBooks to our office and he is a joy to be around. It is John’s voice you will hear when you call and get our auto attendant with the phone system.
Pastor Gwen Brandfass
A native of South Dakota, Pastor Gwen is contracted to assist with pastoral care in the congregation. Ordained in the Presbyterian (PC-USA) tradition, Gwen is a graduate of University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. She is board certified chaplain and did her residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Gwen retired as a hospice chaplain, serving all the communities in the Verde Valley.