Pastor Julie is from Glendale, CA and graduated from the University of Southern California with BA’s in Journalism and English.  She was nurtured in faith in Jesus Christ through Grandview Presbytery in Glendale. Julie attended Fuller Theological Seminary for a Master of Divinity, graduating from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1989.  After 10 years as a substance abuse counselor, she entered full-time ministry at Clifton Presbyterian, VA as Associate Pastor in 2001. In January 2006 she was called as Associate Pastor at Palm Desert Presbytery.

She became the St. Andrew Presbytery Interim/Head of Staff in 2016. She was called as the Installed Head of Staff in June 2018. She has a passion for women’s spiritual nurture and understanding our changing culture. She served two terms as a Mentor Pastor, with the “Company of New Pastors” in the PCUSA; she has served as Commissioner to GA in 2018 and was the Vice Moderator of the Social Justice Committee.  She has led women’s retreats in Southern California and Texas.  She is a member of the Presbytery of Riverside and served as the Chair of the Committee on Ministry; is Moderator-Elect for 2023-24.  She has a certificate in spiritual direction with the Transforming Center in Chicago.

A resident of Indio for over 18 years, she loves to hike and has completed “The Palm Springs Tram Challenge” four times, and ran the El Paseo Turkey Trot 5K, twice! In the summer of 2023, she walked 100 km of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain as a part of her sabbatical.  She has traveled to many countries and considers Paris her favorite city in the world.

Karen has been with St. Andrew for 12 years and brings her talents as an elementary school music teacher to her work as our Bell Choir Director. In 2021 she was appointed as the Director of Music. She also plays the organ for worship services and fills in as choir accompanist when needed.  We are grateful for her skills and enthusiasm. 

Wanda has been an active member of St. Andrew for over 25 years. She has served as a Deacon and on many committees, as well as our Chancel Choir.  For a small church, we have a lot of activity and Wanda graciously handles it all.  We are grateful for her dedication and service.

Daniel has directed our Chancel Choir for over a year now.  We enjoy his musical direction, leadership, attention to detail and energy.  He helps our choir to accomplish more than we think we are capable of.  

Joe has been a part of St. Andrew Church for most of his life.  He lived across the street from the Coachella Valley Presbyterian Church, so grew up in the old and new buildings.  We are lucky to have this local grown gifted and dedicated AV technician working with us.

Jeff DeBeck has been a part of our church for over 27 years.  He sings in the choir and also in a local barbershop quartet.  On Sundays Jeff opens and closes the church buildings and makes sure our entry areas are clean and ready for the church attendees.

Will works hard Monday through Friday mornings keeping our campus clean and in good working order.  He has many talents from repairing walls to fixing plumbing issues.  You name it, Will can fix it.  We are blessed by his dedication and handyman skills.

PICTURED FRONT, THEN LEFT TO RIGHT:

Rev. Julie Hodges: Moderator

Desiree Coulson: Co-Chair of Finance/Stewardship, Building and Grounds and Corporate Treasurer

Mark Mallory: Chair of Personnel and Corporate Vice-President

Amy Laboda: Chair of Mission & Outreach and Corporate President

Ken Zanca: Chair of Christian Education

Bo Ford:   Chair of Worship and Music

Jim Franson:  Co-Chair of Finance/Stewardship, Buildings & Grounds (not pictured)

Dawn Gummer: Interim Clerk of Session and Corporate Secretary (not pictured)

PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT:

Betsy Mallory Moderator

Larry Wilgus

Donna Frantz

NOT PICTURED:

Jim Brady

Don Martin

Suzanne Martin

Cathy Niederkorn

Susan Watkins