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ministerial team & staff
Peter Callis, Facilities Coordinator
I came to the Bay Area in 2000 as a college student at Cal Berkeley. I put my faith in Jesus Christ in my third year, which started my transition from chemist to art student to culinary school.
My first church was a small, 150-person, mostly college-student congregation called New Church Berkeley. The year I got married was also the year our pastor retired, so I started attending my wife's church, First Pres Berkeley.
I had been working in fine dining and later cooking at Google Mountain View, but we wanted to start a family, and the commute was too long for our family values. So, I took a job at St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County, instructing people in the culinary trade. Afterward, I became the hospitality coordinator at First Pres, cooking weekly for a congregation where 200 people gathered for meals on any given Sunday.
When the pandemic hit, Nicole and I were both laid off, so we started our own catering company. At the same time, I wanted to continue supporting a church I was a part of. OCC has been a great source of giving back to the local community, and I love supporting the facility to make it as accommodating as possible for our weekly gatherings.
I bring a wealth of experience in cooking and hospitality and wish to share it with the group that gathers every Sunday to worship.
My first church was a small, 150-person, mostly college-student congregation called New Church Berkeley. The year I got married was also the year our pastor retired, so I started attending my wife's church, First Pres Berkeley.
I had been working in fine dining and later cooking at Google Mountain View, but we wanted to start a family, and the commute was too long for our family values. So, I took a job at St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County, instructing people in the culinary trade. Afterward, I became the hospitality coordinator at First Pres, cooking weekly for a congregation where 200 people gathered for meals on any given Sunday.
When the pandemic hit, Nicole and I were both laid off, so we started our own catering company. At the same time, I wanted to continue supporting a church I was a part of. OCC has been a great source of giving back to the local community, and I love supporting the facility to make it as accommodating as possible for our weekly gatherings.
I bring a wealth of experience in cooking and hospitality and wish to share it with the group that gathers every Sunday to worship.
Rev. Beth Carroll, Senior Pastor
Pastor Beth serves as Senior Pastor at Oakland City Church. Beth received a Master of Divinity at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan where she received recognition in the areas of preaching, writing, and ethics. While in seminary, she was part of a two-year cohort of pastors, professors, and government leaders studying systemic violence in New York City, Detroit, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Beth served as Pastor of Discipleship at Hope Church in Holland, MI, for eight years, which is where she also was ordained. There, she specialized in creating safe and brave spaces for those experiencing unwelcome or trauma in past churches, especially those in the LGBTQIA community and others marginalized because of their mental health. She nurtured the congregation to expand the work of inclusion and facilitated healing, both for those pushed to the margins and the greater community.
She has excitement, energy, and drive in living her call to follow Christ: “to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, and proclaim the good news of God’s favor”.
Originally from Michigan, Beth served for eight years in youth and young adult ministry, after transitioning out of a career in sales management. Beth has spent her vocational life engaged in her passions for community building, mentoring, and discipleship. One of her favorite life circumstances is when a friend or colleague from one of her circles builds a relationship with a friend from another.
Beth is married to her husband, Richard Perez, who is a theatre professional and writer. She has two adult children; Josiah who lives in Michigan and Natalie who is in Oakland. Beth enjoys writing, laughing with others, exercising, and watching live theatre, music, and stand-up comedy. Pastor Beth uses she/her/hers pronouns.
Beth served as Pastor of Discipleship at Hope Church in Holland, MI, for eight years, which is where she also was ordained. There, she specialized in creating safe and brave spaces for those experiencing unwelcome or trauma in past churches, especially those in the LGBTQIA community and others marginalized because of their mental health. She nurtured the congregation to expand the work of inclusion and facilitated healing, both for those pushed to the margins and the greater community.
She has excitement, energy, and drive in living her call to follow Christ: “to bring good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, and proclaim the good news of God’s favor”.
Originally from Michigan, Beth served for eight years in youth and young adult ministry, after transitioning out of a career in sales management. Beth has spent her vocational life engaged in her passions for community building, mentoring, and discipleship. One of her favorite life circumstances is when a friend or colleague from one of her circles builds a relationship with a friend from another.
Beth is married to her husband, Richard Perez, who is a theatre professional and writer. She has two adult children; Josiah who lives in Michigan and Natalie who is in Oakland. Beth enjoys writing, laughing with others, exercising, and watching live theatre, music, and stand-up comedy. Pastor Beth uses she/her/hers pronouns.
Chanelle Ignant, Director of Worship
Chanelle Ignant is a musician and educator based in Oakland. A church kid from Los Angeles, she moved to the Bay Area to study broadcast journalism at San Francisco State University. While there, she became deeply involved in campus ministry, leading worship and small groups with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
After spending a year interning with InterVarsity following graduation, she struggled to find her place in ministry and spent several years disconnected from her faith. It wasn’t until she stumbled across Oakland City Church in 2016 that she felt at home in church again, rediscovering joy through volunteering and building community in the music ministry.
During the week, Chanelle teaches music at Redwood Day School and the Oakland Public Conservatory. She has also had the honor of performing on stages big and small throughout the Bay Area, including Yoshi’s, Freight & Salvage, and The Chapel.
After spending a year interning with InterVarsity following graduation, she struggled to find her place in ministry and spent several years disconnected from her faith. It wasn’t until she stumbled across Oakland City Church in 2016 that she felt at home in church again, rediscovering joy through volunteering and building community in the music ministry.
During the week, Chanelle teaches music at Redwood Day School and the Oakland Public Conservatory. She has also had the honor of performing on stages big and small throughout the Bay Area, including Yoshi’s, Freight & Salvage, and The Chapel.
Denai Lovrien, Interim Children's Ministries Coordinator
I became a believer as a child and had the privilege of growing up in a church with a family that loves Jesus. In high school, I volunteered in my church's Sunday school and at VBS camps. As an adult, I have been involved in my church's creative arts ministry and have been incredibly blessed to be part of worship teams as a singer and dancer.
About ten years ago, we were part of a church plant, where I helped run the children’s ministry. One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to share God's love and His Word. Currently, I split my time between caring for my kids at home, teaching dance at a local studio, and running Open City Dance.
About ten years ago, we were part of a church plant, where I helped run the children’s ministry. One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to share God's love and His Word. Currently, I split my time between caring for my kids at home, teaching dance at a local studio, and running Open City Dance.
Ray Roberts, Administrator
Rayjenée Roberts, affectionately known as "Ray," is our OCC Administrator. She has a strong background in communication, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from SUNY Buffalo State College. A former seminary student at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Ray also brings hands-on experience in administrative roles. She enjoys supporting church operations, managing schedules, coordinating events, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of the church.
Known for her attention to detail and dedication to serving the community, Ray is passionate about contributing to the church's mission and fostering a welcoming environment for all members. Born in The Bronx, NY, she has always been immersed in artistry, communication, and networking. Like a New York performer who commands attention with a simple phrase—"It’s showtime!"—Ray has a natural ability to engage others and ensure her message is heard.
Known for her attention to detail and dedication to serving the community, Ray is passionate about contributing to the church's mission and fostering a welcoming environment for all members. Born in The Bronx, NY, she has always been immersed in artistry, communication, and networking. Like a New York performer who commands attention with a simple phrase—"It’s showtime!"—Ray has a natural ability to engage others and ensure her message is heard.
OCC elders
Jerri Handy
Jerri attended her first church service at just three days old, cradled in her mother’s arms. Her earliest memories of Sunday School and church come from the Church of the Nazarene in Winamac, Indiana.
She went on to study at Olivet Nazarene University, earning an Associate of Arts in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education. In 1996, she completed a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary and opened Inner Connections Counseling Service in Noblesville, Indiana. During this time, she joined the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
In 2000, Jerri moved to Oregon, where she became involved in a church plant in the Greater Portland area. After a few months, the congregation called her to be their pastor. Leading The View Christian Church (DOC) was a transformative experience—one that deepened her ability to preach, lead, and discern her call to full-time ministry.
In 2007, she moved to Berkeley, California, to attend Pacific School of Religion, earning her Master of Divinity and becoming ordained shortly afterward. She then served as Minister of Congregational Care at the Congregational Church of San Mateo (UCC) in California.
After seven years at CCSM, Jerri was commissioned by Global Ministries to serve at Albergue Las Memorias in Mexico, where she ministered for four years.
Here’s what she wants you to know: Jerri is a thoughtful, attentive listener with a deep desire to know God, follow the teachings of Jesus, and be led by the Spirit. She is passionate about connecting with people—especially those who feel like they don’t belong. She is a harbinger of hope, a believer in the power of transformation, and deeply committed to helping people find the spiritual connection that can sustain them through all of life’s ups and downs.
She went on to study at Olivet Nazarene University, earning an Associate of Arts in Social Work and a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education. In 1996, she completed a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Christian Theological Seminary and opened Inner Connections Counseling Service in Noblesville, Indiana. During this time, she joined the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
In 2000, Jerri moved to Oregon, where she became involved in a church plant in the Greater Portland area. After a few months, the congregation called her to be their pastor. Leading The View Christian Church (DOC) was a transformative experience—one that deepened her ability to preach, lead, and discern her call to full-time ministry.
In 2007, she moved to Berkeley, California, to attend Pacific School of Religion, earning her Master of Divinity and becoming ordained shortly afterward. She then served as Minister of Congregational Care at the Congregational Church of San Mateo (UCC) in California.
After seven years at CCSM, Jerri was commissioned by Global Ministries to serve at Albergue Las Memorias in Mexico, where she ministered for four years.
Here’s what she wants you to know: Jerri is a thoughtful, attentive listener with a deep desire to know God, follow the teachings of Jesus, and be led by the Spirit. She is passionate about connecting with people—especially those who feel like they don’t belong. She is a harbinger of hope, a believer in the power of transformation, and deeply committed to helping people find the spiritual connection that can sustain them through all of life’s ups and downs.
Phil House
I came to faith in Jesus in 2003 or thereabouts, while a high school student in Chicago, IL. Like many folks, Jesus and faith were significant parts of my family’s identity and calendar. I did not whole-heartedly believe in these things until one particular night that year where I experienced a deep bliss and a loud call to draw closer to the Jesus I had so often heard about. There aren’t enough pages or books to capture the contours of my faith journey since then, but in 2019 I walked into the doors and halls of Oakland City Church looking for, more than anything, a friend. I was new to the San Francisco Bay Area and if my faith journey had taught me nothing else, it was that those genuinely transformed by God make for good friends and if there so happened to be a place on earth that begged to foster such transformation, I might find a friend there. By no work of my own, I was right. At OCC I have found friends and pastors whose genuine embrace of me and the God of the universe has very readily allowed me to reciprocate that embrace. In the midst of this communion, I have found deep love and healing for my own soul and that healing, like a well-planted seed, has, in some ways, grown me into someone I now hope can help pass that healing to others.
As a deacon, I have been able to gain a sense of both the needs of the community within the church and the needs of the community outside of it. Furthermore, I have gained a significant understanding of how these things overlap. I have been able to see that our congregation and greater community is diverse in many ways but similar in the universal need of Christ and love. I have gotten to know people in both these categories and recognize that they have spiritual, and material needs that need to be met daily. In light of this I have come to recognize that we as a church and church leadership team should do all we can to meet these needs while simultaneously recognizing that some of these needs are systemic and may require interaction and effort from me on a more global scale. I have had multiple opportunities to serve in worship through prayer and preaching and I recognize the ongoing need of the church and leadership to serve, in worship, the needs that dawn our doorsteps on Sundays but also throughout the week. In my time as a deacon, I have become especially aware of the humanity of our pastors and the needs they have as people with families and personalities. From this I recognize the church’s need to have a reciprocal relationship with its leaders, one in which everyone feels loved and supported.
The role of a deacon has placed me right in the middle of the sometimes joyous and sometimes saddening stories which most reveal the ongoing work of God that must be done in the Oakland community and world at-large. The work is great and I’m excited for all the ways I might join in. In the end, I am constantly reminded that Christ is for all and I am then made to realize that the invitation to bring my gifts is another representation of Christ working through me and to others. Ultimately, I now feel called to step into the position of Elder at Oakland City Church with the hope that in this position, I can offer even more of my gifts and insights to the growth and goodness of the church.
As a deacon, I have been able to gain a sense of both the needs of the community within the church and the needs of the community outside of it. Furthermore, I have gained a significant understanding of how these things overlap. I have been able to see that our congregation and greater community is diverse in many ways but similar in the universal need of Christ and love. I have gotten to know people in both these categories and recognize that they have spiritual, and material needs that need to be met daily. In light of this I have come to recognize that we as a church and church leadership team should do all we can to meet these needs while simultaneously recognizing that some of these needs are systemic and may require interaction and effort from me on a more global scale. I have had multiple opportunities to serve in worship through prayer and preaching and I recognize the ongoing need of the church and leadership to serve, in worship, the needs that dawn our doorsteps on Sundays but also throughout the week. In my time as a deacon, I have become especially aware of the humanity of our pastors and the needs they have as people with families and personalities. From this I recognize the church’s need to have a reciprocal relationship with its leaders, one in which everyone feels loved and supported.
The role of a deacon has placed me right in the middle of the sometimes joyous and sometimes saddening stories which most reveal the ongoing work of God that must be done in the Oakland community and world at-large. The work is great and I’m excited for all the ways I might join in. In the end, I am constantly reminded that Christ is for all and I am then made to realize that the invitation to bring my gifts is another representation of Christ working through me and to others. Ultimately, I now feel called to step into the position of Elder at Oakland City Church with the hope that in this position, I can offer even more of my gifts and insights to the growth and goodness of the church.
Matej Šebo
I felt called to be part of ministry at OCC very soon after realizing it was going to be my church home. Having previously worked with children and played in worship bands, I stepped into those roles here as well. I quickly realized that I wanted to do more, though it wasn’t initially clear what that would be. I spoke with Elder Joy, Pastor Beth, and others to gain a better understanding of what an elder or deacon does. At heart, I’m an engineer (primarily software) who enjoys solving problems and thinking through logistics. Becoming an elder feels like a way to harness that mindset and contribute behind the scenes to a church and community that means so much to me.
Some of the people at OCC are my closest friends, while others have supported me through tough times—offering prayer, encouragement, and Spirit-led mentorship. At a time when much of the world seems to be entrenching itself in conflict, it has been refreshing to come to this church and be reminded of what Jesus called us to build: a Christ-centered community that bridges our differences. And that’s not limited to Sundays. I’m reminded of this call every time I meet with my small group, "The Gennetinos"—whether we’re heading to San Francisco to see a musical, gathering at someone’s place for a potluck, or hopping on Zoom for our Monday Bible study. There is something truly transformative and powerful about a community like OCC, and I want to be part of building it up.
Some of the people at OCC are my closest friends, while others have supported me through tough times—offering prayer, encouragement, and Spirit-led mentorship. At a time when much of the world seems to be entrenching itself in conflict, it has been refreshing to come to this church and be reminded of what Jesus called us to build: a Christ-centered community that bridges our differences. And that’s not limited to Sundays. I’m reminded of this call every time I meet with my small group, "The Gennetinos"—whether we’re heading to San Francisco to see a musical, gathering at someone’s place for a potluck, or hopping on Zoom for our Monday Bible study. There is something truly transformative and powerful about a community like OCC, and I want to be part of building it up.
OCC deacons
Martha Mena
For the past 18 years, I have dedicated my career to serving nonprofit, mission-driven organizations, leading departments and teams with a heart for service. I am honored to serve Oakland City Church as a Deacon, using my gifts to support our community.
My faith journey has been shaped by both challenges and grace. After my father’s passing, I wrestled with anger toward the Lord, yet He remained steadfast. I am grateful that Jesus never changes, always delivers, and meets us where we are. A few years ago, I asked the Lord for peace, joy, and a renewed perspective, and He has been faithful in providing just that.
Over the past year, God has led me to serve the church in deeper ways. As a Deacon, I have had the privilege of stewarding resources to support our community. I also stepped in as the Interim Office Administrator, ensuring the church’s operations remained strong after the departure of our long-term Office Coordinator. Through it all, I continue to trust in His guidance.
My faith journey has been shaped by both challenges and grace. After my father’s passing, I wrestled with anger toward the Lord, yet He remained steadfast. I am grateful that Jesus never changes, always delivers, and meets us where we are. A few years ago, I asked the Lord for peace, joy, and a renewed perspective, and He has been faithful in providing just that.
Over the past year, God has led me to serve the church in deeper ways. As a Deacon, I have had the privilege of stewarding resources to support our community. I also stepped in as the Interim Office Administrator, ensuring the church’s operations remained strong after the departure of our long-term Office Coordinator. Through it all, I continue to trust in His guidance.
Arden Wells
I grew up near New Orleans, and I was very engaged in the United Methodist church throughout my youth. In college at UT Dallas, I helped start the Synergy Wesley Foundation, a Methodist student ministry that was the only LGBT-affirming faith-based group on campus.
I moved to Oakland at the end of 2019 and began attending OCC after a friend recommended the church. I was inspired by the theological diversity and deep compassion in OCC's community. During the pandemic, when I was still relatively new to the East Bay, OCC and the Next Gen small group became a core community in my life, helping me fight loneliness and find ways to serve others Oakland during a difficult time. I am excited to serve as a Deacon because I have felt inspired by how God uses OCC to serve the community and feel called to help.
I work as a hydrogeologist, working in groundwater resources consulting. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, and cooking.
I moved to Oakland at the end of 2019 and began attending OCC after a friend recommended the church. I was inspired by the theological diversity and deep compassion in OCC's community. During the pandemic, when I was still relatively new to the East Bay, OCC and the Next Gen small group became a core community in my life, helping me fight loneliness and find ways to serve others Oakland during a difficult time. I am excited to serve as a Deacon because I have felt inspired by how God uses OCC to serve the community and feel called to help.
I work as a hydrogeologist, working in groundwater resources consulting. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, and cooking.
Hannah Young
Born and raised in Washington, DC, the oldest of three girls, I was practically a second mom to my much younger little sisters. I grew up in a very small and tight-knit church with an abundance of deep spiritual practices and teachings. But by my 20s, after encountering a series of disappointments with God, my parents, and the church, I took a break from organized faith practices. I needed distance from my parents’ beliefs, which felt stifling; I couldn’t find a way forward that felt real. In my 30s, I realized I was still a believer in God and in God’s love. I began to re-engage more fully with my faith and I’m grateful to the church community that I discovered at the time that helped me on that journey.
I’ve been a longtime Bay Area resident. I feel at home in the outdoors and on my bike. I work in the environmental field, helping cities, developers, and public agencies’ clients build and implement projects that comply with environmental laws and regulations. Recently, I’m a proud auntie to two delightful towheaded kiddos.
I’ve been attending OCC for about 5 years and was drawn to the community by the sincerity with which folks are pursuing relationships with God and with each other. I was intrigued by the mission statement and the specificity of the call and vision that it articulates. I appreciate the ways that people show up as real human beings. I feel it is a sacred call to be in this faith community and witness the mystery of God’s love and redemption working among us. I feel called to belong to the OCC community and support the people as we live into the calling of people who don’t look like they belong, or otherwise might not belong together, finding community together with Jesus at the center, and expanding that to include others who have not yet been welcomed into the community or feel like they are on the outskirts. That is not an easy calling, but I do want to be committed to praying with and supporting the members of the church and those beyond the church in this journey. And my prayer is that God would work that out in my heart and life as well.
I’ve been a longtime Bay Area resident. I feel at home in the outdoors and on my bike. I work in the environmental field, helping cities, developers, and public agencies’ clients build and implement projects that comply with environmental laws and regulations. Recently, I’m a proud auntie to two delightful towheaded kiddos.
I’ve been attending OCC for about 5 years and was drawn to the community by the sincerity with which folks are pursuing relationships with God and with each other. I was intrigued by the mission statement and the specificity of the call and vision that it articulates. I appreciate the ways that people show up as real human beings. I feel it is a sacred call to be in this faith community and witness the mystery of God’s love and redemption working among us. I feel called to belong to the OCC community and support the people as we live into the calling of people who don’t look like they belong, or otherwise might not belong together, finding community together with Jesus at the center, and expanding that to include others who have not yet been welcomed into the community or feel like they are on the outskirts. That is not an easy calling, but I do want to be committed to praying with and supporting the members of the church and those beyond the church in this journey. And my prayer is that God would work that out in my heart and life as well.
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