Newport Presbyterian Church

Jim Patten was born in Spokane, Washington. He grew up in California and graduated from Whitworth College in Spokane. He met his wife, Sandy Brooks (she kept her maiden name), while working for Volunteers in Mission with the Presbyterian Church's Migrant Ministry program.  Jim attended Princeton Theological Seminary. After graduating, he served churches in Medford, Oregon, Bremerton, Washington, and Indiana, Pennsylvania.  Jim and Sandy have been married for 30 years. They have two children: Brook and Justin. Jim loves to hike, cross-country ski, golf, work out at the YMCA, read novels, and go to movies. He and Sandy like good food, going for walks together, and entertaining friends. Jim loves to tell stories and laugh.  He is committed to making the Bible relevant to the modern world from a theologically progressive perspective.

 Associate Pastor Janet DeWater

A native of New Jersey, Janet DeWater has called the northwest home since 1988. A graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary, she served First Presbyterian Church in Everett before coming to Newport as the Director of Children's Ministries in 2002. As her children, Paul (15) and Nora (13) have grown older and more independent, Janet experienced the call to return to full time ministry and in 2009 she was called to serve as Associate Pastor at Newport. Her responsibilities include worship, children's and family ministries, oversight of the youth program, and general pastoral duties. She and her husband John, enjoy supporting their children's sports and activities, working on their home and yard, gathering with family and friends, and every once in a while, the cherished opportunity to relax and read!