Pastor and Staff
Pastor and Head of Staff: Rev. Kelly Spencer
(they/them)
Originally from Charleston, SC, Rev. Kelly Spencer is honored and excited to serve as Newport’s pastor. Kelly prepared for their career in the church by attending Furman University to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Music, and Princeton Theological Seminary for a Master of Divinity. They also have certifications in Clinical Pastoral Education, Transitional Ministry, Trauma-Informed Care, and Women, Gender, and Theology. Kelly strives for intentionality in ministry, with particular passions for pastoral care, preaching, and the pursuit of justice. Kelly has been serving churches since their college years, and they love the powerful invitation faith communities offer for everyone and anyone to belong. When they’re not at church, Pastor Kelly enjoys reading, eating good food, and adventuring outside with their wife (Katie), their daughter (Amelia), and their puppy, (Benedict).
Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry: Austin Rehbein
(she/her)
Austin grew up in Waukesha, WI, studied in California, England, Yosemite, and New Jersey, led ministry with college students in Berkeley, CA, and is now proud to call Seattle home. She has worked with children, youth, young adults, and college students. Austin is currently pursuing ordination in the PCUSA. She earned a Master's in Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary after studying Theology and English Literature at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California. She loves writing, poetry, fiction, theater, and thinking about how art affects our spiritual formation. Austin describes her personality as camp: so think deep discussions, building relationships, time outside, and constant games. She is always available for coffee and conversation and is eager to get to know the children, students, and young families at Newport!
Director of Music: Kristen Orien Wortmann
(she/they)
Kristen grew up in Boise, ID, and started singing in church choirs as a child. As a teenager, she became the pianist for her church choir and found her niche. Graduating from Brigham Young University with a BA in Music, Kristen continued to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists, as well as play organ for her church congregational services. Teaching and sharing music at Newport is where she feels she is meant to be. In her spare time, Kristen is a collaborative pianist at Northwest Girl Choir. She enjoys playing music with her cellist wife, Ren, and is constantly watching her young ones: Edgar (her step-son), Aurora (her Great Pyrenees), and Peach and Leia (her cats). She is always down for a competitive game of racquetball. Kristen's motto is "Lead, listen and learn with passion, patience and purpose."
Office Administrator: Peggy Liner
(she/her)
Peggy grew up in a household of five kids in Redmond, Washington, after being transplanted from Oklahoma. Growing up, her mom was a church mission leader, and her dad was the head deacon and then a pastor. Peggy married her high school sweetheart and has three children and two grandchildren. She has held many positions in her local church and loves working in a church office. (She also went to clown college so that she could hold special children’s services and Bible study, but she has outgrown that!)