STAFF
progressive Christianity in Pittsburgh
Pastor
Hi, I’m Erin! I’m originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula but I have lived in Pittsburgh (Sharpsburg) with my wife Sarah and our menagerie of pets for about seven years now! As a family we’re usually getting into home improvement projects and taking off to go camping, but when I’m on my own I love tending my garden and chickens.
Time spent with Creation in this way has helped me learn to lead from a place of intentional vulnerability. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made in specific, beautiful ways and so our intricacies are our giftedness. I like to invite others to be their complete, authentic selves before God in ways that are empowering and life-giving to them. This very much includes celebrating key components of what makes us who we are, including race, sexuality, neurodiversity and ability. I do this by making space for questioning and identity-seeking, utilizing my natural, thoughtful curiosity, and receiving other’s stories with an easy, non-anxious presence.
In my work it is important to me to remain curious about the places and people the Holy Spirit may be leading me to as a pastor. During my tenure at Commonwealth I have felt called to be with our neighbors in Oakland, learning about their struggles to maintain community amongst the rapidly expanding academic and medical industry. Their history and stories are worth tending and preserving, and help to root Commonwealth in an intentional, contextual community. I have also felt called to accompany my Queer siblings in Christ through their paths of self-discovery, deconstruction, and meaning-making. Their journeys are precious to me, and I have found that our collective definitions of what it means to be the Church together have inspired my own creativity and passion. There have always been Queer people in the Church; telling our stories and histories is part of our birthright.
Rev. Angeli holds a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Her ministry work has focused on queer ministry, pastoral care and community exegesis. She also works as a coach for other ministry leaders who are doing startup work.
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Intern
I’ve found that the Spirit really moves and speaks to me through art and contemplative practices, and how those practices can be used for healing, love, and justice. Currently, I’ve been working on discovering the Creator’s beauty in imperfection through Polaroid photography and resting in that. Over the past five years or so, I’ve learned to sit with the quiet and mess to hear the voice of God. I want to help serve my queer siblings, especially those in unsafe spaces, and show them that the Divine loves them and celebrates them. I hope to continue this work while at Commonwealth and beyond. Experimental ministries on how to serve folks who aren’t normally noticed by the church are also things I love to dream and create. If you need to find me, I’m probably at the local coffee shop.
Gaines is working on his Master of Pastoral Studies at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, holds a certificate in Public Theology, and has additional educational background in cinema and video. He is the creator and co-host of Refuge Radio podcast, a show about LGBTQIA+ folks' stories of growing up in the church, deconstruction, and offering hope to those in unsafe spaces.
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LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Sarah Betzig
Onsite Leader
Sarah has called Pittsburgh home since 2013. She originally studied engineering and physics, but a love of language and education has led her to her current work in communications. She attended seminary and has a passion for reclaiming scripture from oppressive appropriations. She enjoys sci-fi and fantasy, cats, and walks. Having conversations and writing are some of her favorite things to do. If she could change one thing about the world, it would be to create spaces of respectful communication which expand participants’ senses of wonder, joy, perspective, and worth.
Dr. Christine Ostrowski
Bookkeeper & Online Leader
A Pittsburgh native, Christine moved to D.C. to work at the Congressional Budget Office, but she remains an integral part of the Commonwealth in the "expats" group and consults on how to improve the hybrid experience. Christine brings her expertise in managing the day-to-day financial accounts and helping to plan the financial future of the Commonwealth.
Lou Deemer
Chairperson
Born and raised in Pittsburgh and a two time alum of Pitt, I now work in Oakland at the University of Pittsburgh. I've been rooted in this part of town for over a decade, and am excited to explore engagement here with the Commonwealth. Like many others who find the Commonwealth, I connected to this community as someone in process looking for an open and LGBTQIA+ affirming community of faith. I love communal contemplative practice, untangling questions together, and learning from others' reflections and experiences. In my free time, I enjoy cooking for my friends and all manner of outdoor activities, especially running, biking, and crew rowing.
Simeon Rodgers
Onsite Leader
I was born and raised in Florida but consider San Diego home. I am an INFP who loves terrible weather, nature, foraging, cooking, reading, the arts, as well as encouraging, building community, learning, and teaching. I’m a dog person, but adore cats with dog temperaments because, well, cuddles of course. I enjoy asking questions, improving systems, and am also determined to one day live in a converted bread truck. #vanlife
Rev. Michael Gehrling
Presbytery Advisor
Rev. Michael Gehrling is a Pittsburgh native and currently working for 1001 New Worshiping Communities, a national movement of the Presbyterian Church (USA) of which Commonwealth is a part. Michael serves this movement as the associate for recruitment and assessments. In this role, he walks alongside innovative leaders as they discern the new things God is calling them and the church to create together. He also aids presbyteries and worshiping communities in developing faithful practices to cultivate innovation among their people. Additionally, Michael is co-editor and a contributing author to the book Sustaining Grace: Innovative Ecosystems for New Faith Communities. He is also a certified Clifton Strengths Coach with Gallup. Michael is also an avid dancer, teaching and competing in a variety of dance styles locally and nationally. When he’s not working or on a dance floor, Michael can often be found exploring the trails in Frick Park or creating a new cocktail.