Staff

Reverend James Pike became Pastor of  Grace Lutheran Church in 2005.  He studied at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, after receiving his undergraduate degree in broadcast journalism from Northern Arizona University.  Pastor Pike has a special passion for preaching and teaching.  He serves on the board of OPARC, a non-profit organization in the Inland Empire dedicated to helping adults with developmental and vocational disabilities.  Pastor Pike and his wife Dana have four young children. In addition to his many theological interests, the Pastor regularly performs with a sketch comedy and improv group.

GLC Preschool Director Deanna Searls has a degree in early childhood education.  Deanna has been working in the field of preschool education for eight years.  Deanna and her husband Jim have lived in Upland for 13 years, and they are the happy parents of two children. Deanna was blessed to stay at home with her children when they were young, and she volunteered in schools and in children’s ministries. As her children got older, and with prompting from the Lord, Deanna studied early childhood education, a field she enjoys very much.

Born in Russia, Tatiana Thibodeaux is a concert pianist with advanced degrees in music and piano performance from prestigious educational institutions and music conservatories. A gifted pianist and educator, as Music Director for Grace Lutheran Church, Tatiana plays piano and organ during church services. She also manages two choirs — the Adults Choir and the Children’s Choir — and co-leads a two-week summer arts camp for children. Tatiana has performed solo domestically and internationally, as well as with leading symphony orchestras. Tatiana has taught on the faculty of Scripps College as an Adjunct Professor of Piano.