Pastor: Donald Short
Pastor Donald Short didn’t even go to seminary until he was in his mid-forties! He grew up in the Tacoma area and had a career as an optician in the Seattle area for twenty years before going to Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. After earning his Master of Divinity degree from Luther, Pastor Short served churches in Pennsylvania and North Dakota before accepting a call to Pilgrim Lutheran in Othello. Moving to Othello feels like coming home for Pastor Short and his wife, Anna, who grew up in East Wenatchee. When he is not preaching or working at the church, Pastor Don enjoys woodworking, playing trombone and exploring the great outdoors. Being so close to the Columbia Wildlife Refuge is wonderful. Anna enjoys gardening and fixing up old furniture. Cast-off furniture and lawn equipment has a way of becoming ‘yard art’ when Anna gets a hold of it! We are blessed to be part of such an active and caring congregation in such a well-kept community.
Musicians: Bob and Donna Reichert
Music is an integral part of every worship service at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Donna and Bob Reichert lead our music worship. Donna attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh on a 4-year music scholarship. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in music, she also earned a Masters’ degree in music education from Duquesne. She taught music in Pittsburgh, Rhode Island, and Bethesda, Maryland. Donna has played for Pilgrim Lutheran’s worship services for 37 years—10 years in liturgy and 27 years with hymns. Donna also started a Children’s Choir in Othello to sing with the annual Christmas Cantata. They also perform at the Spring Dinner Show.
By the time Bob was in high school, he was playing the organ for church services. His love of music and teaching were combined when he earned his Master’s degree in music education from the University of Colorado. Bob has been active in our community, having served for six years on the Othello School District Board of Directors. For the past 36 years, he has led the annual Christmas Cantata, an event which heralds the up-coming holiday season.
Church Secretary: Anna Short
Creates weekly bulletins and power points for worship service, and responsible for website content and additions to the Facebook Page.
Church Secretary Sunday School Superintendent: Marcia Bougher
Selects Sunday School Material and works with kids and the teachers.
Custodian: Dee Dee Graves
Responsible for church cleanliness and maintenance; she always has a smile on her face.