Exciting news to share with you!
Dear Calvary Family,
I have some exciting news to share with you! We have a new Worship Pastor named Jasen Ashdown joining our pastoral staff at Calvary! Jasen led worship through music for us on a couple of Sundays over the last two months so you might remember him from one of those wonderful times of singing together.
Jasen accepted Christ when he was 10 years old and grew up in a Christian family in Cary, North Carolina. He moved out west to attend Biola University and earned a BA in Christian Education (Christian Ministry and Leadership). He was mentored by Todd Proctor and was in worship bands playing at local camps and events. He then interned for a young Junior High Pastor named Eric Wakeling at Ocean Hills Church in San Juan Capistrano! Jasen also has a Master’s degree from Western Seminary in Ministry Leadership. He married his amazing wife, Amanda, in 2005 and they have two daughters, Hazel and Nora. Amanda is an elementary school teacher and a wonderful gift to all who know her. Jasen loves collecting jazz vinyl, is a 5.0 pickleball player and is addicted to Crossfit and cycling.
Here’s a little note from Jasen about his heart for ministry and worship:
“As a Worship Pastor, I am driven by a deep passion for shepherding individuals of all ages in vibrant, multigenerational worship experiences. With empathy as my compass, I am dedicated to nurturing worship leaders and cultivating disciples who view every aspect of life as an act of worship. Whether I'm on stage or behind the scenes, walking alongside and shepherding people brings me profound joy. I firmly believe that God has equipped me with the gifts and skills necessary to excel in pastoral work. Throughout my twenty-two years in ministry, I have honed my abilities as a pastor and shepherd, serving in roles ranging from Worship Pastor to Executive Pastor and Care Pastor. I am honored to serve now as the Worship Pastor at Calvary!”
Jasen will be leading us for the first time as our new Worship Pastor on Sunday, September 1st and his family will be making the move down here from Sacramento in a couple of months. Lauren McGunigale will continue to serve as our Associate Worship Pastor and a teacher at Calvary Christian School.
I look forward to all of you getting to know him more! Reply to this email if you’ve been wanting to get involved with our Worship Music ministry but haven’t put yourself out there or if it’s been a while since you’ve been involved and would love to jump back in.
We will also have our Connect Day again this Sunday in the Worship Center Lobby after the 9:00am service where you can find ways to GROW IN A GROUP or SERVE ON A TEAM in all sorts of ways around Calvary Church!
May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Eric Wakeling