Our Team
MIKE SEDGWICK
SENIOR PASTOR
Mike started serving Westminster Presbyterian Church as the senior pastor, in June 2019. He and his wife, Sarah, have 2 boys, Calvin and Duncan. Mike grew up in Del Mar and loved to attend his youth group, surfing throughout San Diego county. Mike received his calling to ministry while attending Whitworth University in Spokane Washington and later went on Fuller Seminary to received his Masters of Divinity. Mike served as an Associate Pastor at La Jolla Presbyterian Church for twelve years before coming to Westminster Pres. Pastor Mike loves living in Escondido, bike riding, surfing, and being part of the church. One of his favorite passages of scripture is Acts 15:19, “We should not make it difficult for people who are turning to God.”
CORI GEVING
DIRECTOR OF SPIRITUAL MINISTRIES
Cori and her husband, Randy have lived in Escondido for 21 years, where they raised their three daughters. After a degree and early career in corporate finance, Cori has spent the past 20+ years in volunteer and paid ministry positions ranging from Junior High Youth Director to Vacation Bible Study Director, to Women’s Bible Study Coordinator. Her current joys in ministry revolve around developing opportunities for people to grow in their faith through Bible studies, Nights of Worship, prayer, and reflection. She loves taking easy hikes with her dog, Toby and any family or friends she can get to come along to enjoy who want to join her to take in the beauty of nature and chat about life.
Trina McMahon
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Hi, I'm Trina McMahon, and I'm delighted to join the WPC Children's Ministry team. I hold a degree in child development and have over 25 years of experience working with preschool through elementary-age children. I'm married to my husband, Richard, and we have a daughter, Brenna, who is currently studying elementary education in Idaho. As a family, we enjoy traveling, visiting national parks, playing games, and spending time outdoors. My favorite hobbies include tennis and sewing.
DANIEL MENDOZA
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
Daniel's favorite thing about youth ministry is seeing students grow deeper in their faith and relationship with Jesus. He married his wonderful wife, Lizzy, in 2018, and they adopted a Labradoodle named Albus Dumbledore in 2019. In 2022, they welcomed their wonderful son, Asher, into the family. In his free time, you will either find Daniel surfing, reading, or running. Daniel has a master's degree in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot Seminary.
AMY COWDEN
OFFICE MANAGER
Amy is a dedicated office manager known for her organizational skills and warm personality. She lives in the community she serves, giving her a unique insight into the needs of local residents. Outside of work, Amy is actively involved in her church, where she participates in various programs and enjoys connecting with others in the congregation. Her strong sense of community and commitment to her faith make her a valued friend and neighbor.
DONNA BENSON
CHOIR DIRECTOR/ORGANIST
Donna has served at Westminster since 2007 and has used her talents to serve the Lord from an early age. Whether playing piano, organ or flute, directing childrens’ choirs, singing in and directing adult choirs, she has a passion for church music ministry. She finds joy in developing talent in young musicians and incorporating the musical gifts of many in worship.Donna has a degree in Music Education from San Diego State University and a certificate in the Kodaly Method of Music Education. She also teaches piano from her studio in Rancho Bernardo.Originally from the Chicago area, Donna has lived in San Diego for over 30 years, where she raised 2 daughters, Sonja and Carla. She enjoys spending time with her 2 grandchildren, reading, sewing and walking her 2 golden retrievers Sven and Freya.
JUDY GOTSCHALL
PIANIST
Judy has been the piano accompanist at WPC for the last 15 years and has enjoyed every minute. Offering her gift of music and working with her best friend, Donna Benson, the organist and choir director has been a joy. Judy started taking music lessons at age 7, played for 2 weddings on the same day at age 9, and has played organ or piano in church ever since. Judy has an active piano studio with students ranging in age from 4 years old to young adult. In her limited free time, you can find her in the garden tending her many roses and flowers. She is usually accompanied by Nelson the scrappy terrier and Buddy the sweet little pekinese.
BRENDA NELSON
BOOKKEEPER
Brenda is our part-time bookkeeper. She lives in Escondido with her husband of 30 years. They have three grown children who all reside in Escondido. She enjoys taking long walks with her husband, sharing & learning about the faithfulness of God in all of our lives.
GEORGE BUENIDIA
CUSTODIAN
George started working at Westminster as the custodian in 2014, after almost 20 years at Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church in the same capacity. Each day when he comes to work, he prays and offer his job to the Lord. It is His house that George is cleaning, because He says – whatever you do, do it for me, not for men. George just celebrated his anniversary with my lovely wife, Maryann. When he is not working at the church, he is working on his ’65 Mustang. George is so happy to work with this beautiful congregation and doing his best for Westminster, so the members and visitors will feel at home when they come.