Pastor Keith Madsen:
Keith Madsen became pastor of the Community Church of Issaquah in January of 2011. Previously he has served churches in Bellingham, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Watchung, New Jersey, as well as several churches in Kansas. Dr. Madsen received his B.A. in Psychology from Kansas University, his Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, KS; and his Doctor of Ministry degree, with an emphasis on ministry with younger adults, from St. Paul School of Theology (United Methodist) in Kansas City, MO.
Keith Madsen became pastor of the Community Church of Issaquah in January of 2011. Previously he has served churches in Bellingham, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Watchung, New Jersey, as well as several churches in Kansas. Dr. Madsen received his B.A. in Psychology from Kansas University, his Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, KS; and his Doctor of Ministry degree, with an emphasis on ministry with younger adults, from St. Paul School of Theology (United Methodist) in Kansas City, MO.Keith lives in Sammamish with his wife Cathy (pictured with him here.) Together they have an adult son and four adult daughters. Their son Brandon is working on his Master’s Degree in Music Therapy at Montclair State University in New Jersey; their oldest daughter Jennifer lives with her family in Oberlin, Kansas; Their Daughter Angela lives in Bellingham, Washington; while daughter Carina lives in Girard, Kansas; and daughter Kayla is finishing up her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Keith and Cathy have nine grandchildren.
In Addition to his work as a pastor, Keith enjoys being involved in drama (having especially enjoyed roles at Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, Jack Lewis in Shadowlands and Porfiry in Crime and Punishment). He also likes backpacking (especially in this beautiful country!) and watching the Seattle Mariners – They’ll be back!! Keith writes inspirational e-book fiction, having written three inspirational e-book novels, Searching for Eden, The Shard Fence and The Fellowship of the Fish. To learn more about his writing, go to www.keithmadsen.com . Keith also does pastoral counseling directly (call him at the church, 425-392-6447), as well as through The Bless Me Network (www.blessmenetwork.com )
Velma Walker - Music: Velma Walker is a lifelong resident of Issaquah. She studied piano under Marguerite Hood, a piano instructor in Seattle, received music instruction from William Klein, a gifted musician who taught in the Issaquah School District, and studied music theory through the Art Publication Society of St. Louis, Missouri. In her junior and senior high school years, Velma accompanied the choirs and many solo and ensemble groups. In her senior year she also played with the high school band.
Velma began playing for Bethel Chapel Church in Issaquah at the age of 11, a position she held for the next 33 years. In addition, she played for many weddings and funerals. Following her work at Bethel Chapel she briefly shared her music ministry with Our Savior Lutheran Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church. In 1994 she joined the staff at Community Church of Issaquah where she plays piano and organ. She also directed the choir for several years.
Velma's testimony is her love of Christ, family, friends and music. She is dedicated to the ministry at Community Church and is open to new music as well as the traditional hymns and choruses.
