Our Team
Carolyn Barbian
Church Council President
Carolyn has been blessed to be a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church for 30 years, having served as a Sunday School teacher, volunteer teacher in Pilgrim Lutheran School and Pilgrim Lutheran Preschool, and as a member of the Church Council, serving in various positions. She is thankful for the many opportunities to serve the Lord through church activities. Her teaching career included positions at the University of Arizona, Tucson; Oberlin College; and 40 years at California State University, Northridge where she concluded her career.
Joseph Perling
Head Elder
Joseph joyfully serves the Lord as Head Elder for Pilgrim Church since 2023. Joseph felt called to ministry to bring the love of Jesus to the people of today’s modern world. Especially those who feel disconnected from the Lord in our always-on connected but chaotic society.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Mary Harper
Music Ministry
The music ministry at Pilgrim has been a labor of love for Mary for many years. She loves collaborating with other musicians and ministry leaders to create a meaningful worship service for the people. When not at Pilgrim, Mary works as a music teacher, lesson instructor and freelance musician.
Kathleen Fjermedal
Office Manager
Kathy has been a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church for over 50 years and considers the congregation her “Pilgrim Family.” She has served on many committees, including Chair of Pilgrim’s Elementary School, Council Secretary, and Council Treasurer. One of her favorite Bible verses is one that she learned as a child in Sunday School: John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Mathew Mulligan
Media Ministry
Mathew is a native of Santa Monica, having attended both Pilgrim Lutheran Elementary School and Pilgrim Church. He has a heart to serve, and loves that he can do that with other brothers and sisters in Christ. He is currently a part of the praise team, overseeing the sound and video booth at church services, and shaping our media usage and outreach to better our presentation of the truth of Christ and the freedom He brings. At home, Mathew plays guitar, writes songs, and loves woodworking. His favorite passage is Matthew 12:20-21.
