Sam Jun, Senior Pastor
Sam began his ministry at Celtic Cross in November of 2024 as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff. He was born and raised in a Presbyterian family in South Korea, then moved to the States in the early 90’s for college and studied religion and sociology at the University of Texas at Austin. With much encouragement and support from his college professors and home church pastor and congregation in Austin, TX, he went to Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ, for his Master of Divinity and became ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament with PC(USA) at First Presbyterian Church at Ann Arbor, MI. As a life-learner, he pursued and completed his Doctor of Ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Mostly recently, he served Northern Lakes Community Church in Traverse City, MI.
As much as he loves studying the Bible and theology, he is a very “relatable and approachable” people-person who has a huge heart for people of all ages. Relationships are extremely important in his life and ministry, so he takes pastoral care with the utmost seriousness and sincerity. He is also passionate about “missional leadership and life,” seeking to love God and love his neighbor as himself with “a ministry of presence.” He is evermore grateful in his life for the deeply loving presence of his family—his wife, Annie, and his two daughters, Hannah and Amy.
Kinsley Gonzalez, Next Generation Ministry Leader
In her role, Kinsley pours her heart into connecting with our community, which spans all things family ministry as well as assisting in social outreach. Faith is a constant, guiding presence in her life; she believes wholeheartedly that the Lord will provide because He already has, and He never fails. That trust in God was cemented for her during a 2019 mission trip to Mexico to build a home for a family, an experience that completely changed her life by showing her how God works through our hands, minds, and hearts right where we’re needed.
Growing up in the Bay Area, youth group was a huge part of her teenage years, so ministry has always felt like home to her. She’s a proud Chico State alum, graduating with honors and dual Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Humanities and Comparative Religious Studies. During her college years, she loved serving at her local church by advancing on the technology team, helping launch a young adult group, and honing her communication skills through a social media management internship.
Outside of church, she’s deeply passionate about creativity and spending time outside. Whether she’s cooking or baking something fun in the kitchen, hiking, backpacking, or exploring trails with her dog, Marley, she loves soaking up God’s creation!
Sten Bolander, Traditional Worship Leader
Sten is the Organist/Pianist/Accompanist for our Traditional service, providing organ and piano music with accompaniment for the choir, vocalists, instrumentalists, and congregational hymn singing. He has been a part of the Celtic Cross community since 2012. Sten has offered organ and piano recitals, played for weddings and funerals, as well as been part of the praise team for the Modern service. Having participated in church music from his earliest years, faith continues to be important to Sten, and helps him choose music from different styles each week. If you are a vocalist or instrumentalist and would like to share your gift of music with others, Sten would be happy to meet with you for possibly sharing at an upcoming worship service. Sten has received certification of his service playing skills from the American Guild of Organists, and is an active member of the Sacramento Valley Chapter. His wife, Julie, is an essential component of his overall ministry. Sten is an IT Analyst at Adventist Health when not supporting the music ministries of Celtic Cross and Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church. In their spare time, he and Julie enjoy reading, traveling, and walking.
Nina Rumambi, Modern Worship Leader Intern
Nina plans and coordinates music for our Modern service that aligns with each week’s message theme. She rehearses regularly with the worship team and ensures they are prepared to play each Sunday. Her faith in Christ has been a central part of her life and shaped who she is today. She views her role as a blessing and an opportunity to draw closer to God while serving others. Through worship, she strives to create an environment where people can encounter God’s presence, connect with Him, and feel encouraged in their faith.
Nina grew up in Indonesia and moved to the United States in 2018. She’s been involved in church worship playing drums, guitar, piano, and singing since elementary school. While she can be a bit shy at first, she values teamwork and enjoys building connections with others through ministry. Outside of church, she continues to enjoy music as well as learning new things and continuing to grow both creatively and spiritually.
Jeff Nelson, Technical Director
Jeff is the Technical Director, working with our awesome staff and volunteers to make sure the in-person and online services work from the technical perspective, including all audio, video and lighting production. His faith journey brought him to Celtic Cross Church in 2008, and he's so grateful that God has always provided for his family, and continues to let him grow in new and exciting areas of our ministry here. Fun fact: He is always looking for people like you (yes, you!) who are interested in learning a new technical skill and sharing a little of your time volunteering for the Tech Team. This is a safe place to learn, make mistakes, and grow your skills and faith. He previously served on staff as Worship Leader, has served as an elder and continues to volunteer for the worship team. When not at church, Jeff works in the audiovisual industry, doing live events and installations. He enjoys spending time with his wife Fraulein, their two kids, Ilsa and Koen, and Sadie, the wonder dog.