Who We Are
Manito Presbyterian Church exists to extend the love and grace of Jesus Christ to all through authentic community, intellectual engagement, and vibrant worship.
We are an intergenerational congregation made up of individuals and families from around the greater Spokane area and around the globe via an online presence. We are honest, relational, and relaxed, yet intellectually curious and outwardly focused. All are welcome.
Manito Pres is a member church of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Our Mission
As a community bound by the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, we strive to be active participants with Christ in the reconciliation and redemption of the world, being continuously transformed by the Holy Spirit and ever renewed by the discovery of God’s biblical call and vision for our time and place.
Our Values
Faithful Activism
Reflecting the ministry of Jesus, we seek to be a community that supports and collaborates with other local organizations doing good for the welfare of the city and the world.
Vibrant Worship
From the beautiful stained-glass of our sanctuary to remarkable and unique musical talent to the intentional preaching, the worship experience is robust and enlivening at MPC.
Authentic Community
We are an intimate, relationship-oriented space where people can be seen, known, and cared for.
Welcoming to All
Manito Pres is a place for the old-timers and the church skeptics alike. The grace and peace of Jesus Christ is extended to all.
Engaged Curiosity
We seek to facilitate substantive content and conversations on Sunday and beyond that challenge the average listener cognitively, as well as personally.
“Presbyterian” is a biblical word for non-professional leadership -- we believe in shared rather than hierarchical leadership. While our paid staff is called to lead us in our week-to-week operations, our community thrives on the collective lay leadership of people from all backgrounds and professions.
Rev. Pamela Starbuck
Minister for Youth and Families
pamelas@manito.org
Pamela is a people person - she loves infants to elderly - but her love for teens led her to dual degree in seminary with a Masters in Youth, Church, and Culture while pursuing her ordination as a pastor. She hopes every teen has adults who listen to them as they explore faith as well as adults learning from our young people. Together with Scott and their musical children, their home always has someone singing, playing an instrument, or making some form of coffee.
Dr. Scott Starbuck
Senior Pastor
scotts@manito.org
Scott doubles as pastor at MPC and Senior Lecturer at Gonzaga University, Scott initiates conversations weekly from the confluence of responsible Christian scholarship, incisive cultural critique, humor, intellectual rigor, and spiritual depth. Married to Pamela and father to four children, Scott is an avid cyclist and refugee advocate. He encourages a fourfold balance - mental, physical, social, and religious - modeled by Jesus Christ (Luke 2:52).
Helen Byrne
Music Director and Organist byrnecello@cet.com
Helen enjoys finding music to fit the Word each Sunday and especially enjoys finding ways to use the many gifts and talents of our congregation to incorporate into worship. If you love to sing, play an instrument, or ring handbells, please let her know. Helen is also the Assistant Principal Cellist for the Spokane Symphony and Cellist in the Spokane String Quartet. She is married to Leonard Byrne, the Spokane Symphony’s tuba player.
Grace Barnes
Publications Designer
graceb@manito.org
Grace works behind the scenes to prepare the newsletter, printed bulletin, online worship, and other items. She often writes the prayers of confession used during worship. Outside of work, Grace is a visual artist and member of Spokane’s contemporary dance company, Vytal Movement Dance.
Darla Weber
Nursery Coordinator
darlaw@manito.org
Darla, or "Miss Darla" (alongside "Miss Katy"), is known for her humor, joyful spirit, and comforting soul. She loves reading bible stories and helping our youngest disciples engage in all sorts of fun activities, but especially crafts. During the week, she works as the Library Coordinator at Sacajawea, Chase, and Adams Schools. She is mom to Braeden and grandma to Ezra along with two bonus granddaughters. Her background in design and hospitality often finds her hosting other church events as well.
Elders
Ruth Seignemartin - Clerk of Session
Karen Bart - Session Treasurer
Mila Russell - Moderator of Deacons
Zak Cannard - Stewardship & Endowment Ministry Unit
Ann Hall - Missional Outreach Ministry Unit
Betsy Hammond - Worship & Music Ministry Unit
Shelly Owen - Congregational Life Ministry Unit
Mila Russell - Congregational Care Ministry Unit
Judy Stafstrom - Youth and Family Ministry Unit
Deacons
Mila Russell, Moderator of Deacons
Steve Goodner
Kevin Grieves
Toni Hannum
Jeff Johnson
John Lemm
Sharon McDeid
Jim Rose
Pamela Starbuck, Staff Liaison