Church Staff
Facilities Manager
Mike Burgner
I am a Southern California native currently living in Murrieta. My beautiful wife and I have been married for over 13 years, and we have six kids and seven grandkids (and counting ... ). We love spending our free time in Cabo. So much so that we are building our dream vacation home there. I love music, sports, and the ocean.
I look forward to serving God at Sunridge Church and using my years of experience and giftedness to further the kingdom.
Facilites Tech
Ed Catlett
I was born and raised in the Whittier area, where my family was very involved in our local church. Kelly, my wife of 42 years, and I moved to Murrieta in 2013. We are blessed to live close to our two adult married children and three grandchildren.
I recently retired after 22 years as a Final Test Supervisor for a company that manufactures systems that test magnetic properties of materials. Because I feel closer to God when serving, it is a blessing to use my gifts to serve God at Sunridge.
Women's Ministry Director
Courtney Hall
For over 30 years, I have called Sunridge my home church, and I am so excited to be on staff as the Women's Ministry Director! I am passionate about helping women grow in their relationship with Jesus and connect with other women. In my ten years serving in MOPS ministry, I've realized just how important it is for women to serve alongside one another. I'm blessed to see how God can display his unique design for each woman as they play their part in the body of Christ through selfless service. I am thrilled to be a part of encouraging women to experience His joy for us in the journey.
I was born and raised here in the Temecula Valley and met my husband at Sunridge during my high school years. I graduated from California Baptist University and received my bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. My husband and I have two elementary school-aged children and are blessed to do life with our large extended family.
I love to fellowship over a cup of coffee, so reach out soon and often!
Ministry Administrator
Kristie Henson
When I first moved to Wine Country, Temecula, in 1989, we would say we had to “go to town” when needing to run an errand or pick up groceries. “Town” has since gotten closer and closer to us, with Barons, the local market, less than five minutes down the road and Sommerbend Sports Park a mere mile walk down the path. Growing up as a child, I moved every year to some new So Cal city, so having called Temecula home for more than half my life amazes me. My husband and I returned to Temecula in 2006 after a short stint in Carlsbad, CA. We have enjoyed raising our nine children in one of the “50 best places to live in the nation” (according to Money Magazine and CBS News, 2024).
I tell everyone I live on a “dirt farm” because I’ve been busy growing children and haven’t had time to grow anything else. But a dirt farm is a pretty good place to raise 6 boys and 3 girls. I spend my time homeschooling my school-age children, teaching other people’s children, supporting the various sports interests of my family, and being actively involved wherever I am planted. I’ve tried to make it a habit to say “yes” when the Lord calls, and the call to serve at Sunridge Community Church was no exception. I am thankful to be here and consider it a blessing to work alongside people who “say yes first” and genuinely live the mission to help people find and follow Jesus.
Operations Coordinator
Lynda Lindow
My darling husband, Scott, and I are high school sweethearts and married and moved to Temecula in 1988. For many years I would think to myself what a wonderful blessing it would be to join the Sunridge team. Imagine my immense gratitude and excitement when I was offered my position. It is a privilege to grow alongside genuine believers and serve my Sunridge family of 20+ years.
My greatest joys in life include our 7 children and 5 precious granddaughters. In my free time, you can find me in the kitchen! I cherish cooking for my loved ones and gathering around the dinner table. In addition, I love to craft, bake, read and entertain family & friends.
Executive Pastor of Ministry
Jedley Manimtim
When I was a kid, one of my cousins moved from our hometown of San Diego, 60 miles north, to a place called Temecula. I was incredibly sad because I was losing my childhood partner in crime. I was even more sad, however, when I came to visit during the next summer and experienced the terrible heat. I told my parents that I couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to live here, making a vow that I would never make that move.
Yet after graduating in Orange County from Hope International University, meeting and marrying my beautiful wife, Mallary, and working for nearly five years at Friends Church in Yorba Linda, I did the previously and personally unfathomable. In 2013, prompted by the advice from Dr. John Webb (a beloved college professor), Mal and I packed our bags with our 10-month-old son in faith that a church called Sunridge, founded to “Help people find and follow Jesus”, would be an integral part of our own lifelong journeys. I’m so glad that firmly-held perspectives can change. I love this valley (even the summer), I love our church, and I love that in these places, our family gets to learn alongside other ordinary people how to daily find and follow Jesus.
High School Associate
Jaydon McCoy
I was born and raised in San Diego, where I gave my life to Christ as a high schooler. After graduating, I moved up to the Inland Empire with my folks and found Sunridge slightly after.
I’ve been lucky enough to call Sunridge home these past few years. I started serving with our Questers (middle school group) and then as a ministry intern. Now, I get to serve as our high school associate with our Epic students.
I’m looking forward to seeing God continue to do his work at Sunridge, and I want to be a part of that in any way I can, small or big. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities I’ve gotten to have and all the people I’ve gotten to share life with.
Outside of church, I’m a student at MSJC studying psychology. In my free time, I like to play basketball and chess.
Care and Help Pastor
Marla Pitzek
Sunridge has been our family’s church home since 2001. I have had the privilege of playing a part in starting the Church Counseling Ministry at Sunridge and teaching and supervising our wonderful team members. I have degrees in psychology from UCLA, Biblical Counseling and Biblical Studies from International School of Theology, and Counseling Psychology from Cal Baptist. After 20 years as a licensed therapist, I am grateful for God’s grace to bring me back to my first passion. Other activities I enjoy are hanging out with my husband watching college sports or going to plays. I also love to be active playing tennis or volleyball or hiking.
Bookkeeper
Genie Sandoval
It’s such a joy to be part of the Sunridge team where people have a drive and purpose to serve Jesus and impact His people by bringing God’s hope to our communities.
I was born and raised in the Inland Empire and was one of eight children. Most of my influence comes from my Dad who taught me to be strong and independent at a young age. I’ve worked in insurance and new home sales.
Will and I have been married for 26 years, and I have been privileged to stay home and raise our two sons who now attend college. I love spending time with my family and spoiling them. We enjoy cold nights by the fire pit playing games; watching the sun come up on early morning runs; helping young people with their finances; and visiting the elderly. I look forward to traveling with my husband and seeing the world.
Facilities Tech
Greg Santos
I was born and grew up in the Los Angeles area, where I met and married my wife 45 years ago at Lakewood Community Church. God blessed us with three amazing boys which we raised here in Temecula Valley. Now that they are grown and are raising families of their own, including two granddaughters, a grandson, and another on the way, we love spending time together at our local beaches. I love those special occasions when I get to play a round of golf with our boys.
I'm retired from 50 years in the Retail Grocery business, most recently as an Albertsons Store Director here in the valley. I'm excited to join the Sunridge Community Church's Team, "Helping People Find & Follow Jesus."
Executive Pastor of Operations
Bob Santy
A native Californian, I grew up in Escondido where I eventually met the love of my life, Diane. We married in 1989 and made the big move all the way to Temecula in 1992, where we raised our two daughters. Tired of commuting to Escondido to attend church, we found Sunridge in 1996, and we knew we were hooked. So much so, that in 2006, I left my career at Callaway Golf to come on staff. I am still in shock that I get to use the practical gifts God gave me to forward the mission of Jesus at Sunridge. As the Executive Pastor of Operations, it is my desire to use the resources God gives us to share the Good News of Jesus throughout this Valley and beyond.
When time permits, I like to unwind by hiking, playing basketball, and an occasional round of golf.
Lead Pastor
Britt Sipe
We moved from Huntington Beach to this Valley in 1989. Like most people at that time, we were in search of affordable housing and good schools. That move turned out to be so much more than we ever imagined. Our family built a life here. This community became “our home town,” and Sunridge our “home church.” We’ve been at Sunridge since 1992, serving in a variety of capacities – everything from middle school volunteer to Executive Pastor. In 2014, I made a life altering decision to leave a fire service career and accept the lead pastor position at Sunridge. I have never looked back. We love this community, and we love being part of a team that is helping people find and follow Jesus.
When I’m not on campus, you’re likely to find me surfing, mountain biking, or just hanging out with friends and family. On days when all of these can happen simultaneously, I am a very happy man! Cindy and I have been married for 40 years and are fortunate to have our kids and grand kids close by.
Sunridge Chaplain
Lisa Stewart
Stew and I moved our family of five from the suburbs of Chicago to the beautiful Temecula Valley in 1991 and embraced Sunridge as our church family soon after. After serving the church in many capacities, the Lord called me into short-term missions. For twenty years, I led teams on trips to countries all around the world for the purpose of helping people find and follow Jesus. I have witnessed the width, depth, and breadth of God’s immeasurable love for everyone. Today, I serve as an ordained chaplain offering hope to those needing emotional, physical, and spiritual care in our church and the local community – especially those in crisis.
While Stew and I love serving our local and global communities, we also enjoy the most sacred privilege of having our children and grandchildren close by. We’re now a family of fourteen who absolutely love barbecuing, playing, exploring, taking walks, and vacationing together – no matter how loud and crazy it may get!
Mid-Week Childcare Coordinator
Elizabeth "Liz" Thomas
I was born and raised a part of the Sunridge Church Family. I like to say I've been serving here since I was in the womb, as my mom has been serving in children's ministry since she was pregnant with me! I joined her soon after, serving by her side since I was on her hip.
My mom and I have stayed (nearly) that close, and I have learned everything I know through shadowing her career. Outside of Sunridge, I also served alongside her at Every Generation Ministries as a part of the Leadership Development team.
God has set up all these opportunities and countless more in my life so I can better serve Him. I am grateful to use my experience supporting MomCo and Sunridge's other midweek childcare ministries. I am also excited to see how God can use this opportunity to make me a better servant to Him and His church.
I am attending college online and on campus at MSJC here in Temecula, and I have a small music business where I teach young kids how to play the piano, sing, and learn rhythm.
I am so excited about this opportunity to serve others at the church that has blessed me - Sunridge.
Children's Pastor
Tara Thomas
Greg and I are SoCal kids who moved to Temecula when we started having kids of our own 20 years ago. We thought we’d make some money on our house and move back down to San Diego County, but we quickly fell in love with Temecula and our church family here at Sunridge.
Now our kids are launching, and I am back on staff as the Children’s Pastor after about six years off. During that time, I served as the Global Outreach Coordinator for a Mission Organization that focuses on ministry to children, Every Generation Ministries. I was able to connect with many churches here in the valley as well as churches around the world. By the grace of God, I’ve been able to take teams of children’s workers to Nepal, Georgia, Egypt, Jordan, Uganda, Romania, and Hungary for leadership development and holiday Bible clubs. I was blessed to receive specialized training in Children’s Ministry I couldn’t have found anywhere else in the world.
I am so pleased to be back serving the families of Sunridge Community Church and leading our awesome volunteer team in ministry to children from 0-5th grade.
Middle School Directors
Craig & Juliann Winger
Craig and I have made Temecula home since it was called Rancho California. We both graduated from Chaparral High School and trained to be history teachers. Even with so much in common, we were barely acquaintances until we met again at a dance lesson in 2008. I was looking for a new church, and Craig suggested Sunridge since he had been going there for five years already. I showed up the next week and soon joined him, volunteering with the Kindergarteners until we married at the church in 2009.
Since then, we have added six kids to the crew. Craig enjoys watching and coaching our kid's sports as well as playing basketball at Sunridge and Dungeons and Dragons with family. Juliann learns along with the kids she homeschools and would love to have a food forest in her backyard and her house full of all things handmade. Together we enjoy reading books, paddle boarding on Canyon Lake, bike riding at the beach, and planning camping trips so we can see all the US National Parks.
Craig and I are excited to create experiences for Quest to give them fun ways to connect with each other and with Jesus. We want to walk alongside students as well as their parents to better navigate the journey, because life is better together.