OUR TEAM
Lead Pastor
Wes Sirles
I spent many years in youth ministry and still love students, but being the pastor at Worden feels like the role God has spent my whole life preparing me for. I love people and seeing them connect to God's Word so they can better connect to Him.
My wife is Cindy. Our two boys live in Arkansas and Kentucky with their families. We have wonderful daughters-in-law and five incredible grandkids.
My favorite verse is Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It reminds me that God isn't finished with me yet and that He won't stop growing me until I'm there with Him. I love sports of all kinds, will eat almost anything but sushi or brussel sprouts and one of my all time favorite movies is Princess Bride.
Youth Pastor
Chloe Wilson
Hello! I am Ethan Zeeryp, and I am the Youth Pastor at Worden Cornerstone Church. I have been working here since June of 2024. I have been married to my beautiful wife Chloe for three awesome years. I am natively from Northern Michigan, but I am really starting to settle down here in Kansas. My wife and I live in Ottawa, and we are really enjoying our first house together. We have an awesome dog named Mala who loves to play and has no idea what personal space is. My favorite book of the Bible is Ecclesiastes because I love all of the wisdom and perspective it provides. I love helping students figure out and take their next step in their walk with God. If you ever see me, please come talk to me! I love getting to know people and hear different life perspectives.
Children’s Ministry Director
Mindy King
I’ve been part of Worden my entire life and recently felt called to serve in children’s ministry. I now oversee our children’s Sunday school classes, nursery, and children’s church, and I also coordinate fun outreach events like Vacation Bible School and Light Night. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33, where Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I love cooking, spending time outdoors, and doing anything with my family—my husband, Jay King, and our kids Mya, Cooper, and Emersyn. It’s truly a joy to work with the children of our church and to be part of planting the seeds of their faith journey.
Church Secretary
Whitney Brubaker
I have attended Worden my entire life, with the exception of a few years, and I began working here in 2017. I enjoy serving behind the scenes, often hiding out in the office while still being helpful. It brings me joy to witness the growth of God’s
family through the church! I’m married to my husband, Christopher, and we have four wonderful children: Lane, Laci, Colt, and Kyna.
One of my favorite verses is Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in
heaven.” I love Chinese food and adore my animals. I enjoy cooking and baking, and I feel most alive when my plants are thriving. There’s a special sense of peace for me when sitting near the water.
Director of Music
Susan Gammon
I've been a Director of Worship / Music in various churches for many years. Worden has been my church home and primary ministry for over 2 decades. I am a third generation church musician and believe my calling to music ministry began before I was born. My parent's fervent prayers for a child were answered with my birth, and shortly after I was born, they laid me on the altar of our little
Baptist church as a gesture of 'giving me back to God'. As a young child, I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and began playing the piano in that
church at the age of 12. The rest, as they say, is a life-long history with worship ministry at the center of my path. Surrendering to the Spirit of God, allowing Him
to flow (and speak) through the expression of worship music has been one of the greatest honors and blessings of my life. One of my favorite scripture verses is found in Ephesians 3:20, "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or even think. Among my favorite things are: long walks in nature with a camera in my hand, time with family and friends, creating outdoor spaces that reflect the peace of God, quiet mornings with coffee and Jesus...and of course, I love to make music with my friends!
Maintenance
Tim George
Elder
John Heckathorne
I’m John Heckathorne and my wife, Kim, and I have been going to church here at Worden for around 40 years. We raised our daughters here at Worden and know it is a great body of believers to worship with. I am truly humbled to have been asked to be on this team.
I am not qualified to do this but I believe in God’s Word and our church’s beliefs statements (link to belief statements here) which are based on His Word. It is my desire to serve the body of Christ here at Worden and do all I can to maintain the unity we have in Christ.
I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a great body of believers and if I can be helpful in any way, please let me know.
Elder
Amy Wintermantel
I am blessed to be a lifelong Christian, serving in the church in some capacity since my frontal lobe was fully developed. I am currently humbled by the opportunity to serve as an Elder and lead a Sunday small group. I’m related to many in the church by birth, and to countless more through God’s family.
One of my favorite verses is John 10:10. I believe most things outdoors are better than anything indoors. I’m motivated to make something out of nothing—though never quite to the level God can! Cooking serves as a creative outlet, and I enjoy exploring ways to turn simple ingredients into something special.
Elder
Sue Brown
I’ve been part of Worden Church my entire life, having grown up just a mile away on a dairy farm. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior as a young teenager, and His calling has shaped every chapter of my journey. Over the years, I’ve served on many ministry teams, and today I’m honored to serve as an Elder and co-teacher of the Nursery through Kindergarten Sunday School class. I have a deep passion for serving both children and the elderly—two groups especially close to my heart. For 18 years, I ran an in-home daycare, and 25 years ago I felt a clear call from God to transition into senior living management, where I continue to serve with purpose and compassion. My husband, Bruce, and I are blessed with a beautiful family—three adult daughters, three sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren ranging from ages 4 to 23. They are a constant source of joy, inspiration, and gratitude in our lives. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 143:8: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” I cherish quiet early mornings spent in Bible study and prayer on my sunporch before the sunrises—my gentle daily reminder: “In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus.” I’m a deep thinker who values reflection and intentionality, often taking time to thoughtfully process before sharing my heart. Yet I’m quick to laugh and even quicker to celebrate others, always wanting those around me to know how deeply they matter—not just to me, but to Jesus. My joy is rooted in faith, and I strive to be a source of encouragement, bringing light and love wherever I can.
Elder
Kim Bergan
My family began attending Worden in 2006, and it quickly became our church home. The youth ministries originally drew us in, and over the years I’ve loved serving in both the education and youth ministries. I enjoy planning outreach events, being part of small groups, and currently serving on the Congregational Care Ministry Team. Professionally, I’m an Associate Broker with FreeState Realty in Baldwin City and the Business/HR Manager at the East Central Kansas Cooperative in Education, which serves the Baldwin, Eudora, and Wellsville communities. My husband, Marc, and I have three daughters—Alexandra, Sydney, and Avery Bergan—who have kept us busy with their many activities, from volleyball and track to soccer and equestrian events. As we step into the empty-nester phase, I’m grateful for the chance to travel often, whether it’s to South Dakota to watch Avery ride for the South Dakota State University equestrian team or down to Texas to visit Sydney. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord always; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” I love spending time outdoors, enjoying a good horse show, and caring for our animals—two horses (Pebbles and Tikki), two dogs (Harley and Mabel), and two cats (Lucy and Pumpkin). I treasure my family deeply, and when it comes to travel, anywhere warm with a beautiful beach is my favorite destination—nothing can beat it!
Elder
Jon Watkins
Our family has been part of the Worden Church family since 2009, and I’ve had the joy of serving in a number of roles within the church. I’m a regular member of the Worden Praise Team and also help lead the men’s Sunday morning Bible study group.
My family includes my wife, Karen, and our daughters, Rachel, Claire, and Emma. One of my favorite verses is Romans 10:9-10: “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
A fun fact about me: I regularly wear two watches.
Elder
Rob Harris
I’ve been a serving member at Worden for over 40 years, and it has been a true blessing to grow and mature alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ. This church has been part of a life-changing journey for me, and I encourage every Sunday attender to dive in and share the gifts God has blessed you with. I’ve been married to my lovely wife, Marleen, for over 40 years, and together we’re grateful for our three beautiful daughters and five awesome grandchildren. My favorite verse is John 3:16. It may be the first verse many of us memorize, but it remains a powerful promise we can always have confidence in. I enjoy spending time outdoors and following all of my grandkids’ activities—they are a big source of joy in my life.