Russ Britton says he is excited to bring a focus on pastoral care as the new pastor at Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church.

Britton has served congregations in Utah, Minnesota and most recently in Colorado, coming from a large church with about 3,000 members.

He started at Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church (DVLC) in July and says he is eager to contribute to his new church and surrounding Sequim community.

“It’s fantastic to be here,” Britton said.

He succeeds Jack Anderson, who served as pastor for 12 years and retired from the position in May of 2017.

Britton began ministry in 2001 and has a history in youth ministry. He started as an intern at his previous church in Colorado and worked his way up to associate pastor for four years before taking the position at DVLC.

While he enjoyed his associate pastor role in Colorado, Britton says it was time for him to lead on his own — his first position as sole pastor of a church.

Britton’s wife Sarah and son Christopher join him in Sequim; his son is a fourth-grader at Greywolf Elementary School.

Britton is a member of the Evangelical Church of America, one of the largest Christian denominations in the nation, and has an undergraduate degree in philosophy and religion and a Master’s of Divinity.

“The degree may make me a minister, but the people make me a pastor,” he says.

Britton says he is eager to get to know his new congregation in Sequim and understand the needs of his DLVC community. While he is operating with a much smaller staff in Sequim, he says he enjoys being part of a team.

One of his favorite aspects of Sequim so far, Britton says, is the residents’ sense of community and “loving your neighbor.”

He hopes to learn each person’s story and wants to offer sensitivity, intentional listening and respect to church members.

“I believe there’s an image of God in every person,” he says.

In his free time Britton enjoys music, exercise and spending time with his friends and family. He plays the snare drum and guitar, and may perform with the Sequim City Band in November participating in percussion.

Learn more about Britton, at dvelca.org.