Trinity’s Leadership Team
Rev. David Wagner –Pastor
 

Pastor Dave was installed as Pastor at Trinity Lutheran on June 4, 2017. After serving more than 30 years as a pastor in North Dakota, he came to Trinity with his wife, Kim, knowing that they were placed here by God to serve the people of this community. Pastor Dave and Kim found a wonderful church home and community in Bellingham. In June of 2025, Pastor’s Dave’s wife, Kim, passed away after an 18 month battle of cancer. The hope of life which is found in Jesus Christ is something which encouraged Kim as she went through treatment and it continues to comfort Pastor Dave as he serves God in Bellingham.

Pastor Dave has four grown children (who have married) and six grandchildren. Pastor Dave enjoys time with family, friends, and taking the family dog on walks.

Mady Pinn -Director of Christian Education
 
Mady has been placed as the Director of Christian Education at Trinity Lutheran. She came to Trinity as an intern at Concordia University (Nebraska) and is now called and installed to serve as Trinity’s DCE. Mady enjoys serving and sharing Jesus to children, youth, families, and adults in the congregation. The Pinn’s traveled from Minnesota and South Dakota to their home here in Bellingham, WA. Mady enjoys her time sharing God’s Word and love to anyone she encounters! In Mady and Adam’s downtime, they enjoy being involved with the Praise Band, spending time outside, fishing, bowling, watching TV shows and movies, and visiting with friends and family.

Gabriel Mañalac -Director of Music/Organist/Choir Director

Gabriel has served the Lord as Trinity’s Music Director since 2018 where he has worked to uplift the worship experience through the cherished musical tradition of the Christian Church.  He enjoys collaborating with the volunteers and staff of the various music ministries to inspire congregational singing and involvement in worship.  One of the greatest joys of his work is when he hears the congregation sing out whether it be with the organ or the praise team!  When not in front of a keyboard or choir, Gabriel enjoys camping with his wife and daughter, reading a book or comic, playing computer games, baking bread, and roasting coffee.  

Rebecca Mañalac -Director of Bell Choir/Organist/Pianist

Rebecca serves as the Director of Handbell Choirs for Trinity Lutheran Church, and is pianist/organist for the Grace Notes Choir and the Praise Team. Rebecca also facilitates the Kids’ Music Hour along with her husband, Gabriel.
Sue Knowlton -Office Administrator
 

Sue Knowlton has been Trinity’s church secretary since 2000. She is married to Howard; they have two grown children and four grandchildren. Sue enjoys listening to music, singing in the choir, gardening, pets, and flowers. She sees her work as an opportunity to be of service to the people of our congregation and community. Getting to know and working with the preschool children and their families is one of the benefits of her work.    

Lisa Burgess-Trinity Preschool Teacher
I am so happy to be Trinity Preschool’s teacher. I will always do my best to ensure a fun safe environment where children will thrive and have a positive hands-on preschool experience. I have lived in Whatcom county, my whole life and I married to a wonderful husband. We have two sons and two wonderful grandkids.
I also have two big newfie puppies they took take up most of my free time but some of my hobbies are reading, hiking and walking with my friends. I have been teaching preschool for 27 years and each year I look forward to getting to know all of your wonderful families.
Amelia Trotter-Assistant Preschool Teacher
I’m Amelia Trotter and my husband and I moved to Bellingham in 2011 from Anchorage, AK. We have a daughter and a son named who are both in elementary school. We enjoy spending time as a family camping, looking for beach glass, and getting out of town to explore all the areas around us. I always look forward to working with the children and getting to know them in the upcoming school year!
Sonja Nordwell-Webmaster & Pt. Time Office Assistant 
I’m Sonja Nordwell. I attend Trinity with my husband, Zach, and my boys, Kulshan & Griffey.