Rev. Linda M. Golden, Senior Pastor

Linda M. Golden was born and raised in San Jose, California. Pastor Golden was raised Roman Catholic and became a Lutheran after college. She graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1974. For a year and a half following graduation she did graduate work and coached women’s volleyball and basketball at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. For 12 years she taught Safety Education (Driver’s Education and First Aid) and coached volleyball and softball at Silver Creek High School in San Jose.

Pastor Golden  graduated from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1992 and took a call in Ida, Michigan at West Ida Immanuel Lutheran Church. 

Pastor Golden  has been a member of the Synod Worship Committee, Cluster Dean, Synod Council and in 1999 was appointed the first female Chaplain for the Michigan State Police.

Pastor Golden lives in Livonia.

Rev. Michelle Werner, Associate Pastor

Michelle Werner was born and raised in Okemos, Michigan, just outside of Lansing.  A life-long Lutheran, she grew up attending University Lutheran Church on Michigan State University’s campus where she was active in their youth group.

She attended college at the University of Michigan, where she studied Economics and Near-Eastern religions.  During that time she competed as a coxswain on the Michigan Men’s Rowing Team, worked at the library, traveled extensively and shared many great experiences with friends.

Pastor Werner attended seminary at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.  She served at Grace Lutheran Church, Elmwood Park and was active in several local organizations while in Chicago.  She did her internship at Immanuel Lutheran in Jackson, Michigan.  She and Kurt moved to Novi in August 2010 and are enjoying getting to know the area.

Pastor Werner and her husband Kurt married in 2006. They have one cat named Isis. Michelle enjoys playing golf and tries to get in a round whenever she can.  She also likes watching college football and NASCAR racing.  She is a self professed Food Network junkie and loves to cook for family and friends.  She has recently joined a long line of knitters in her family and enjoys knitting, cross-stitch and sewing.  She is also an avid reader.

Pastor Werner and her husband Kurt live in Novi.