Rev. Steve L. Ruestchle, Senior Pastor

Pastor Steve was born and raised in a loving home in Dayton, Ohio. He had three passions that have run throughout his life’s story: Passion for the Arts, Passion for People and most important, Passion for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Steve's educational attainments include Bachelor of Fine Arts, School of Visual Arts, New York City; Master in Spiritual Nurture, Western Seminary, Seattle, Washington; and Master of Divinity, Mars Hill Graduate School, Bothell, Washington.

His talents as an artist encompass oil painting, music both as creator and performer, installation art and children’s books. He has put to good use his predilection for art in his various ministries in the United States. Before joining UCM as Senior Pastor, he had been involved with University Presbyterian Church, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City; Mars Hill Fellowship Church and First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, located in Washington state.

He is married to Michelle Louise Ruetschle. They have three children, Aidan John born November 2, 2001, Jude David born June 13, 2003 and Zephyr Robert born May 25, 2008.

Pastor Steve is currently on medical leave in the US and will return in August 2011.

Rev. Scott T. Loo, Executive Pastor

Pastor Scott was born and raised in Oakland, California. He carries a deep love for Jesus, for people, for the church and for how God's people are called to engage the world in tangible, relevant ways.

Pastor Scott is passionate about discipleship and how each person's unique story is interwoven with God's story. He brings strong Biblical preaching, pastoral care, strategic planning and joy to the pastoral team. His own story as a third generation, Chinese American creates insight and understanding into the challenges and opportunities of living in a multi-cultural setting such as Manila.

Before coming to UCM, Pastor Scott served at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley and Rockridge United Methodist Church, both in California. He has also worked in inner-city ministry in the US and was a missionary at LAMB Hospital in Bangladesh.

Pastor Scott's educational background includes a Masters of Divinity from the American Baptist Seminary of the West (Berkeley, California); further studies at the San Francisco Theological Seminary (California); a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from Holy Names College (Oakland, California); and a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Pastor Scott is married to Dr. Evelyn Loo. They have twins Natalie Grace and Phillip Scott born in August 2004.