WESTGATE STAFF:

Darlene Culberson
Assistant to Lead Pastor, Worship, Connection and Bernal Site Pastor

darlene@westgatechurch.org

Vitals
Darlene was adopted into a Christian home as an infant.  As she was very ill at birth, it was suggested to her adoptive parents that the adoption not proceed because caring for her would be too much trouble.  Knowing God’s hand was in this whole process, her adoptive parents insisted on finalizing the adoption and loving her for as long as God had planned.  That was in 1958…guess God knew more than the doctors!  Darlene’s parents shared Christ with her from the time she was born and at the age of nine, Darlene made her commitment to Christ.  During her teen years, Darlene made some choices that caused her to doubt the sincerity of this commitment – a “wake up call” of sorts and she recommitted her life to Christ.  She still has struggles in her Christian walk from time to time and rejoices in God’s faithfulness and love.

Darlene met her husband, Jim, in the fall of 1973 at First Baptist Church of Cupertino and they were married December 23, 1977.  Shortly before they married, Darlene took a “temporary part –time job” at Wells Fargo Bank, which turned into a 23 year career.  She left her position as Vice President in a Commercial Banking Office in 1999 to help her mom who had been diagnosed with cancer.  She joined the staff at WestGate in June of 2002…another part-time job, which has mushroomed into much more!  Jim is an owner of a construction company.  They live in San Jose with their two daughters, Courtney, born in 1982 and Käthe, born in 1988.  They also have two black Labrador retrievers, Hunter and Doc.

A Few of My Favorite Things
Reading – “I love to read just about anything, but I must admit that I have a weakness for historical romance novels…the ones with no redeeming social values!  I’ve also read the entire Anne of Green Gables series at least 10 times.  I guess I really connect with her successful adoption story.”

Music – “I enjoy singing praise and worship songs.  If a CD isn’t in the car stereo, it’s tuned to a country western station!  One of the first presents Jim gave me was a 45 of Willy Nelson’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”.  He said it reminded him of me even though my eyes are green!”

Travel – “If money were no object, I’d be jet setting all around the world.  We’ve gone on several Caribbean cruises and love all the islands.  We’d love to retire on a yacht and just spend our time going from port to port.”                 

What Ifs?
What if you weren't in ministry?
 “I enjoyed my career in banking but was definitely ready to take things at a slower pace. I’d love to be a "stay at home wife" (my kids don’t need much mothering now) and have time to really enjoy my family, home and dogs!”

What if you could spend time with any famous historical person?
“Hmmm… this is a difficult one.  From the Bible; Ruth, Mary and Jesus.  I’m intrigued by Harriet Tubman’s daring and strength – I’m much more cautious so it’d be great to spend some time with her.  Oh and the model for the Mona Lisa – to find out what’s really behind that smile!