Friedens Church

The Rev. Dave Phillips began as Co-Pastor of Friedens Church on January 1, 2015. He shares the pastoral leadership of the church with his wife, Rev. Sonja Phillips. Dave comes to Friedens from the Community Church of Vero Beach, Florida of the Florida Conference of the UCC.

Dave has served churches in Florida, Virginia, and Kentucky, and he is a native of Aiken, South Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, and attended seminary at the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (VA), and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville KY.  Prior to ministry Dave worked in banking and real estate. Dave has worked as a youth minister, associate pastor, and pastor. His mission experience has taken him to Haiti, Colombia, Hungary, and Slovakia, as well as Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, New Orleans, Pennsylvania, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

In 2014, Dave participated in a pilgrimage tour of Israel.

"I look forward with hope and excitement to the future of Friedens Church, with the blessings of God, and the Spirit of Christ to lead us. Blessings on the Journey!"

The Rev. Sonja M. Phillips began her ministry as Co-Pastor of Friedens Church on January 1, 2015. She shares the pastoral leadership of the church with her husband, Rev. Dave Phillips. Sonja is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. 

Sonja is a graduate of Mary Baldwin College, and the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond (VA) where she received an award for excellence in pastoral care leadership. Sonja has served churches in Virginia and Florida in a variety of ministerial roles, and as a chaplain for a large Episcopal-Presbyterian retirement community. Sonja has also worked as a medical and community social worker.

Sonja and Dave have an adult son, Tyler, who lives and works in San Antonio.

" I am blessed to serve as copastor of such a loving and compassionate church.  Friedens Church has a long history of ministry to the surrounding communities.  It is steeped in tradition while embracing the future.   The location of Friedens Church is very pastoral and peaceful; a true respite from the pressures of daily life.  I believe in equipping and empowering the church to serve in our world today.  Worship and Bible study are essential for a spiritual connection with God and personal wellbeing in our fast paced world.  Because God loves everyone and we are all made in God's image, everyone is welcome at Friedens Church."  Pastor Sonja

I joined the staff of Friedens in 2023. I am a recent High School Graduate. I was born in Austin, just moved to Geronimo in December of 2022. If I am not working, more then likely I will be at the baseball fields. I spend majority of my time there watching my younger brother play. I love to be with my friends and family. 

I am excited to see what the future here at Friedens looks like! 

I joined the staff of Friedens in 1998 as a volunteer after leaving my job in Austin and returning to this area.  I grew up around Geronimo, was baptized and confirmed at Friedens, and except for the brief 17 years of living in the Austin area, have lived here almost all my life. 

I have a BBA in accounting, but have worked mostly in the IT arena. I married my husband, Bill, in 1982.  We have been blessed with two daughters and three grandchildren.  Kara, husband Kurt and their daughter Mia live in Bryan.  Hannah lives in Seguin with her sons, Rylan and James.

It has been an honor to serve the dedicated hardworking members of this church, whom I also consider my friends.  I look forward to all the great things Friedens’ future holds.

Maxine joined Friedens Church in 1957, that same year she started teaching Sunday school and joined the choir.  Maxine has been directing choirs for Friedens since the 1970’s.  She first directed the Friedens Youth Choir and then took over as Adult Choir Director when Director Lillian Wunderlich resigned.  She has been continually directing ever since that time.  Friedens is so thankful of her continued selfless dedication.

Tony joined Friedens Church as church musician on January 26,2020.  Tony is a graduate of Texas State University and teaches Spanish at San Marcos High School.

Since 2015, Tony has been an instructor at Curious Chords Music Studio in Kyle.  He teaches Piano, Guitar, Voice and Ukulele to children-adults.  Tony is also a member of the San Antonio band, Son Latino, where he plays keyboard, sings, and co-directs the band.  Son Latino plays at many community and party events.  Tony and his wife, Dayana Campos have 3 children and live in San Marcos, Texas

Doug has been a member and involved in the music program of Friedens Church for many years now.   Doug is a vocalist and plays the drums and guitar. He also performs with a band in the community at various venues.  He and his wife G.G. live in Seguin.