Who We Are

Rev. Jermell Witherspoon is a native Seattleite and a dedicated servant leader who has pastored throughout the Washington area for over a decade. Pastor Witherspoon is excited to brings his commitment to equity, love, incluson, and community-building to Admiral Church, and the greater west seattle area! At 36 years old, he combines over fifteen years of active ministry experience with an eager commitment to creating safe and loving spaces where individuals can encounter the radically gracious Creator. Pastor Jermell Holds tight to our obligation as humans to love one another, across and within our many differences including but not limited to, racial, economical, religious, gender, sexuality, etc. Pastor Jermell believes sincerely that the heart of God lies in the multiplicities of its work, and our ability to honor EVERYONE'S seat at “The Table”.

Uta Rockel has been working in the Admiral Office for nine years and is responsible for all “secular” operations and general administration of Admiral Church. She was born in Germany, and has lived in Stuttgart, Duesseldorf, and Hamburg in Germany, as well as Los Angeles, CA and Eugene, OR before moving with her daughter Hannah (a Cornish Graduate) and dog Marley, to Seattle, WA. She adores working with children as an assistant teacher in the A Child Becomes Preschool, housed in the Admiral Church building. She teaches German, helps develop lessons ,and has a blast playing with the kids.

She is very passionate about social justice, especially earth justice, children, animals, art, music, and dancing. Music is one of the main reasons she came to Admiral Church and she has been singing in the choir ever since. In her spare time she enjoys being in nature, on the water or hiking, and loves to retreat with a good book, a good movie, or check out the Seattle jazz scene.

Member- American Guild of Organists

After studying viola and composition for his undergraduate degree at University of Delaware, Sam found his true calling for organ music and accompanying voice during his graduate studies at Syracuse University where he began organ lessons. After graduation he continuously worked as church organist in various locations, pianist for diverse community choruses, and as an organ maintenance assistance.

Currently Sam free lances as a keyboardist and music director for several local theatre companies including Twelfth Night Productions, Centerstage Theatre, and HEARTS: Health & Arts. Sam still enjoys composing, arranging and playing viola. Occasionally you can hear some of his original compositions and arrangements and even a performance on the viola here at Admiral Church!