Our Staff

Pastor Steve Heinsen

Pastor Steve Heinsen is excited to be on a journey with Jesus at Peace Lutheran Church.  He has a passion to connect people in our community to the saving power of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  

Pastor Steve grew up in Iowa, graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Vocal Music Education, and then graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.  He served churches over the past twenty-five years in Nebraska, Alaska, Washington, and Idaho before landing in Covington, Washington.  

He enjoys outdoor-y stuff like biking, walking, snowshoeing (a work in progress), and hiking, as well as exploring new cultures, people, foods, and places in our world.  He loves being an active face and hands in the community.  He doesn’t drink coffee, but where there is food, there he is also.  He would love to chat with you about how Jesus is at work in our lives today.

Nils Norine, Director of Christian Education

Hi, I'm Nils.  I've been the Director of Christian Education since July 2025 after graduating from Concordia University Irvine.

I was born and raised in Redding, California.  I am an enjoyer of the great indoors, and I frequently spend my time on activities such as reading or listening to music.  I have an interest in deeper theological concepts, and I love to get into good conversations about them during Bible studies.  

Working at Peace gives me the opportunity to be a part of a great community, and it is my goal to help strengthen and build the community even further.

Linda Weaver, Preschool Director

Hi, my name is Linda.  I was the Preschool Assistant Teacher since 2021, until 2023 when I became the Preschool Director.

I live in Maple Valley, but have been in the Covington/Maple Valley community for 36 years. I have been a part of Hillside Kent Church of the Nazarene all of my life.  I’ve been married to my husband, Jay for forty years.  We have three adult, married children who all live close by.  We also have six granddaughters.  Our family is very important to us and we love spending time with all of them.

Spending time with children is what I enjoy, so being a part of the Preschool is a great fit.