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At the heart of every organization is a set of values, a root purpose for being. These are the things that must not change in order to be your true self, your character. Below are four things that must not change in order for us to be truly ourselves at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. At the very heart is the Grace of Jesus. We express this heart by Caring Deeply, Bridging Differences, and Moving Beyond Church. We’re a work in progress. We hope you will join us in this work.
We encourage one another to admit that we are all on a journey of faith and still figuring it out. We encourage a lifelong learning posture that is dominated by humility, wonder, and curiosity.
We value the presence of the spirit of God within one another, and therefore value the instrument of the conscience to serve as a guide to our faith and values. Because of this we do not demand unanimity of thought or belief but leave room for healthy and honorable dissent.
We are an inclusive church.
“Everyone is welcome” is not lipservice to us, or a church marketing slogan. If you have struggled to find a church where you are seen as an equal, then we open our arms to you. There is room at our table for you.
Emmanuel is a safe place.
Usually a church is anxious to explain their doctrine, to be clear about what we believe so you the reader have a clear idea before taking a next step, but including such a statement implies the following:
“Our beliefs are critical and foundational. Come if you agree with us.”
Our struggle with putting this part of our website together was making a claim (like “It’s ok to ask questions”) and then provide you with the expected answer and implied expectation to conform.
As part of the Presbyterian Church (USA ) – PCUSA we have a well documented creedal history. There is a great deal of clarity in those statements – if that is what you are looking for you will find much there. But you will not find “one” statement. Perhaps the iconic PCUSA creed is the Westminster Confession, and yet in our Book of Order you will find the following confessions:
Our value with regard to doctrine and doctrinal statements is not that they are requirements for belief and belonging, rather they are prompts for our imagination – leading us to deep, meaningful, substantive conversations about our God and our faith. The creeds provide loose guardrails, we fit in the Reformed stream of Christianity. We also adhere to the adage, “Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda! – “the church reformed and always reforming.”
At Emmanuel we invite you into this journey of community and conversation, that listens for your participation and inclusion rather than inviting you to sit and listen.
Welcome.
What part does the Bible play at Emmanuel?
How will you use the Bible to answer the rest of the questions on this list?
Do you believe in inerrancy?
Who is Jesus Christ?
Is Jesus God? What does that mean?
What role does Jesus play in the life of the church?
Emmanuel is part of the larger denomination called the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA).
What does this mean?
Who is the PCUSA?
Is Emmanuel conservative? Progressive? Liberal?
What does it mean to be in the Reformed stream of Christianity?
What does Emmanuel believe?
Why isn’t there a statement of faith on the website?
What place do doctrinal statements play in the life of the church? the PCUSA?
Do I have to agree with what you believe to be a part of the church?
How do you deal with disagreement around doctrinal issues?
The church finds itself at the heart of social and moral issues that are hot buttons in our culture.
What do you believe about LGBTQ+ rights? If I am part of the LGBTQ+ community, am I welcome in your church?
Is there a standard line on reproductive issues?
Is there a expectation (spoken or unspoken) to follow a particular political party or platform?
How does the church handle negotiating the claims of religion when they seem to be challenged by the findings of science:
So many people are “deconstructing” their faith. What does this mean?
Is Emmanuel a safe place for me to explore my faith and ask hard questions about my faith?
Is Emmanuel a “high demand” church? Will I be pressured to give, serve, attend?
What does it take to get involved?
What are the membership requirements/expectations?
What is required to serve?
What is required to be in leadership?
The Presbyterian Church (USA), abbreviated PC (USA), is a mainline Protestant denomination in the United States. It is the largest Presbyterian denomination in the country.
The Book of Confessions, containing historical statements of what we as a church believe, is available in several forms. The book of Confessions is available in multiple formats at the link embedded in the photo
Call it a dark night of the soul, call it a crisis of faith, call it just plain exhaustion from a spiritual identity that wasn’t working anymore… I had almost given up on finding a church community that would be the right fit here in the Conejo Valley. Luckily, fate brought me to Emmanuel: a humble and vibrant church, with a wellspring of depth right here in Thousand Oaks.
Pastor
I was born and raised in Thousand Oaks and attended Emmanuel long before I became pastor here. I’m the son of a local guitar builder and a stay-at-home theologian. My folks followed their passions and taught me to do the same.
I love stories, compelling characters, and looking at the world through various lenses. I have earned an M.A. in English as well as an MDiv and love how they intersect. Rebecca and I have three children; they are compelling characters!
I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming pastor serving an inclusive church. We value individual freedom of conscience on theological topics where Christians can and do disagree. We aren’t perfect here at Emmanuel, but we are trying to live into God’s radical love that is always centering the margins and challenging the powerful.
Director of Youth MInistry
I’ve been a part of Emmanuel my whole life. Some of my favorite memories growing up were from children and youth ministries. Whether it was singing with children’s choir, playing games at youth group, or becoming close with my friends at camp, I always had so much fun.
Because of the compassionate mentors who poured into my life, I have also developed a desire to care for the younger members of Emmanuel. My goal is to be someone who listens to them and lets them know they are loved and valued.
I graduated from Bible College in 2020, and I'm currently working on my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Theological Seminary. I’m so grateful to be serving in a capacity where I can work with the age group that I hope to serve one day as a therapist.
Currently, the main sources of joy in my life are houseplants, mindfulness, and practicing gratitude and vulnerability. If you’d ever like to chat about those things I’d love it!
Director of Children & Family Ministries
I came to Emmanuel in 2015 after almost 20 years of writing and editing Sunday School curriculum and resources at Gospel Light Publications. I grew up in church life as the daughter of a children’s pastor at a large church in Memphis, Tennessee. I have loved being involved in children’s ministry all my life! My education is in Bible, international ministries, and elementary education.
I have worked with foster children and foster parents through camping programs and respite care in the past. I’d love to talk with you about caring for kids in crisis and to support and encourage you in challenging situations.
I’m working on developing skill in drawing and painting. There are some children’s books in my head that I’m not yet skilled enough to finish illustrating! Talk to me about your art project dreams!
Office Manager/Finance Administrator
I have a Bachelors of Science in Commerce from DePaul University. After I received this degree, I worked in HR for several years before raising my two children, Caitlyn and Erin. In 2002, we moved to California from the Midwest for my husband’s work. The very first Sunday after we arrived, we attended Emmanuel, and have been here ever since. After attending the church for many years, I joined the staff in October 2012 as an Administrative Assistant. In June 2022, I assumed the responsibility of Office Manager/ Finance Administrator.
I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and reading books. If you see me at church don’t hesitate to come up and say “hi!”
Youth Ministry Assistant
Hi I’m Charlie! I’ve been at Emmanuel my entire life and have been through many years of youth group fun! It’s such a gift to now be working with the church’s middle and high school students. Youth group was such an amazing and formative place for me and I’m honored to continue that tradition of compassion.
I graduated from high school in 2022 and am currently pursuing a career in emergency medicine at Moorpark College. I also work as a lifeguard and swim instructor for Conejo Parks and Recreation!
Some of my passions and interests include cars, computers, playing and listening to music, and cooking! If you share any of these interests or want to learn more about them, feel free to spark up a conversation. I’m almost always at Sunday service!
Communications
My role is to help with all forms of communication at the church including but not limited to the Website, Livestream, Social Media, Directory - really just trying to connect the multiple dots of church life.
588 Camino Manzanas Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Church Office Hours:
We have irregular office hours, please call or email to connect
Sunday Service Times:
Please join us at 10am in person or livestream
Phone: 805-498-4502
Email:
Call us. Email us. Drop by.
We are here for your support
588 Camino Manzanas,
Thousand Oaks, CA. 91360
805-498-4502
hello@emmanuelto.org
588 Camino Manzanas,
Thousand Oaks, CA. 91360
805-498-4502
hello@emmanuelto.org
