MEET THE STAFF AT EMMANUEL
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.
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!”
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!
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!
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!
MEET THE ELECTED VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP – ELDERS
DEFINITION OF RULING ELDER FROM THE BOOK OF ORDER (G-2.0301)
“As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with ministers of word and sacrament, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.”
MEET THE ELECTED VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP – DEACONS
By caring for persons in need, deacons reflect the heart of Christianity
