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A word from our Pastor |
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Immanuel is a unique church. We are 121 years old; yet we are considered cutting edge on most fronts. We are a community of faith; yet people here hold a broad range of faith perspectives. We worship in Spanish and English and bilingually; yet that is not what makes us most diverse. We
are rich
and poor, male and female, gay and straight; some of us hold
doctorates
and some haven’t finished elementary school; some have Presbyterian backgrounds; others come from a Roman Catholic tradition, while still others come from another tradition or have no religious
background. We were born
in at least 25 different countries and speak many native languages. We are on the progressive side of the church,
while maintaining spiritual roots and seeking spiritual connections in
both traditional and innovative ways.
We inhabit a historic and architecturally significant building that is 80 years old in 2009. Several years ago we were designated as one of 10 significant sacred places in the United States because of our architectural importance and the impact of our current ministry on the community. That designation helped us begin the slow process of strengthening the building’s
infrastructure as it shows its age. It is too large to keep to ourselves,
so
we see part of
our mission as providing life-giving space for other
faith
communities
and community groups. We share it with three other
congregations, two schools, several permanent community programs,
and countless community groups that hold events here.
I am so grateful for the staff, leaders and members that make Immanuel
what it is. Each one brings unique energy to our life together. I hope that
as you find your way through this website you will see yourself deeply
welcomed at Immanuel, in whatever way you may choose to connect to us.
We believe that however that connection happens we will be mutually
transformed by the relationship.
Expectantly,
Frank Alton, Pastor |
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Pastoral team |
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The Rev. Dr. Frank Alton Pastor
frank@immanuelpres.org | 213.389.3191 x 101
Rev. Dr. Frank M. Alton has served as pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church
since 1994. He lived and worked in a squatter community in Mexico City from
1986 to 1995 as the founder and executive director of Partners in Hope. Prior to
that, he served as associate pastor for eight years at Bel Air Presbyterian Church.
Rev. Alton received his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Fuller
Theological Seminary. |
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Rev. Elizabeth Gibbs Zehnder Associate Pastor
elizabeth@immanuelpres.org | 213.389.3191 x 109
Rev. Elizabeth Gibbs Zehnder has served at Immanuel since 1995, nurturing the growth of the multicultural community in various roles. She currently provides leadership and support to the family & children, pastoral care & health, women’s
and Food Pantry ministries. Elizabeth also oversees the growth and operations of
Immanuel's Healing Center. She serves on the Committee on Representation of the
Pacific Presbytery and as board chair of the Governance Board of the Academic
Leadership Community at Miguel Contreras Learning Center. Elizabeth received her
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and German from Valparaiso
University and her Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, with an
emphasis in Cross-Cultural studies. |
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Rod Sprott Executive Director
rod@immanuelpres.org | 213.389.3191 x 102
Rod Sprott has served as Executive Director for Immanuel since 1997. A member
of the United University Church in Los Angeles, he has been active in both local
and denominational capacities for Presbytery of the Pacific and California-Pacific
Conference of the United Methodist Church. Originally from South Carolina, he
received a B.A. in Political Science from Clemson University and a J.D. from
the
University of South Carolina Law School. He attended the National Institute
in
Church Finance and Administration at Candler School of Theology and is
a
member
of the National Association of Church Business Administrators,
Presbyterian Church
Business Administrators Association, and United
Methodist Association of Church Business Administrators. |
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Staff |
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Elected leaders |
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• Session (Elders) |
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The “Session” is a Presbyterian word for the group of active elders overseeing the
spiritual and organizational health of the church. The stated monthly meeting of
Session takes place on the fourth Tuesday of every month and it is open to any
member who is interested in attending. The Session drafts the budget, reviews
financial reports, interviews and receives new members, and makes decisions
about the worship life and various uses of the building. Elders also serve
communion,
address members’ concerns and needs, and lead ministries and
events in the life of
the church. The nominating committee nominates the elders, and the congregation
elects them to 3-year terms during the annual congregational meeting. |
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• Board of Deacons |
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The Deacons meet monthly to coordinate care for members and constituents in
need. In addition to visiting members who are in hospitals, nursing homes, or are
home bound, Deacons administer the Deacon Fund. The nominating committee
nominates the deacons, and the congregation elects them to 3-year terms during
the annual congregational meeting. |
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