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Welcome to Immanuel: An intersection of culture, spirit and justice! |
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We are a community of faith where people hold a broad range of faith perspectives. We worship in Spanish and English and bilingually, yet that is not only what makes us most diverse. Some of us are rich, others of us are homeless; we celebrate the range of gender and sexual identities; we come not only from Presbyterian backgrounds, but Catholic and other Christian traditions—others of us come from different faith traditions or no religious background at all. 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 are a community of members, leaders and staff that together 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 with us. We believe that however that connection happens we will be mutually transformed by the relationship.
In August 2010, we said a fond farewell to Rev. Dr. Frank Alton, our pastor of 15 years, as he moved into new areas of ministry. Our dedicated lay and staff leadership remain committed to maintaining Immanuel as “an intersection of cultures, spirit and justice” in the heart of Los Angeles. Check our blog frequently for updates on the transition process. You can stay up to date with event information, photos of life at Immanuel and a more up close and personal look at our week to week life together at our blog: http://immanuelpresblog.org.
+ Peace,
Elizabeth Gibbs Zehnder, Associate Pastor |
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Pastoral team |
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pastor
Immanuel is currently engaged in the process of seeking and calling a new pastor. Check our blog for updates on the transition and search processes. |
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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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