A Presbyterian Congregation
The word “Presbyterian”, derived from the Biblical Greek word “presbuteros” means “led by elders.” Presbyterians recognize and ordain two types of elders, “teaching elders” who are clergy serving as pastors and in other roles, and “ruling elders” who are non-clergy called to be servant leaders in the church.
Our nine ruling elders, elected to three-year terms, are voting members of the “session”, our governing board. Our teaching elder, Rev. Ted Brandt, has been elected by our congregation, approved by our regional presbytery, and installed as our permanent pastor, serving as our head of staff and moderator of our session.
Our ruling elders lead four ministry teams. Anyone is welcome to join a ministry team to strengthen our efforts in fulfilling God’s mission to make all things new in Christ.
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” – Revelation 21:5
Our Pastor and Head of Staff
Rev. Ted Brandt
Pastor Ted has a heart for teaching, preaching, and helping people make a difference in the lives of others. He is great at inviting people to discover their calling and employ their gifts so that, together, we can be a part of what God is doing all around us.
Ted graduated with a business degree from Bryant University, then earned his Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary while leading a congregation as their pastor.
Ted was awarded a seminary scholarship to study for a year in Jerusalem and Galilee, where he developed his passion for helping people to understand the Bible within its world and then applying it to our lives and the world today. He has since designed and led several group study tours to the lands of the Bible.
After pastoring in New England for several years, Ted went to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he helped to lead a seminary and taught preaching, New Testament, and Greek language for seven years at the Theological College of Zimbabwe.
Ted has been our pastor since 2006; over the years he has served in a number of ways in our community and in helping other congregations and regional ministries through the Presbytery of Santa Barbara.
Our Ministry Teams and Staff
Each of our four ministry teams – Care Team, Gather Team, Grow Team, and Support Team – is responsible for a broad area of church life and ministry. Our teams partner with our pastor, staff, members, friends, and mission partners, to serve the Lord in the local community and wider world.
Our staff members are called to serve in their areas of expertise and passion for doing the Lord’s work. We all serve to share the love of Jesus and give glory to God!
Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21
Rev. Mickey Fenn
Administrative Pastor
Sue Meagher, R.N.
Parish Nurse
Karen Burch
Bookkeeper
Conor Whalen
Choir Director
Linda Fern Fay
Organist
Joe Hebel
Worship Leader
Gloria Morales
Custodian