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| Biography of Dave Wilkinson
POSITION – Pastor
BORN & RAISED – Born in Ohio but grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area – a fact that used to be important every year during football season but which has recently lost its luster. Always the optimist, I believe the 49ers are coming back.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Whitworth College in Spokane, Washington with a major in journalism. Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. While a student at Fuller, I worked with youth at Bel Air Presbyterian Church and at St. John's Presbyterian Church in West Los Angeles.
In 1975, I was ordained as a minister of the Word and Sacrament to become the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Concord, Ca. After four years in Concord I became pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oroville, CA.
In 1986 I was invited by the Presbytery of Santa Barbara to organize the new Presbyterian Church in Moorpark. I’ve now served as Pastor for over twenty years.
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As part of service to the larger church, I serve as a member of the Committee on Ministry for the Presbytery of Santa Barbara and as a member of the resource team for Presbyterians for Renewal at the meetings of the Presbyterian General Assembly.
FAMILY & PETS – Wife Carol works with preschool children at Rainbow Children's Center in Moorpark. Two sons: Ryan lives with his wife Wendy in Portland, Oregon. Kevin lives in Moorpark at teaches English at Oaks Christian High School. He will be married in January, 2009.
HOBBIES – Reading, history, travel and photography
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – One ‘favorite’ is Romans 8:16-17 where Paul writes that the Holy Spirit testifies to our own spirits that we enjoy the intimate relationship of being God’s Children and the hopeful relationship of being God’s heirs
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – My "years from now retirement goal" is to be a volunteer guide at Gettysburg
CONTACT – 805-529-8422, ext. 1 or dave@mppres.org
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Biography of Janet Loughry
POSITION – Associate Pastor
BORN & RAISED – I was raised in Pennsylvania and came to California the day after high school graduation in 1969.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – B.A. in Management from the University of Redlands, while working in residential loans in the business world. Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California in 1999. I also completed an internship at Moorpark Presbyterian Church in the area of children’s ministry as well as three units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, Oxnard.
After many years of lay minister work, both at La Canada Presbyterian Church and Moorpark Presbyterian Church, I was ordained as minister of Word and Sacrament to the position of Interim Associate Pastor at Moorpark Presbyterian Church on June 18, 2000. In September 2005 the Santa Barbara Presbytery voted my position to be a more open-ended one as Stated Supply Associate Pastor.
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I also am on the board of Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks and am getting involved with First 5, Moorpark, a neighborhood program dedicated to family strengthening, healthy bodies and school readiness.
FAMILY & PETS – My husband, Richard Brain, is Director of Work Preservation for the Cement Masons. Richard has two adult sons, Scott, who is married to Cheryl; and Greg, who is married to Karen. We have one grandson, aged 20, and three granddaughters, ages 20, 18 and 4.
HOBBIES – Gardening, walking, cooking, reading mysteries and listening to classical music
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – Isaiah 41:10 – A very dear and special friend sent me that verse in a card during my first month in this call. I have it taped to my printer here in the office and read daily – probably several times a day. It is truth, encouragement, affirmation and love.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I have been known to sing in the car and “direct” the music with Red Vine licorice as the “baton” – but the “batons” mysteriously shrink; hmm, I wonder why.
CONTACT – 805-529-8422 ext. 2 or email janet@mppres.org
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Biography of Em Blattner
POSITION/TITLE – Youth Minister
BORN & RAISED – Born and raised on the east coast of South Africa in Durban. I lived there until my high school graduation, then moved to the northern part of Switzerland near Zurich. I lived there for the next seven years before taking the position here at MPC and moving to America.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – In Switzerland, I completed my undergraduate work majoring in Biblical Studies and worked with youth and children at various churches. I’ve traveled to many countries and speak several languages. Currently I’m in my second year of graduate studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.
FAMILY & PETS – My parents and three older brothers all live in Switzerland. One of my brothers is married and has two beautiful children.
HOBBIES – Working out, playing guitar, surfing, spear fishing, soccer, and the great sport of rugby. I also enjoy reading books and playing tennis with members of the MPC congregation. I’m also in my second year as an AYSO coach in Moorpark – gives me the opportunity to use my soccer experience to help develop and coach local players.
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FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – 2 Timothy 2:17 – It’s my favorite because Timothy was running into some opposition from people with regard to his teaching and his ministry. Some of this had to do with his young age. Paul encourages him in his work and mentions three characteristics of effective leadership, power, love, and self-discipline.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I like music from the ‘80s.
CONTACT – 805-529-8422, ext. 3 or em@mppres.org
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Biography of Laurie Loring
POSITION – Children’s Ministries Director
BORN & RAISED – I was born in Ohio but moved every three years or so, living in different
hotels in major cities, as my father was a hotel manager for Sheraton. I went to high school in Pasadena and have lived in California since that time.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – I went to UC Davis and got my bachelors in animal
science. After college, I worked a couple years with local veterinary hospitals, and then was a Research Associate for 6 years at UCLA’s Crump Institute where I worked in basic and medical research. After starting a family, I stopped working in the animal and research field. I have studied the Bible as a participant and then discussion leader in Bible Study Fellowship since 1988. In 1990, I took an interim position in children’s ministries at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village, which continued until 1999. In May of 2000, I started working here in children’s ministries.
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FAMILY & PETS – My husband, Steve, and I have four children: Ryan (23), Stephanie (21), J.K. (17) and Craig (13). We have lived in Westlake Village since 1990.
HOBBIES – I love working in children’s ministries and am drawn to other crafty and creative endeavors that change as my family changes. Simple home improvements, doing scrapbooks, playing with kids and pets are current interests. Love to go to the beach, travel, and shop for bargains when time and money afford.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – 1 Samuel 16:7 has been a favorite verse for me because I have witnessed how God does look at the heart of things, not on the outside, and has called me to serve Him using all the gifts He has provided.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I am mom to an exuberant chocolate lab named Georgia Brown and a little Pug named Otis, who does his best to keep up with her.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE – I am always looking for ways to better partner with parents in raising children who love and follow Christ. Feel free to stop by with concerns, questions regarding ways you can better make your home faith-filled and Christ-centered.
CONTACT – 805-529-8422, ext. 4 or laurie@mppres.org
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| Biography of Kristin Giffin
POSITION – Worship Director
BORN & RAISED – Grew up in Oak Park. I then lived in New York for several years, performing in Broadway shows and national tours.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Graduate of American Center for Music Theatre (New York and Los Angeles) and I also attended Moorpark College and UCLA. I trained in Lay Ministry and served as Director of Lay Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church. I was also a teacher, producer, choreographer and advisor at Oaks Christian School in Thousand Oaks, CA.
FAMILY & PETS – I’m married to my wonderful husband Eric and we have a beautiful daughter Hannah. We also have 2 dogs, Frito and Buster.
HOBBIES – I love gardening, reading, dancing, singing, and cleaning (believe it or not!)
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FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – Philippians 4:6-7 I am a worrier by nature (aren't most moms?!). When I reflect on my life, the times when I worried the most are the times when I have most distanced myself from God. The times when I had cause to worry, but put my complete trust in God, I have been overcome with peace in knowing that Christ has gone before me in every situation and there is nothing to fear. It is in this verse that I find a promise of protection for me and my family.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I worked for Princess Cruises as Dance Captain and Sr. Assistant Cruise Director (think Julie McCoy from the "Love Boat")!
CONTACT – 805-529-8422, ext. 8 or kristin@mppres.org
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Biography of Dan Crane
POSITION – Small Group Coordinator
BORN & RAISED – I was born and raised in Los Angeles, Ca. I left town here and there but always found my way back to sunny Southern California.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – B.A. in Political Science from CSUN. Most of my adult life I have spent as a Financial Consultant beginning with Dean Witter Reynolds. I am currently affiliated with Financial West Group in Westlake. I was recently certified as a Personal Trainer (an avocation at this point, but who knows).
FAMILY & PETS – I am married to the beautiful and ageless Keri Crane. We have two daughters, Caroline, a 19 year old college sophomore and Margaret, a 17 year old high school senior. The only animals at our home currently are a few ducks that periodically land in our pool, and some gophers, which I am currently trying to, well, dissuade from remaining with us.
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HOBBIES – Fitness training, running (when my knees cooperate), reading, playing tennis, snow skiing (I love this the most but rarely go anymore), spending time with family and friends (actually, maybe I love this more), sharing good food and wine with family and friends, watching college football and basketball, playing golf, spending time with my church family (wow, family and friends comes up a lot.I guess those relationships are meaningful).
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – John 14:6-7 If I believe this, and I do, it is the foundation upon which I became and continue to be, a Christian.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I am a white knuckle flyer and need meds to get on an airplane, however I used to skydive when I was in my 20s.
CONTACT – 805-529-8422, ext. 9 or dan@mppres.org
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Biography of Derek Saenz
POSITION – Junior High Youth Leader
BORN & RAISED – Simi Valley - wrestled all 4 years at Simi Valley High School, Go Pioneers!
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – Moorpark College for 2 years - the college is my favorite locale in Moorpark. Now I'm a student at Talbot School of Theology, working toward a Master of Arts in Theology
FAMILY & PETS – I married my high school sweetheart Melissa last year.
HOBBIES – I love to play the guitar and videogames and go on walks with my wonderfully- beautiful wife.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY - Proverbs 21:31 My mom said I should put it on my letterman jacket in high school
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I make the one-hundred mile roundtrip to Talbot in my speedily-silver Volkswagen Jetta.
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Contact - Derek by email: Derek
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Biography of Loris Mitchell
POSITION – Secretary
BORN & RAISED – in Southern California and Hawaii
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – BA, double major in Religion and Education
FAMILY & PETS – Husband James, sons Morgan and Colin, two cats.
HOBBIES – reading, needlepoint, crochet, gardening.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – Jeremiah 17:7-8 This verse reminds me that no matter the circumstances of my life or in the world around me, inexhaustible grounding and strength come from the Lord.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I can't wait until flights in space are available to regular people, I want to go!
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Biography of Sheri Alikpala
POSITION – Disbursing Treasurer
BORN & RAISED – Whittier, CA
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – A.S. Degree in Paralegal Studies. Worked several years for law firms in Century City, CA in administration and then for a computer company in Agoura Hills, CA before quitting when I had my second child.
FAMILY & PETS – Husband, Jason. Two daughters: Carissa and Lexi
HOBBIES – reading, home improvement projects, surfing the web
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – Psalm 19:14 This reminds me to be positive and uplifting.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I collect (empty) shot glasses from places where I travel
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Biography of Steve Batstone
POSITION –Choir Director
BORN & RAISED –Born in Hollywood, CA ; Raised in Anaheim, CA
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE –B.A., UCLA (Vocal Performance); Master in Christian Studies, Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. Wendy and I were also members of Wycliffe Bible Translators for 8 years. We served in Ghana, West Africa for 3 years, helping with Literacy and Scripture-in-use for speakers of the Birifor language. I even got to study Birifor xylophone!
FAMILY & PETS –Married to Wendy Batstone, Kids: Ian (30), Christopher (28), Susie (25), Scottie (19). Grandkids: Ella (3), Judah (born July '08)
HOBBIES –Singing / Guitar
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY –Ezra 7:10. Ezra didn't just teach, he WALKED THE TALK!
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – Favorite Looney Tune: Marvin the Martian
ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE – Nickname: Grandpa Steve
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Biography of Chris Adams
POSITION/TITLE – Drama Ministry Director
RESPONSIBILITIES – Coordinating and directing all Sunday morning chancel dramas and special event theatrical events, such as the Christmas Musical.
BORN & RAISED – I was born in Indiana and moved to Colorado at age two. I lived there until I was 11 and then moved to California where I have been ever since. My father is a retired minister and my brother runs an outdoor Christian camp facility in Oklahoma.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Recreation Administration from Cal State Long Beach. I have a teaching credential in Theatre Arts and Social Studies from Cal Lutheran University. I have been teaching theatre arts at Mesa Verde Middle School here in Moorpark for 10 years. Prior to teaching, I worked in municipal government in parks and recreation administration.
FAMILY & PETS –I am married to Rich Adams, a certified financial planner here in Moorpark. We have two sons - Ben, who is 23 and works for Fox Sports as an editor; and Sam who is 21 and is a junior at the University of LaVerne. We have a beagle named Rosie who is blind and a hermit crab named Sebastian.
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HOBBIES – I love to travel, surf the web (I love YouTube!), go to the theatre, and spend time with my friends. Singing in the praise band is one of the moments I feel closest to God, and I love directing plays here at church and at school.
FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – Psalm 31:15 Reminds me that God will take care of things in my life in His own time frame, not mine. It helps to keep me from being too anxious about things I cannot control.
FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I have been in a hot air balloon, I worked at Knotts Berry Farm, I can turn my nose upside down.
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