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, which they are.

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.

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 – Wife Carol works with preschool children at Rainbow Children's Center in Moorpark. Two sons: Ryan lives in Portland, Oregon. Kevin and his wife Stephanie live in Moorpark. He teaches English at Oaks Christian High School.

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

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. I also am on the board of Senior Concerns in Thousand Oaks.

FAMILY – 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 24, and three granddaughters, ages 22, 20 and 6.

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

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 3rd year of graduate studies at Fuller Theological Seminary.

FAMILY – 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 tennis, and playing guitar. I also enjoy reading philosophy and anthropology books.

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 drive a beemer.

CONTACT – 805-529-8422, ext. 3 or em@mppres.org

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.

FAMILY & PETS – My husband, Steve, and I have three adult children – Ryan, Stephanie and J.K. - and our youngest, Craig, is now at Westlake High School. A five-year-old chocolate Lab named Georgia Brown and a two-year-old pug named Otis round out the family and keep us going.

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 love to discover the many hidden treasures in God’s world. Ever find the tiny white doves hidden in a sand dollar? Just ask me and I’ll show you! 

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.

POSITION – Worship Director

BORN & RAISED – Grew up in Oak Park, CA.  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!)

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")!

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.

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.

Biography of Derek Saenz

POSITION – Middle School Minister

BORN & RAISED – Born in Hemet, California. Raised mostly in 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. . Received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Cal State Northridge. I’m currently a student at Talbot School of Theology, working toward a Master of Arts in Theology. Before coming to MPC, I led small groups, led some youth worship and interned at The Church at Rocky Peak in Chatsworth, CA.

FAMILY – I married my high school sweetheart Melissa in 2008. No kids yet. None on the way. Amen.

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 love food too much… oh, I thought this was the confessions section.

CONTACT - Derek by email: Derek

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, computer games.

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!

CONTACT – 805-529-8422 or loris@mppres.org

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. Two dogs: Scooter and Pepper.

HOBBIES – reading, home improvement projects, surfing the web

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – Psalm 19:14  This reminds me to be positive and uplifting.

Biography of Daryl Fisher-Ogden

POSITION – Parish Associate (currently Parish Associate Elect, to be confirmed by the Presbytery in September); a Parish Associate is a clergy person who is invited by the Pastor and Session to assist in the ministry of the congregation. I am focusing on Mission and Evangelism.

WORK POSITION & COMPANY – Chair, School of Criminal Justice, ITT-Tech, Sylmar

BORN & RAISED – Oakland & Bay Area

FAMILY & PETS –Married to Greg, 2 young adult children, 2 beagles

HOBBIES –Reading, especially fantasy, and long walks with Greg

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – Phil. 2:13 because I know that it is only as God works in my heart & mind that I am able to be conformed into the image of Jesus.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – As a graduate of UC Berkeley, I was a hippie & some of that still comes out.

Biography of Bob Cusick

POSITION – Drama Ministry Director

BORN & RAISED – I was born in Santa Maria, California, but grew up in Thousand Oaks. I attended Thousand Oaks High School and then attended a couple of years at UCLA. I moved back to Simi Valley, then moved to Bakersfield, California where I lived for 10 years with my wife Brenda. We came back to Ventura County in June 1998, and have lived in Moorpark since 2002.

FAMILY & PETS – I am supremely blessed to be married to my best friend, Brenda for the past 20 years. We have boy/girl twins who are 10 years old (hey - best to do it once!). We are currently "between pets", but have had - at various times - dogs, fish, hermit crabs, and usual assortment of "oh goodie you won a new pet at the carnival" critters.

HOBBIES –I'm actually a geek at heart. And in practice. OK, so I'm just a geek. I like technology and software, and solving problems with technology. And, thanks to my wife, I like reading a good book (when I have time), and love to ride my motorcycle (again, when I have the time!). I also really love working with youth - and helping them in their walk with The Jesus.

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE & WHY – One verse that has be very true in my life, and one that I continually rely on day-to-day is Proverbs 3:5-6. God's idea of "straight paths" and mine are often very different, but I have to tell you this - His are WAY cooler!

Biography of Steve Lady

POSITION – Music Director

BORN & RAISED – Born in Salem, OR and raised all over the Pacific NW

FAMILY & PETS – My wife, Sharon. She is just counting the days to retirement when she'll be free to be with our grandchilden all the time. My daughter, Sara - her wonderful husband, Shane and their beautiful children (my beautiful grandchildren), Cameron and Makenzie. My Son, Adam and his son (my other beautiful grandchild) Jackson.

HOBBIES – Family, puzzles, reading, music, family

FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself...

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU – I like to do chores around the house as a form of relaxation and time to think.