Kene Panas: Lead Pastor
Favorite Verse: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love." 1 John 4:18
Why? I am drawn to this verse because my father passed away when I was seven. Growing up I was afraid to love because I might be hurt again. I was very careful not to get too close to people. I found myself living in fear. However, when Jesus came into my life, I had a whole new understanding of love. Love was not meant to held back, but meant to be given.
Hobbies: I love to write, study, go on mini vacations and watch the Pittsburgh Steelers, the greatest team ever!
Nathanael Swodeck: Pastor to Students
Favorite Verse: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
Why? This verse is a perfect summary of the Christian gospel. God loved us in our sin before we ever did anything right. Christ died for the ungodly, the sinner. This is a unique love that only God can truly display. Through him, we can share this love with others.
Hobbies: I enjoy playing basketball, football, guitar, bass, and board games. I also love to listen to music, watch the Lakers, and watch movies!
Darrell Tesdall: Pastor to Seniors
Favorite Verse: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 28
Why? This verse is a comfort for me to know that if I stay on God’s path even the bad things that happen in my life can turn out good. My bad hand is an example. Although my disability has kept me from doing some things I would like to do I can truly say it has been one of the biggest blessing in my life in that it paid my way through college and gave me a career in engineering for 31 years.
Hobbies: Flying radio controlled model airplanes and ham radio. I have enjoyed both hobbies over the years and it has given me some great opportunities to minister to several people in those hobbies.
Machele Panas: Administrative Assistant
Favorite Verse: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14
Why? Actually, I love the whole chapter as it talks about how well God knows us and how precious we all are in His sight. I am secure in knowing that God, my creator, knows me deeply, (even better than I know myself) and He is always there for me, even when I mess up.
Hobbies: I love family time with my husband and two boys. I enjoy traveling to new places, as well as visiting my favorite places such as Santa Monica, Palm Springs and Cabo. I love visiting my family in Minnesota during the Christmas season. I also enjoy the sun, laying out at the pool or beach, thrift shopping, learning about other cultures, helping people, organizing and watching a good movie.
