email address:dwhite@ylpc.org  Telephone: 714-777-6822 (ext: 12)

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
I love the fact that this congregation is eager for it's future rather than longing for the past. I love that I get to work with teams of people. I love that I get to proclaim God's Word every week. I love that I serve at a church where I am eager to bring my kids.

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
John 2:1-11 Jesus' first miracle: Water to wine!
I love the fact that Jesus was invited to the wedding. His popularity probably grew after this one! I am intrigued by the way he participates in the joy by providing better wine than was being served earlier. Through this passage I am reminded of what happens when Jesus gets hold of an ordinary water jar-or an ordinary life. He transforms it into something new and unexpected.

Something most people don't know about me.
I can open and close Chapstick with one hand.

What one book and/or one movie I would want with me on a desert island (the Bible is already in the nightstand, so I won't count it as a choice)
For movies I would take The Godfather (part 1) for sheer acting prowess; I would take Memento or Crash for story telling; I would take Babette's Feast for content (did you say only 1?) For book, I would take any 1 volume (of the 13) of Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics, since I would have the time I could actually attempt to understand what in the world he was talking about (rather than rely on somebody interpreting to me what he was intending to say). Then again, a long work of fiction is always nice on vacation.

Here is some more about me.
I am married to Lisha and together we have four children.

Education:
Master of Divinity, Princeton Theological Seminary, 1998
Bachelor of Arts, Vanguard University (Southern California College) 1991

Prior Service:
Associate Pastor, Christ Church of Oak Brook, Illinois (1998-2005)
Assistant Westminster Chaplain (internship), Princeton University (1997-1998)
Seminary Intern, First Presbyterian Church, Moorestown, New Jersey (1997)
Director of Student Ministries, Fallbrook Presbyterian Church, California (1992-1995)
High School Ministry, South Coast Community Church, Irvine, California (1991-1992)

email address:malmeida@ylpc.org

Here's what I do at YLPC.
I am the Director of the Preschool Ministry. As part of this ministry, I plan and implement Sunday School lesson plans for preschoolers. In short, I have the great privilege of teaching young children about the Lord. I am also responsible for recruiting and coordinating classroom volunteers for the preschool program. In addition to my teaching duties, I am actively involved in our MOPS ministry as well as other church activities.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
It is such a blessing to share the God's love with our preschool children who come to church with such pure and loving hearts. We talk, read, sing, dance, and create, and have a great time worshiping together. It is such a joy to watch them grow in their understanding of God's love for them.

Favorite Bible passages, and why.
"Be still and know that I am God...." Psalm 46:10
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6
Each one of these passages reminds me of God's love and constant presence in my life. It is so easy to get caught up in our own plans and expectations. These passages remind me that the Lord is always with me and has his own plans for me and my family. They also remind me to truly surrender myself to the Lord.. heart, mind, and soul.

Something most people don't know about me.
I was a high school teacher for 10 years before I decided to stay home and raise my children.

What one book and/or one movie I would want with me on a desert island…
It would have to be the Sound of Music. I love the story and the music is amazing!

Family info.
I am married to a wonderful man and we have two beautiful and amazing children.

email address:japitz@ylpc.org

Here's what I do at YLPC.
I'm the choir director for Carol Choir, the youngest children's choir at YLPC which includes kids in Pre-K through 1st Grade.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
It is so rewarding to work with these children. They love to sing and are filled with enthusiasm and a zest for life. Their spirits are so pure and unjaded and they truly inspire me. I get back so much more than I put into the program.

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
Psalm 98 verse 4 (King James Version): "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the Earth; make a loud noise and rejoice, and sing praise." I like the word "noise" because it takes the pressure off us musicians. It's not about the perfection of the execution of the music, it's about the spirit behind it-singing praises to God for all he has done for us.

Something most people don't know about me.
My mom was the adult choir director in the church I grew up in (Christian Church, Disciples of Christ) for over 40 years. In the winter (I'm from Illinois), weekly choir practices took place at our house (couldn't justify heating the whole church for a 2-hour practice). I always enjoyed sitting in on rehearsals and following along in the music. I joined the choir in 7th grade.

What historical figure would you want to invite to dinner?
George F. Handel. I LOVE his "Messiah." For me, it's one of my "proofs" that there is a God. There's no way a human could write such beautiful music in 24 days without Divine intervention.

Here is some more about me.
I grew up in rural, central Illinois. Marcus, my husband, is a native Californian and we have two children.

email address:mbautista@ylpc.org

Here's what I do at YLPC.
As the Director of Student Ministries, I work with Middle School students and High School students. My team and I lead Sunday School weekly, Sunday Night Fellowship weekly, and various activities and camps throughout the year.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
I absolutely love watching God work in the lives of people. I love working with students because their faith is genuine and authentic. They ask open, honest, and difficult questions as they grow and assume ownership of their faith. I consider it an honor to be able to teach them, guide them, and walk alongside them during these formative years.

Favorite Bible passages, and why.
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
To me, these passages encourage me to keep walking in my faith. They are like listening to "Eye of the Tiger" or watching "Rocky" - motivation to keep going.

Something most people don't know about me.
When my wife and I go to see romantic comedies at the movies, it's because I want to see the movie.

What one book and/or one movie I would want with me on a desert island?
I would bring "The Brothers Karamazov" by Dostoevsky in hopes to actually finish it. But I would probably end up watching "Ocean's 11" (the 2001 remake) .. or "Must Love Dogs."

Family info
My wife, Suzy, and I are both Southern California natives. We have two children, Ryan and Delaney.

email address:lhelms@ylpc.org  Telephone: 714-777-6822 (ext: 25)

Here's what I do at YLPC.
I am the office assistant. I try to do all the back up work for the Office Administrator, Pastor and office staff. I record the attendance, Copy the Bulletins and the Grapevine newsletter. I will make copies and be available to do anything the staff needs to have done.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
I really enjoy working with the staff and working in a Christian atmosphere. The members are friendly and the staff is patient. The work can sometimes be a challenge, but I like the flexibility.

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
My favorites have always been John 3:16 and the 23rd Psalm It was what I learned as a child. Having had very little Bible training I have really never learned any other by memory.

Something most people don't know about me.
I was the first woman packer for a moving company in California.

Besides Jesus, what historical figure would you want to invite to dinner?
Mother Teresa

Here is some more about me.
I am married to Bobby and have two sons, one daughter, three grandsons and four great granddaughters. Also a sister and twin brother!

email address:DMartinez@ylpc.org

Here's what I do at YLPC.
Middle School Intern

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
Simply put, I love being involved in the student’s lives. The ability I have to come beside them and be there for them as they wrestle with what it means to grow up as a follower of Christ. Middle school is such an amazing age because they aren’t above being a little crazy and goofy; but at the same time they have reached a point in their lives where they really grasp pivotal concepts.

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” I believe it is important for us to look around and understand life, but we must also be on guard so that we don’t get caught up blindly. To me this has always been an important passage to understand. We can’t let others define who we are; instead we know that if we look to Christ he will change us from the inside out.

Something most people don't know about me.
I like old things, when I get the chance I like to go antiquing, I have a collection of old mirrors and hat pins that my friends have given to me over the years.

What one book or movie would I want with me on a desert island?
As silly as it sounds, I have a collection of over 70 fairy tales. My grandparents used to read them to me when I was really little and my mother found me my own copy a few years ago. They are beautiful and would easily keep me entertained if I were on a desert island.

Here is some more about me.
I love to walk in the rain and read a good book. Besides that, I am currently a student at UCR and am hoping to graduate early with a degree in English, from there I look forward to getting teaching credentials and a masters that will enable me to teach middle school. I have two siblings, Alex and Savannah, and a dog named Joey.

email address:jnicholson@ylpc.org

Here's what I do at YLPC.
I am responsible for all children's music programs, consisting of three fantastic youth and children's choirs. I direct two of the three choirs. I select and order music, and coordinate with the Director of Music Ministries to schedule times for the young people to sing in worship. I also work with the director of Christian Education to provide musical support for Vacation Bible School and the annual children's Christmas program.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
Everything! I absolutely love my job! Hearing those young voices lifted in song brings God's love home for me in a very real way, and the hugs and cries of "Hi, Miss Jessica!" and hand-drawn art and cards for my bulletin board are an added bonus!

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
I love Psalm 139, in which David reminds us that from the time before we even existed, God knew us and had plans for us, and that there's no place we can go that is too far away for God's love to reach.

"Oh Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways."

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there...even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is light to you."

Something most people don't know about me.
I love football and basketball, especially high school and college! And when I watch a game, I do a lot of screaming. (Especially if the OSU Cowboys are in any way involved!)

What one book or movie would I want with me on a desert island?
This is especially hard for me because I LOVE books, but I think if I took an anthology of American poetry, I'd never run out of interesting and wonderful things to read.

Here is some more about me.
I'm married (28 years) and have two college student kids.

email address:info@ylpc.org  Telephone: 714-777-6822 (ext: 10)

Here's what I do at YLPC.
My name is Lanai Page, and I am the Office Administrative Assistant here at Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church. I am in the front office of the Church and serve as support and liaison for the Pastor, the Music and Christian Education staff, and the congregation.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
No two days are alike here and that is a blessing! I love being here at YLPC to keep the administrative wheels turning and serve the Lord and his people. I enjoy being able to interact with many people on a daily basis, whether it is someone on staff, a congregation member or a member of our community.

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
Ephesians 4:11-16 as it best illustrates my life views and how I fit into the ministries of this church community; I am but a part of the whole, as God has gifted me.

Something most people don't know about me.
I rode my bicycle from San Fernando Valley to Santa Barbara, sleeping in a eucalyptus grove on the way! It is about a 100 miles and took 2 days.

What one book or movie would I want with me on a desert island?
If I were stranded on a desert island and I were only allowed one book it would be The Horse Whisperer as it is a story of healing and hope.

Here is some more about me.
I have been married for 26 years and have 3 children, ages 25, 21 and 18. I have been here at YLPC only a short time but am thankful every day that the Lord has led me to this Church and its wonderful people!

email address:jthorson@ylpc.org  Telephone: 714-777-6822 (ext: 16)

Here's what I do at YLPC.
I am the Director of Music Ministries and Organist. I plan all music for our Sunday morning worship and other special services throughout the year. My other responsibilities include leading and directing the adult Chancel Choir and supervising the directors of our three young persons' choirs and the bell choir. I also choose and/or compose music for our church instrumentalists that add some extra "spice" to our regular program.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
It is a great joy to work with our wonderful music team. We all carry a passion for church music and enjoy mixing our various voices and instruments to produce a more exciting and inspirational expression. I also enjoy serving in a small family church where I get to interact with all generations and also stretch my creative wings.

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
John 13:34-35, Jesus states "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another". Through music ministry, I believe one has the opportunity to experience and relay the blessings of that love.

Something most people don't know about me.
Little known fact - my aunt is the organist for the Dodgers.

What one book and/or one movie I would want with me on a desert island?
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Here is some more about me.
I am married to Charlie who I met when he came to sing in my church choir. He continues to sing in our tenor section. My mother is in her 80's and I am the youngest of her four children. My siblings include a musician, a TV animator/director, and a doctor. Their spouses are lawyers and a university professor. Our family gatherings include much stimulating conversation. I also have 3 nephews and 1 niece.

email address:kwisnia@ylpc.org  Telephone: 714-777-6822 (ext: 17)

Here's what I do at YLPC.
I serve the congregation of YLPC by writing and preparing Rotation Model Sunday School Curriculum for Kindergarten through Fifth grades. I coordinate the volunteers for this program. I present a Children's Message in church each Sunday Morning. I serve on the Christian Education Committee and coordinate family events such as the Advent and Lenten Workshops.

What I love about what I do at YLPC.
It is a joy to serve the families and children of this church. The children make this ministry a pleasure!

Favorite Bible passage, and why.
My favorite Bible passage is the story of the Road to Emmaus found in Luke 24. It was the inspiration for creating our Rotation Model Program. Each week we strive to open our children's eyes to Christ.

Something most people don't know about me.
Something that most people don't know about me is that I was born in the South, in Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up in Yorba Linda.

What one book or movie would I want with me on a desert island?
A book that I would like to take with me on a deserted island is The Little Engine that Could. It would remind me that nothing is impossible.

Here is some more about me.
I am married and have two wonderful boys.