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Christ Presbyterian Church Lakewood
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    • Home
    • About Us
      • Our Pastor & Leadership
      • What We believe
      • Contact Us
    • Ministries
      • Need Help
      • Choir
      • Men
      • Women
      • High School Ministry
      • Children & Youth
      • Mission Support
    • Sermon & Communication
    • Give/Help
Christ Presbyterian Church Lakewood
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  • About Us
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About our pastor

A Message of Hope.

Out of personal experience, the Reverend Tamara John has developed a passion for sharing the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ. 


Through many challenging times and trials in her own life, Pastor Tamara has learned the truth of God's blessings in His redeeming grace.  She uses these learned truths to create meaningful relationships with those around her, and to spread the love and peace that surpasses all understanding - hope in Jesus... healing in Jesus...New Life in Jesus Christ.


Pastor Tamara received her Master of Divinity Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. God led her to start an RV Ministry--that had not been done before--where she lived and served for eight years.    


In 2019, God called Pastor Tamara from full-time missionary living to this church, a church that desires to learn to be more missional and reach people for Christ.   


God has blessed Pastor Tamara with an opportunity to be further developed in leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary in a  Doctor of Ministry program: “Leading for Healthy Growth”.  


If this is something you would like to support: 


please make your donation to Christ Presbyterian Church, and note “Seminary Scholarship Fund” in the memo area.  Mail to 5225 Hayter Ave, Lakewood CA 90712


You may also donate online click https://cpclakewood.churchcenter.com/giving/to/seminary-scholarship-fund


or Venmo @CPCLakewood and note

“Seminary Scholarship Fund”.


As Senior Pastor/Head of Staff, Tamara feels God has placed her where all of her life experiences are being utilized. She is passionate about helping others to discover who God is, why God created them and for what purpose. She  then perpetuates this cycle by encouraging them to do the same for others.  She is thrilled for the opportunity to convey this mission through preaching and teaching God's Word, As a Shepherd she prayerfully walks alongside encouraging each person to walk closer to the Great Shepherd, Jesus, who is the Source of all human need. 

More on Pastor Tamara


Want to meet or talk with Pastor Tamara? Please click this link: tinyurl.com/schedulePastorTamara

Sandra L. Erney, Administrative Assistant

  I have been a member of Grace First Presbyterian Church in Long Beach for over 40 years, where I served as an ordained Deacon and Elder, serving as Clerk of Session. During the 1980’s I also worked there as Church Secretary and Business Manager. During the 1990’s I worked at the Los Ranchos Presbytery in Anaheim, CA, as the Administrative Assistant for Mission and Stewardship. 

Also, during the 90’s, I became a member of APA (Administrative Personnel Association in the PCUSA). For over 5 years I served as the Regional and National Certification Chair. I have been certified in all three levels offered by the APA.

And now, it’s hard to believe that I have been the Secretary/Administrative Assistant at Christ Presbyterian Church in Lakewood, since 2007 – almost 12 ½ years. This may not be my home church, but I love everything about it – the warm and generous people, and their faith and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, I am looking forward to working with and for our new pastor the Rev. Tamara John, with her joy and enthusiasm for the Lord and his ministry through CPC; so excited to see where the Lord is leading me as well as Christ Presbyterian Church.


Forms

Meet Our elders

 As there were in Old Testament times elders for the government of the people, so the New Testament church provided persons with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s people. Accordingly, congregations should elect persons of wisdom and maturity of faith, having demonstrated skills in leadership and being compassionate in spirit. Ruling elders are so named not because they “lord it over” the congregation (Matt. 20:25), but because they are chosen by the congregation to discern and measure its fidelity to the Word of God, and to strengthen and nurture its faith and life. Ruling elders, together with teaching elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships. When elected by the congregation, they shall serve faithfully as members of the session. When elected as commissioners to higher councils, ruling elders participate and vote with the same authority as teaching elders, and they are eligible for any office.

 PC(USA) 2011-2013 book of order G-2.03 

Elder Cheryl Riddle, Stated Clerk of Session

Elder Cheryl Riddle, Stated Clerk of Session

Elder Cheryl Riddle, Stated Clerk of Session

 My name is Cheryl Riddle. I was born and raised in Long Beach, California. I grew up attending Geneva Presbyterian Church in Long Beach where the foundation for my faith was built. I grew up watching my parents serve in the church and learned at a young age that a life of service to God and  others brings great joy.   I have been a member of Christ Presbyterian Church for over 15 years. During my time here at CPC I have served as both a Deacon and an Elder. I greatly enjoy serving at CPC alongside my husband, Jason and my two sons, Spencer and Nathan. I also enjoy serving with the many friends I have made here at CPC. Whether it is working in the kitchen, showing movies on the church lawn or attending a small group Bible study I always have a fun and special time.

Elder Nathan Riddle

Elder Cheryl Riddle, Stated Clerk of Session

Elder Cheryl Riddle, Stated Clerk of Session

My name is Nathan Riddle. I was born in Long Beach and raised in Lakewood, and I’ve been actively attending CPC for over 15 years, since I was in Middle School. After spending a few years post-high school pursuing a career in marine biology, I made a complete 180 and I’m currently on my way to becoming a professional pilot. I currently work for the cities of Long Beach and Cerritos as a supervising lifeguard and enjoy a wide range of hobbies including camping, off-roading in the desert, and boating. At CPC I’ve had the opportunity to serve as a Deacon, an AV tech, and temporarily as youth leader. It’s my pleasure to be on this journey with you all and I’m excited to see where God takes this church!

Elder Kelly Pittman

Elder Nancy McCambridge

Elder Nancy McCambridge

My name is Kelly Pittman.  I grew up in Southern California and have worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.for 34 years.  I have lived in Lakewood for 20 years, and have been attending CPC for about 16 years, and am currently the leader of the prayer team. In the past I have been a Deacon and an Elder in charge of Mission Outreach. I have been on many teams, including the Women's Association board, over the years. I enjoy gardening, puzzles and visiting my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter in Idaho. 

Elder Nancy McCambridge

Elder Nancy McCambridge

Elder Nancy McCambridge

 I was born in Los Angeles, California and moved with my mother and father into a brand new house in Lakewood in September 1950.  I still live in that same house.   Graduated from Bellflower High School in 1960, married, raised four children and today am proud to be grandmother (Gma) of 15 and great grandmother (Gigi) of 9.   I worked in the trucking (moving and storage) industry for over 40 plus years ending as an Accounting Manager and Secretary of the Corporation in April of 2015. I was also a Notary Public for most of that time, mainly doing notarizations for the corporation.   My hobbies include playing the piano, tole painting, sewing, embroidery, crocheting, reading, crossword puzzles, and painting with stickers.  I also enjoy attending and watching two of my grandsons play baseball.  One a pitcher and one a catcher.  Unfortunately since they are attending college in two different states it seems that lots of travel will be involved (unless the games are shown on-line).   I love singing in our choir, as well as, the fellowship of the choir members and getting to sing praises to our God with other church choir members.  Being a member of the Women’s Association brings another way to be a blessing to others through outreach.   My service at CPC has been 6 years as a Deacon and 11 years as an Elder.  Completing the 12th year in December, 2020.  I look forward to continuing service as a member of the team.


Elder Charlene Van Nostran

Elder Charlene Van Nostran

Elder Charlene Van Nostran

I was born in Detroit, Michigan to wonderful, Christian parents, went to school there, worked several different jobs before beginning a 25 year career at Ford Motor Company in 1959. I transferred to Ford Pico Rivera, CA in 1961 as an Administrative Assistant and am now retired.

I have been Presbyterian most of my life and have been an active member of Grace First Presbyterian Church of Long Beach for 28 years and prior to that a member of Christ Presbyterian Church of Lakewood for 10 years and, more recently, 9 years here again at CPC. I have been blessed by service as Deacon, Deacon Moderator, Elder, Bible Study leader, and Vice President of Women’s Association.

I am a member of P.E.O. (a philanthropic education organization) which promotes scholarships and loans for women’s education. Positions I have held are Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Vice President and President.

My hobby is reading, especially mysteries, and bragging about my grandchildren and great grandchildren.

I love this church and my church family, and am grateful for the opportunities to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.



Elder Jason Riddle

Elder Charlene Van Nostran

Elder Charlene Van Nostran

Welcome to CPC Lakewood. My name is Jason Riddle. My wife Cheryl and I have been members here for over 15 years now. I am originally from California, however most of my is family is on the east coast now. I grew up in a Christian home and have been blessed to have Jesus in my life for as long as I can remember. I have learned that following Jesus is not necessarily the easiest path, but it is always the best path. I currently serve as an Elder overseeing both the Facilities and Finances of the church. I greatly enjoy serving at the church. I believe that we are all works in progress and that serving in the church is a part of becoming more mature in Christ. 

In conjunction with working for the City of Downey and serving at CPC I also enjoy playing. I enjoy boating with friends and family. I enjoy camping, RV style anyway. And my youngest son and I enjoy off road motor sports. Being in the middle of no where and enjoying a sunset from the top of a hill that you just conquered with your dirt bike, can and does bring you closer to God. 


Elder Janet Tabah

Elder Janet Tabah

Elder Janet Tabah

Hello! I’m Janet Tabah. I was born in Cameroon, a beautiful country located in the West-Central Africa. I lived in Vienna, Austria for several years, while my husband George worked for UNIDO( United Nations International Development Organization). Our four children were also born in Vienna.

I moved to the USA to complete my studies. I attended Santa Monica College and then transferred to UCLA School of Nursing, where I earned a Bachelors of Science degree in nursing. After getting my first job as a registered nurse at Bellwood General Hospital in Bellflower, I moved to Cerritos from Los Angeles.

I have been a member of Culver City Presbyterian Church and Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church in Los Alamitos. My family and I joined CPC in 2004. I fell in love with church. The intimate church size offered unique opportunities to connect to people and serve the Lord. I served as the president of the Women’s Association in 2008 and 2009. I was a deacon for 4 years and then served as the elder of discipleship for 6 years. My passion is singing, especially hymns! I am so blessed to sing in our church choir. My stay at CPC has been very fruitful and rewarding. I give thanks to the Lord for all that He has been doing in my life, and I’m excited and honored to be of service again as the elder for discipleship.

.

Elder Janet Tabah

Elder Janet Tabah

Meet Our Deacons

The office of deacon is one of sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ. It is a ministry of caring; a ministry of love; a ministry of compassion; and a ministry of prayer and community service. Deacons take the initiative to reach out to those who have suffered loss, are in the hospital, lost their jobs, need a word of welcome, are shut-in and minister to any people who need to experience the love of Christ in concrete ways (transportation, food, shelter, clothing and a listening ear). All Christians are to provide these ministries of sympathy and caring. But the Deacons provide an organized way of bringing the love of Jesus Christ to the church and the community in ways for the whole world to see through service to God. We look forward to serving you and our church. This is a ministry of caring, a ministry of love, a ministry of compassion, a ministry prayer and a ministry of community service.

Jan Schum, Deacon Moderator

Jan Schum, Deacon Moderator

Jan Schum, Deacon Moderator

Hello! It is a joy and privilege to attend and serve here at CPC. I have been a member here for 10 years, recently served 6 years as a Deacon and after a break am currently serving as the Moderator of our CPC Board of Deacons. I also participate in our CPC Prayer Ministry, Hospitality Team and Women’s Association.

John & I grew up in Boulder, Colorado and moved to California after we married in 1980. We moved to Lakewood in 1983 and we have two adult daughters Megan and Hayley and furry pup Jaylee.

I worked as a Clinical Medical Assistant before our girls were born. I enjoy traveling, gardening, doing stitchery and swimming.

Betty Schadee

Jan Schum, Deacon Moderator

Jan Schum, Deacon Moderator

I'm 74 years old. I graduated from Laguna Beach High School in 1962. My hobbies are sewing baby blankets and all types of blankets. I also love to paint Christmas village houses made out of plaster, my daughter & I try to get together once a week to paint. I have been coming to CPC for 6-7 years and feel that I've grown a lot in my faith by attending CPC. 

Norma Brown

Norma Brown

Norma Brown

I am grateful to be serving as a Deacon and leader of our women's Bible study group at CPC.  Recently, my son gave me the gift of "Grandmotherhood" to  beautiful grandson who keeps me busy and delighted at his every move.  I was born and raised in So. California; graduated Hawthorne High School. Having worked several jobs throughout the years; now in my retirement, I volunteer at Lakewood Regional Hospital.

Derek Wung

Norma Brown

Norma Brown

Hello all! My name is Derek Wung, and I am one of the Deacons for Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) in Lakewood, CA! I've lived in Southern California for a majority of my life from as far south as San Diego to as far north as Santa Barbara. I attended Northminster Presbyterian Church (NPC) in Tucson, AZ, where I discovered my love for volunteering and giving back to the community. I volunteered for numerous different non-profit organizations based in Tucson, and I supported the church for various special events like Easter Sunday, Market on the Move (The 3000 Club), and the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat! After being blessed with the gifts God had given to me during my stay in the desert, I moved back to Southern California in 2014 and have attended CPC since then.

I became a member in May 2015 and was nominated to the Board of Deacons just 18 months afterwards. The following year, I joined the sound tech team and have worked behind the soundboard for select Sunday and Memorial Services. I've also lent a helping hand at various events for Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) from time to time. It's amazing the work that God has done over the past several years of my life! I'm looking forward to what the next several years will bring!

Kathy Edwards

Nancy Kirstenpfad

Nancy Kirstenpfad

I grew up in a Christian household – prayer of thanks at the family dinner table every night, we knew the real/Christian meaning of holidays, went to church when Daddy didn’t have to work, Christian morals and values.

As a newly married young adult, I taught the kindergarten Sunday school, helped at VBS, and taught preschool. I took my kids to Sunday school and youth groups, ran a home day care, was a scout leader for many years, went to church most of the time. As they grew older life got even busier and we kind of got away from going to church, except on Easter and Christmas. “Sunday is the only day I had to relax,” was my reasoning! But there was a BIG hole – an emptiness in my life that I couldn’t identify.

About 10 years ago Carolyn (our second daughter) and her husband decided to stay in the area and wanted a church home – they invited me to come along – moral support and all that! The hole was filled and here I still am!

I have always known that I was cared for/taken care of – nothing really, bad ever happened. Until about April 2015. The God’s presence was really proven! I AM taken care of, prayer really DOES work, and I AM LOVED – I absolutely know it!!! And, I tell others about it!

Nancy Kirstenpfad

Nancy Kirstenpfad

Nancy Kirstenpfad

My name is Nancy Kirstenpfad.  I was born in Howell, MI in 1939.  I lived in Brighton, MI where I went to the same school from Kindergarten through graduation in 1957.  My plan was to go to nursing school, but Gunter moved to my town in April, just before I finished high school and we married in September.  We moved to California in March of 1958.  We moved into our home in Lakewood in 1964.  We began attending Christ Presbyterian Church.  Our son, John was born in 1969.  He has a wife and two daughters. 

I worked at Farmers and Merchants Bank and their trust company for 8 years.  I worked at Pacific Savings and Loan for 2 years.  I worked for Hexcel Corporation for 11 years. 

Over the years I have been a deacon, an elder, sung in the choir and led the Lydia Circle Women’s Bible Study.

I was blessed to have my husband for nearly 63 years. So very thankful he was able to live in our home until he went home to be with the Lord.

I love being a Deacon!

Heather Katsura

Heather Katsura

Heather Katsura

It has been an amazing journey working as Children’s Ministry Director. A little over three years ago I was asked to consider serving in this role here at CPC. Initially my family and I were talking about just trying out a service here at CPC. A good friend of mine invited us. My husband, son and I honestly never looked back. Here is a little bit about my journey.


As many of you know I began going to church with my grandmother. I remember she was my first Sunday School Teacher. I have a large family but I am the only child. In some way I have always worked with children. I started as a nursery worker in church. I remember always telling my parents that I wanted to own my own daycare. Well now I am blessed to have three families. I have my own family which includes my husband Matthew and my son Jace. I have my preschool classroom family and my CPC Children’s Ministry family. God had this mapped out for my life. I am so grateful and do my best to give back. It is so much fun to make a CPC child smile and know that they love their church and I am part of that. I also enjoy working with my church family and recently became a Deacon. In my free time I enjoy all sorts of crafting, jewelry making. I am pretty silly and big hearted. I have gained so much on this journey is that God is good!!

Matt Katsura

Heather Katsura

Heather Katsura

Matt is a deacon at CPC, where he assists with grief mailing ministry, as well as running sound and games for VBS alongside his wife, Heather.

Matt is an Eagle Scout and is currently working toward a bachelor's degree in Business Analysis. 

Matt enjoys tabletop and computer games and currently lives in Fullerton with his wife, Heather, and their son Jace.

Spencer Riddle

Spencer Riddle

Spencer Riddle

Hello everybody, my name is Spencer Riddle and I am proud to be a deacon of Christ Presbyterian Church in Lakewood  California. I have lived in Lakewood California for as long as I can remember. I have done a lot of volunteer activities throughout the years of being a follower of Christ, everything from mission trips to Mexico, playing guitar on various Sundays throughout the month and I also sing in the church choir when I am not working. What do I do for a living, you may ask, I work for the Transportation Security Administration or TSA for short. I have been doing that for almost 6 months and I love doing what I do because it gives me the chance to help people get to their destination by air safely and quickly. My hobbies include playing softball on Sunday afternoons when I can get the chance to, watching baseball, going on adventures with my girlfriend, and watching baseball. I love what I do with the TSA and I love being a deacon here at Christ Presbyterian Church in Lakewood. 

Melinda Wood

Spencer Riddle

Spencer Riddle

I was born in Oakland, CA.  My family moved to Southern California when I was a baby.  I graduated from Lakewood High School, Long Beach City College and Pepperdine University with a B.A. in English.

I did secretarial work for various companies including Fluor Engineering (Word Processing), Atlantic Richfield and Lucky Stores/Albertson’s Regional Office.  I enjoy singing in the CPC Choir and with the CPC Praise Team.  I love to listen to and learn music and practice harmonies.  In Jr. High and High School my favorite hobbies were writing poetry, practicing harmonies, and playing my tambourine. I always wanted to learn the drums but in lieu of drums the tambourine and maracas would suffice.

I started attending CPC in 2017.  I became a member of CPC in 2019.  I have really enjoyed getting to know the wonderful church congregation and staff at CPC.  I have been involved in Women’s Association, and Bible studies here at CPC.  I love attending CPC’s Women’s Association meetings and sharing fellowship with the wonderful women of CPC.  2020 is my first year serving as a Deacon at CPC.  It has been my honor and privilege to become a part of the CPC Church Family. 

Judy Hardy

Debbie Derks

Debbie Derks

I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  When I was 9 years old, my family moved to Long Beach.  Two weeks after arriving, I contracted polio and spent the following year in hospital recovering and receiving what would now be called rehabilitation.  I graduated from Lakewood High School, Long Beach City College and California State College at Long Beach.  I worked for the County of Los Angeles full time for 32 years and part-time for five years.  When I retired, I was the Director of Human Resources at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.  I am active in the Assistance League of Long Beach and, in particular, their Orthodontia Program.  The Assistance League has several philanthropies that seek to address the needs of underserved children living in Long Beach.  I am also an active member of the Fine Arts Affiliates whose purpose is to the raise money for scholarships for students in the Fine Arts programs at CSULB.  My main hobby is reading, and I particularly enjoy English murder mysteries which I also enjoy watching on PBS. 

Debbie Derks

Debbie Derks

Debbie Derks

I was born in Lynwood, California to wonderful Christian parents.   I attended St. John’s Presbyterian Church of Compton where I became a member of the church, sang in the children’s choir and attended Sunday school as a child.  I attended Lynwood High School and after graduating my family and I moved to Lakewood.  I started attending Christ Presbyterian Church in 1976; several years later became a member of CPC. I have been both Secretary and am currently Missions person for the Women’s Association, also ushered for many years for church services.  I have worked for PEVCO as an Administrative Assistant for 20 years, than after the company moved out of state, I went to work for Lew and Associates, Inc. in 1998 as an Administrative Assistant, and where I am currently still employed. Many of those years I also spent taking care of my elderly parents.  Some of my hobbies are cooking, baking, for family, friends and my neighbors and church events.   I enjoy reading a variety of books: mysteries, westerns, and suspense.  I also enjoy embroidery, and gardening, writing letters and cards by hand to family, friends, and pen pals, camping and, hiking.  I am thankful for the many blessings Jesus Christ has given to me and my family over the years.  

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