St.
Paul’s & Emmanuel: A New Thing
The Lord says, “Behold I am doing a new thing.” An
Episcopal-Lutheran Church is a new thing in Santa Paula, California.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was founded in 1892. Emmanuel Lutheran
was planted in 1990. Over time the two have come together. In
2005, Pastor Ron Dybvig (the “Pastor Developer” of Emmanuel
Church) was also called to pastor St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
A
single Sunday Service uses a form called “blended Worship.” Many of
the prayers are drawn from the new Episcopal resource called
“Renewing Worship.” Many of the worship songs come from the rich
Lutheran tradition.
Contemporary worship songs are offered nearly every Sunday. Once a
month a “Healing Service” is offered, with anointing of oil and
prayers from the New Zealand Prayer Book.
The
mission of St. Paul’s & Emmanuel is to be a “House of Prayer for All
People;” inviting, nurturing and healing the human spirit in
Christian community. We are sojourners, helping each other on the
way. Everyone is welcome here. This is a place of renewal.
