Josh Martyn, Pastor
I am so excited to be here to serve as your pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
My wife, Natalie, and I have been married for 20 years and have known each other since 3rd grade. Natalie and I grew up in Southern California in Fullerton. In 2005, I attended Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, where I earned my Master of Divinity degree in 2009. I have served three other churches as a solo pastor in Riverside, California, an associate pastor in Clinton, Iowa, and a senior pastor in Dubuque, Iowa.
We are so happy to be back in California to be closer to our families. My wife and I have two children: Sarah, 18, and Timothy, 14. I look forward to getting to know you, and if you ever need anything, please reach out and let me know.
Ed Johnson, Praise team director
Ed Johnson joined Immanuel's staff as Praise Team Director in 2018. In this position, he leads music with Melody for Sunday worship service and other special occasions, while playing guitar and singing as part of the team. He also plans contemporary worship music for the services, and directs rehearsals of the Praise Team. Besides his position at Immanuel, Ed performs regularly with his Brazilian jazz band, Novo Tempo; an acoustic American Roots ensemble called Cabin Fever; and co-directs the annual holiday concert of the Gryphon Carolers. Ed has taught private lessons in guitar and voice in the Bay Area and beyond for many years.
Melody Wright, praise team director
Since February 2015 Melody Bast has been leading our worship service as Organist and Bell Choir Director. Melody brings excellent skills on the organ and piano. She plans worship and directs our choir, creating many opportunities for congregational members to use and grow their musical talents. Melody also plans and accompanies handbell anthems and oversees opportunities for children's musics. In addition to her work at Immanuel, Melody works with other area congregations to enhance their music ministry as a director of the praise team and is an accomplished piano teacher.