Congregation sees new pastor as a breath of life
By Miguel Morales miguel@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers POSITIVE ENERGY- Pastor Paul Nelson is settling into his new role as pastor of the First Lutheran Church in Camarillo. The church is known for the thought-provoking messages on its marquee.

"This is a CH CH. What's missing? U R," reads the marquee out in front of the First Lutheran Church in Camarillo. Known for its quirky messages and Noah's Ark-themed preschool, the small church has been trying to fill a void within its congregation for quite some time now.

For the past two years the church has been in serious need of a full-time pastor. The church has often struggled to find ministers from other churches who could dedicate their time and efforts to provide weekly services.

But now a new voice can be heard on Sundays. The Rev. Paul Nelson comes to First Lutheran church with 20 years of experience and devotion to the tiny yet devout congregation at 380 Arneill Road in the heart of Camarillo.

Nelson, 38, has come a long way to his Camarillo post. A former resident of Phoenix, Ariz., the recent California transplant has spent the last three years in St. Louis, Mo. attending seminary classes in preparation for his new position.

"The Bible can be a confusing matter, and it can lend itself to many forms of interpretation," Nelson said. "Life is the same, and I hope I can help keep people become focused and balanced in both."

Nelson said he believes there are different kinds of churchgoers. There are those who believe church is just something people do on Sundays and those who make it part of their everyday life.

"The church has accepted that for a long time," Nelson said. "The question now is how do we change that mindset of church being something we do one day a week?"

The church does not pick and choose its congregation, he said; the doors to finding faith and salvation are open to everyone. He said he and his family have already "fallen in love" with California and hope to be able to raise the community spiritually in many ways.

"This seems to be an enjoyable community," Nelson said. "I hope that by putting myself in a position where I can listen to people and their concerns I can gain their trust and become a valuable part in their lives."

Hope DeMoss, administrative assistant at the church for the past three years, said the new pastor is very approachable and upbeat. She said she hopes Nelson will bring much-needed energy to the church as it nears its 60th anniversary.

"The congregation is a rather involved group of people," DeMoss said. "We have done everything in our power to keep this church going. Now with the blessing of a new fulltime pastor we can breathe a small sigh of relief."

The church has a good reputation within Camarillo, according to DeMoss, and gets one or two phone calls of praise and admiration every week.

People call to say that the marquee "truly speaks to them," she said. Church council vice president Ken Haugrud takes a lot of pride in preparing the church's weekly message, she said.

"People say it's a sign of good faith," DeMoss said. "One minute they will be driving down the road thinking about something and then they read the sign and it makes them feel a connection with God. Like he heard them and is answering their prayers."

Carol Perea, preschool director at First Lutheran, also recently joined the Camarillo congregation. June 1 was her first day. Perea said she is already settling into the job.

"This church has welcomed me with open arms," Perea said. "Everyone works together here, and I can already tell the new pastor is going to be a big help."

Perea said Nelson has many new visions and goals for the church.

In the short time he has been there, a prominent sense of energy can be felt within the church community, she said.

Plans for a Wednesday evening prayer service, as well as a lunchtime service during the week are in the works. For more information, please call (805) 484-0426.