Meet the Staff

The Rev. Theodore Brandt
Terri, Tia, Trevor, Trinity and Tessa

Rev. Theodore Lowden (Ted) Brandt is married to Teresa Lynne (Terri) Brandt. Rev. & Mrs. Brandt have been married for nearly twenty-two years. They have four children: Tia (14) Trevor (12) Trinity (7) and Tessa (5).

Ted has been a pastor since 1986, ordained since 1988. He holds the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island, and the Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Upon graduation from seminary, Ted received the "Parish Pulpit Fellowship" from the seminary, enabling him to study for a year at the Jerusalem University College and the University of the Holy Land, both in Jerusalem. He has led several study tours to Israel and Turkey, which included stops in Jordan and Greece. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

     Pastor Ted has served for the past seven years as lecturer in New Testament and Homiletics (Preaching) at a seminary in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He also serves as associate pastor at a church in Bulawayo.

     Among Ted's interests are playing with his kids, travel in Africa, the Mediterranean and Middle East, tennis, political history, watching movies, NFL Football and Major League Baseball.

     Mrs. Brandt is a graduate of Rhode Island College in Providence, RI.  She is a physical education teacher who particularly enjoys spending time with youth and children. Terri is an avid runner, also enjoying dance, swimming, tennis and travel.

     The Brandt children are a happy, healthy bunch. Tia, Trevor and Trinity were born in Providence, RI. Tessa was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. They are all excellent students and strong swimmers. The Brandts have loved living in Africa, yet they are eagerly anticipating their return to the USA.

     "Thanks to all of you, the church members, for your positive reception of me on Sunday, March 19th. It is so encouraging to know of your support as together we trust in the Lord's blessings over the coming years.

     I want to express my thanks for those who have made my past few weeks in Oxnard such a positive experience. I appreciate the wonderful Pastor Nominating Committee under the strong and wise leadership of Dorothy Jacobson. Dorothy & Lester have been lovely hosts.   I am particularly thankful for the gracious hospitality of Mrs. Elizabeth Bugg during my recent stay in Oxnard. Your church staff under the leadership of Pastor Diana have all been helpful to me in communicating with the committee and congregation, and in beginning to plan the upcoming transition.

     Please pray for us as we say goodbye to our friends in Africa after seven years of life and ministry there, and as we plan all the details of our journey to Ventura County and First Presbyterian Church. We'll be praying for you as well, as you enjoy celebrating the Easter season. We anticipate with you the endless possibilities for growth in the Risen Christ.

     I want to leave you with one of my favorite scripture verses, from the "resurrection chapter" of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians:
                "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory
                          through our Lord Jesus Christ"
                                (1 Corinthiians 15:57)

Much Love in Christ,
Pastor Ted Brandt "                                     Email - pastor@firstpresoxnard.org

Nick Tracy

Director of Music and Young Adults

Bio and Picture Coming Soon!

Jered and Caroline Gritters
Seminary Interns
Jr. & Sr. High Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Jered is in his final year of studies in the Master of Divinity program at Fuller Theological Seminary. Jered and Caroline were married this summer. Jered graduated from George Fox University, having majored in Biblical Studies and minored in Philosophy. Caroline graduated from Biola University this last spring having majored in Biblical Studies.