PASTORAL STAFF
Pastor: Bill Wood
bill@firstpressantamonica.org
Pastor Bill Wood hails from Detroit, Michigan. A teenage interest in chemistry, coupled with his grandfather’s tutelage on the piano, and active involvement in his Methodist Church youth group, together with the unfailing love and support of his family have led to his lifelong passion for serving God in church, family, community, science and the arts. His educational degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree from the University of Michigan (1973), a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley (1977), and a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena (1983). He was ordained to the ministry of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in October of 1983. He served as Associate Pastor of The First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside, California, from 1983-1998. He married the love of his life, Sherril Kannasto, of Ashland, Oregon, in June of 1998; they have one daughter, Julie, who lives with her husband in Mexico. He began his service as Pastor of The First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica in August of 1998. His hobbies include classical music and opera, reading, beach volleyball, tennis, and travel. He is a terrible golfer.
Associate Pastor: Shelby Larsen
shelby@firstpressantamonica.org
Associate Pastor Shelby Larsen joined First Pres in April, 2006. Formerly an attorney in the entertainment industry, she (finally!) listened to God, and became ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University, a Master of Arts in Education, a J.D. in law from The Ohio State University, an Ll.M. in Corporate Securities law from New York University and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Shelby and her husband, Chuck Larsen, an entertainment executive, have been married for more years than she cares to admit. They have three daughters, three sons-in-law, six grandchildren, and one dog. She is a voracious reader, an avid theater-goer, a supporter of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and committed to making needlepoint stockings for each family member (a project that is currently only two grandchildren behind)! She is a worse golfer than Dr. Wood.
