The Reverend Doctor Tom Patterson was chosen by the Pastoral Transition Committee to be Emmanuel's interim pastor. The Session voted to approve, and the Presbytery of North Puget Sound concurred.

Pastor Patterson's first Sunday in the pulpit was October 2nd.

Pastor Patterson will work in a part time capacity to insure the church continues to operate. He will preach about three Sundays a month, with the other Sunday provided by a member of the congregation or another visiting pastor. His contract is for six months and can be extended or shortened as needed. As the interim pastor, he cannot be a candidate for the position of a permanent pastor as per the Presbyterian Book of Order.

Tom Patterson has been an ordained Presbyterian pastor since 1989. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, his Masters of Divinity from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (Iowa), and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA). He has served Christ with churches in Alaska, California, and Washington. In addition to his work as pastor, he has an executive coaching practice in Seattle (SoundCoaching LLC), working with business and church leaders locally, and around the country, as well as leading workshops and retreats on “Core Values” and “Family Systems in the Workplace.” He has been married 31 years to Liz, and they have a son (20) named Joe, currently in his second year at Shoreline Community College. For fun, Tom is a rock climber (often with Joe) and a sea kayaker (usually with Liz).