In Memoria
Rev. Dr. Michael D. Landreth

So many stories come to mind when talking about Rev Landreth (Mike), one that comes to mind was when I first met Mike! I was dating, my then wife, Judi Sepulveda. I happened to be over at Judi’s home, when Mike paid a visit! Yes a personnel visit, I was impressed with that! But it was at this personnel visit Mike asked me be a part of the youth group at CHPC! I was impressed with his asking and served the church in that capacity for over forty years! I enjoyed Mike’s ability to entertain the youth with his magic tricks and his zest for life! A soul taken early, but only to God knows the reason! See you in the next life dear friend’

Will never forget the evening of fellowship @ Buca di Beppo’s in Brea with quite a few of us. Michael was doing magic for many of the patrons that evening in the restaurant. His love of people and sharing of himself was such a joy. What a blessing to have known him and share his life with others. We love you Barbara, prayers are with you.

My parents, Kenneth and Glenna Hudson (who both passed away in 2020) were founding members of the church. Mike was often at our home in the beginning years. He officiated my wedding, he baptized all 3 of my children, and he officiated at my parent's funerals. He visited my parents in summer 2020, before they passed, to talk and pray. He provided great comfort to me during a time of unimaginable trauma when I was 20. He provided counsel and wisdom to our family. He was a wise man, kind, and happy. I am blessed to have been a long-time member of the church and able to return many, many times over the years to attend with my parents. My heart is full having known Mike.

A great supportive friend and mentor. God Bless.

Our entire family shares so many memories with CHPC, Mike, Barbara and our years in Anaheim Hills... Jon and I will miss your "newsy" updates in your Christmas cards. When we see the kids next week, we will "lift a glass" of our best Napa Valley Cab in your honor!
We are sure that you were "toasted" at the pearly gates with "job well done" by all who welcomed you. May the thoughts of your "welcome party" and all those that are happy to reunite with you in heaven help Barbara through this terrible time of loss.

I first met Mike at a neighborhood birthday party. I was 10. He performed a magic trick and then I found out he was a minister. I immediately thought he had to be one of the coolest people on the planet. We soon began attending Canyon Hills at Vista del Rio and I got to know Mike better, all the while his influence on my life continued to grow.

I became active in the church, first teaching Sunday School (as a helper), then joining our youth groups. Along the way I met other amazing adults, who like Mike, would shape my life. And I made friends with people, some who are still among my nearest and dearest. What Mike created at Canyon Hills was so special -- the sense of community and belonging is so unique and something that still is so incredibly strong. It is palpable whenever I come "home."

Mike was there for me during the highs and lows in my life. He helped counsel me during life's challenges and when I doubted my faith. I was so honored that he was standing next to me as he co-officiated my wedding- I couldn't imagine that day without him.

My last visit with Mike was far too short-he made a point to come up to me after my brother’s memorial. As always, Mike had just the right blend of caring, guidance, and humor to help ease my pain. I wish I had known that would be our last visit-I would have made certain that he knew how much I treasure his effect on my life and how much he meant to me. Rest well, Mike…you have certainly earned your wings.

I can't help but smile when I think of Mike. He was my youth group pastor and minister. He was also close friends with my dad, Tom Rehberg. It was a privilege to be part of starting up a church and helping in Sunday school.
The bonds formed in our youth group carry on today (40+ years later). Mike was always smiling, joking and doing magic tricks. He made a difference in so many lives through his ministry and he was loved by all. I am so thankful for his impact on my faith and my life. I know my dad was waiting to greet him in heaven. My sincere condolences to Barbara.

I remember going to services at Crescent Elementary School. Rev Landreth was a great orator. A great magician as well. Wonderful sermons. My favorite was God’s love of people because God loves stories. I’m sure he is sharing a few in Heaven now how he built a wonderful church and a community in Anaheim Hills. Godspeed Rev Landreth.

What do you say about Mike??? Did you know he loved his garden? He would provide tender care to the vegetables and herbs he grew and was so proud when he served them to you. Oh they tasted so good!

And when the lettuce was past the fine dining he would deliver the lettuce to our house for our turtles to enjoy!!

Mike showing up, unannounced (but we had been warned) at our house on a Saturday after we had been a church a couple of times. Magic tricks for the kids and a nice visit with Sue and me.

Mike reaching out for a member when he met a visitor after service and connecting them.

Mike’s gratitude for being on a mountain top retreat with session when we hit a very difficult time for the church.
Mike’s reaction to a not so bright session member (me) bringing beer and wine to the fellowship hall opening when we still had a dry campus rule in place.

Wendell and I have so much gratitude and love for Mike. He was the first one who not only supported and encouraged us getting together “as a couple”,many years ago… but eventually married us. Our hearts go out to Barbara during this very difficult time. Our Love and continued support for this wonderful Church family of ours will never end, thanks to his example.

Mike and Barb were such an un-ministerial “groovy” couple when as a child in the 70’s I got to know them at First Presbyterian in Fullerton. Later Mike married us in 1986. I’ll never forget the things he told us then.

Mike (and Barbara) have been a big part of our lives for many years – the 7 years we spent at CHPC and the 30 years since we moved away. They flew east twice so Mike could officiate our children’s weddings; we were part of the Israel/Jordan tour in 2008, and best of all, experienced an unforgettable trip to Tanzania with them and the Thielmanns in 2015. Mike has been a steady resource, whether we needed to share joy or sorrow. Always ready with several (usually corny) jokes. His sermons were second to none. He built a wonderful church community from the ground up. The first time he came to our house he taught our young dog how to jump up on the couch. It’s hard for me to imagine a world without Mike in it. All our love and sympathies to Barbara.

Mike was so special in so many ways! My favorite memory was when he talked my mom into letting my sister and me ditch school so he could take us to the local mountains and teach us to ski in advance of the upcoming youth group ski trip. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

I remember the first time we attended CHPC in the 80's and it was at El Rancho Middle School. Mike made our family feel very welcome. Over the years he provided our family, as well as others, religious leadership, adult education and social opportunities, organized youth activities in the early years for our children, and was there personally for us in difficult times. When our physical church was built, it was my honor to be chosen as the wedding director and I worked closely with Mike in this position for nearly 20 years. He was a minister who gave selflessly to all of our church family members in so many ways. His dedication to the ministry and our church has left a deep impression on all of our lives. He will be forever missed by all of us.

Mike was always there throughout our lives, setting the stage for good community- in friendships, in partnerships, in being present, and a key figure and mentor in so many lives. Even as a Catholic kid at San Antonio Church, I knew Mike was all of our friend. His long friendship with Father Seamus brought unity, and taught us that it’s ok, and good, to accept one another; and the whole community was stronger, happier, more united as a result. For CHPC youth, Mike was always there, available to give wisdom with dignity, like a spiritual counselor in the most practical ways. Mike’s happiness is his legacy in all of us. And now it’s our time to honor him for all of his good work on earth, returning his joy and light up to him in his new life in heaven. Thank you, dear Mike Landreth!

It was taken me time to process the passing of Reverend Michael Landreth a loss deep to my personal and spiritual heart. Some joys in life are so great, and some losses so profound, that they must be shared. 

How can I begin to describe a person that brought me back to God? Not that I ever left God, but how I learned to bring Him to the forefront of my everyday life. 

It began with Canyon Hills Preschool and thereby forming a relationship with Mike, Barbara, Lisa and Alan. Not long after, I began attending regular Sunday services. I was energized, uplifted and comfortable. Mike’s sermons were typically interwoven with recent events and circled around to the teachings of the Bible. Mike taught us how to navigate a complicated world through the eyes of those who’ve witnessed it before, with grace, compassion, and steadfastness in seeking what is right & just. 

That was one of his many gifts ~ the ability to make relevant written testament of those before us who witnessed so much and to make their experience relevant in our daily lives. As he would call it, “Food for thought.” Without food, the body decays. Without thought, the soul decays. 

It didn't take long before Mike’s swift wit (and persistence) led me into Children’s Ministries as Elder and Sunday School Teacher (I often refer to myself as a retired Sunday School Teacher to this day). It was a joy. I didn’t fully realize at the time despite me teaching Sunday School, Mike was still teaching me. He promoted not only the importance of enriching our children, but also the value of service to people of all ages. The example he set led to expansion of Children’s Ministries. We were guided to share our abundances with mission projects. Featherly Park, at the time, was a largely homeless encampment, taught my children service to others . These outings showed my family that Christianity wasn’t about memorizing Bible passages. It wasn’t about dogmatic kneeling, standing, or sitting on cue. Rather, Christianity is about being better versions ourselves despite the constant forces of negativity, division, and hatred that surrounds us. For a little over an hour once a week, Mike shepherded us through good & bad and we are all better people for having the privilege of his company. 

It is in this spirit we honor Reverend Michael Landreth and promise to carry on the legacy of his life’s devotion to make the place we call home better than it was before. 

Barbara thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing Mike with us. It was an honor to have you both in my life. Patti Buckton (Guinn) and family.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face; 
the rains fall soft upon your fields 
and until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand