Annual Conference

2026-2027 Clergy Appointment Announcements

The following appointments and assignments are listed in reverse chronological order based upon their announcement to the conference. 

Appointments effective prior to July 1, 2026 can be found at this link.

Rev. Kitione Tu’itupou as Senior Pastor to Santa Ana UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint The Rev. Kitione Tu’itupou as senior pastor to Santa Ana UMC in the South District as of July 1, 2026. The Rev. N. Adiel DePano will enter the retirement relationship as of July 1, 2026.
Rev. Adelante Torino as Associate Pastor to Santa Ana UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint The Rev. Adelante Torino as associate pastor at ¼ time to Santa Ana UMC in the South District as of July 1, 2026.
Rev. Dr. Brian J. Tipton as Pastor to Laguna Country UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint The Rev. Dr. Brian Tipton as pastor to Laguna Country UMC in the South District as of July 1, 2026. The Rev. David Atkins will return to the retirement relationship as of July 1, 2026.
Rev. Mary Scifres as Interim Pastor to Hollywood UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint The Rev. Mary Scifres as interim pastor to Hollywood UMC in the West District. The Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner will be appointed to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, her home conference.
Dr. Joshua Sung-Chang Ryoo as Pastor to Bell Memorial UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Dr. Joshua Sung-Chang Ryoo as pastor at ½ time to Bell Memorial UMC in the East District as of July 1, 2026.
Pastor Khemaron Lay as Associate Pastor to Santa Ana UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Khemaron Lay as associate pastor, Cambodian Ministry, at ¼ time to Santa Ana UMC in the South District as of July 1, 2026.
Pastor Hwal (Paul) Joo as Pastor to Kam-Nam UMC
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Hwal (Paul) Joo as pastor to Kam-Nam UMC in the Hawaii District as of July 1, 2026. Pastor Joo is a retired local pastor from the Mountain Sky Conference. The Rev. Dohmin Kim will enter the retirement relationship as of July 1, 2026.
Rev. Chi Young Jeong as Pastor to Laguna Hills Korean UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint The Rev. Chi Young Jeong as pastor to Laguna Hills Korean UMC in the South District as of July 1, 2026. Pastor Yong Sam Park will return to the retirement relationship as of July 1, 2026.
Pastor Jean Elise Durandisse as Senior Pastor to Exodus UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Jean Elise Durandisse as senior pastor to Exodus UMC at ½ time in the South District as of July 1, 2026. Rev. Donald Owens will enter the retirement relationship and return to his denomination as of July 1, 2026. Pastor Durandisse continues in his appointment at ½ time to Chollas View UMC.
Rev. Dr. Hillary Chrisley as Pastor to Yorba Linda UMC
 
Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint The Rev. Dr. Hillary Chrisley as pastor to Yorba Linda UMC in the East District as of July 1, 2026. The Rev. William deBos will enter the retirement relationship on July 1, 2026. 

Rev. Bonnie Hawk as Senior Pastor to Rolling Hills UMC

Bishop Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Bonnie Hawk as senior pastor to Rolling Hills UMC in the West District as of July 1, 2026. Rev. Jonathan Chute will enter the retirement relationship on July 1, 2026.