Clergy Appointments 2023

Rev. Sandra K. Olewine as Assistant to the Bishop

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Sandra K. Olewine as Assistant to the Bishop at California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church beginning July 1, 2024.

Rev. Olewine is currently appointed as South District Superintendent of The California-Pacific Annual Conference. Rev. John Farley will retire as of July 1, 2024.

Pastor Yiting Wang as Pastor of Church of the Foothills of Duarte

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Yiting Wang as Pastor of Church of the Foothills in the East District beginning January 1, 2024.

Pastor Wang is currently assigned to Pomona Valley Chinese UMC in the East District.

Kevin Kang as Lay Person Assigned at Tujunga UMC and Crescenta Valley UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Kevin Kang as Lay Person Assigned to ¼ time to Tujunga United Methodist Church and ¾ time to Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church in the North District beginning November 15, 2023.

Pastor Glenn Hoskins as Pastor of Christ Our Savior UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Glenn Hoskins at 25% to Christ Our Savior United Methodist Church beginning October 10, 2023.

Pastor Hoskins will continue to be appointed at 75% to Community UMC of Pearblossom.

Rev. Lynette Mo’unga Fuka as Pastor of Dominguez UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Lynette Mo’unga Fuka at 25% to Dominguez United Methodist Church beginning October 1, 2023.

Rev. Lisa Telomen as Pastor of Redondo Beach First UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Lisa Telomen as Pastor of Redondo Beach First United Methodist Church beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Telomen is a member of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference.

Rev. Kenneth Suhr as Director of Leadership and Congregational Vitality at Cal-Pac Conference of The UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Kenneth Suhr as Director of Leadership and Congregational Vitality at the California-Pacific Annual Conference beginning September 1, 2023.

Rev. Suhr is currently appointed to Aldersgate UMC of Tustin as Co-Pastor in the South District.

Rev. Kristiane Smith as Pastor of Moorpark UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Kristiane Smith as Pastor of Moorpark United Methodist Church in the North District beginning October 1, 2023.

Rev. Smith is currently appointed to Conejo Connect, a Cooperative Ministry of Westlake Village UMC, Thousand Oaks UMC, and St. Matthew’s UMC of Newbury Park.

Deborah Wise as Lay Person Assigned to Guam UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Deborah Wise as Lay Person Assigned to Guam United Methodist Church in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023. 

Pastor Brad Biggerstaff as Lay Person Assigned of Downey UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Pastor Brad Biggerstaff as Lay Person Assigned to Downey United Methodist Church in the West District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Biggerstaff is currently serving at Asbury UMC in Livermore in the California-Nevada Annual Conference.

Kevin Kang as Lay Person Assigned of Tujunga UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Kevin Kang as Lay Person Assigned to Tujunga United Methodist Church in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Dr. Bo Yong Lee as Associate Pastor of Valley Korean UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Bo Yong Lee as Associate Pastor, Administrative and Education Director, to Valley Korean United Methodist Church in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Hee Cho Om as Pastor of Covenant UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Hee Cho Om as pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Dr. Brian Suk-Boo Lee as pastor of Los Feliz UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Brian Suk-Boo Lee as pastor at Los Feliz United Methodist Church in the West District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Dr. Antonio Neil Platon III as pastor of Santa Maria First UMC and Christ UMC of Santa Maria

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Antonio Neil Platon to the Mission Area at 75% as pastor at Santa Maria First United Methodist Church and at 25% as pastor at Christ United Methodist Church of Santa Maria in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Lourdes Muratalla as Lay Person Assigned to El Getsemani UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Pastor Lourdes Muratalla at 25% as lay person assigned to El Getsemani United Methodist Church in Santa Ana in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor David Jaimes will continue at 50% as pastor at Santa Ana UMC in the South District.

Maria Longley as Lay Person Assigned to Community UMC of Winchester

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Maria Longley as lay person assigned at 25% as pastor at Community United Methodist Church of Winchester in the South District as of July 1, 2023.

Maria follows Rev. Terry Fisher who will be appointed at 25% as pastor at First UMC of Lompoc.

Pastor Hieu Minh Castle as pastor of Wesley UMC of San Diego

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Hieu Minh Castle at 25% as pastor of Wesley United Methodist Church of San Diego with a focus on administration and children’s ministry in the South District as of July 1, 2023.

Pastor Castle follows Pastor Toan Le who retires after 16 years at Wesley UMC beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Jean Elise Durandisse as Pastor of Chollas View UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Jean Elise Durandisse at 50% as pastor of Chollas View United Methodist Church in the South District as of July 1, 2023.

Pastor Durandisse will continue at 50% at Christ UM Ministry Center in San Diego. Pastor Durandisse follows Rev. Luis Garcia who is being appointed pastor at Pacoima UMC in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Frances “Fran” Wiebenga as Pastor of Harris UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Frances Wiebenga as pastor of Harris United Methodist Church in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Wiebenga is retired clergy in Hawai`i. The Rev. Won-Seok Yuh is being appointed as senior pastor of First UMC of Honolulu.

Melissa Pryor as Lay Person Assigned to UMC of Twentynine Palms

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Melissa Pryor as Lay Pastor Assigned to United Methodist Church of Twentynine Palms in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Melissa Pryor is a Certified Lay Minister.

Yiting Wang as Lay Person Assigned to Pomona Valley Chinese UMC for the Chinese Ministry

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Yiting Wang to Pomona Valley Chinese United Methodist Church for Chinese Ministry in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Wang is a Ph.D. student at Claremont School of Theology. Zicong Li is being assigned as a full-time Lay Person Assigned to Faith UMC of San Gabriel Valley.

Rev. Chi-Young Jeong as Pastor of Olive UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Chi-Young Jeong to Olive United Methodist Church in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Jeong is currently serving at Ewa Beach UMC in the Hawai`i District. The Rev. Bae Sun Kim is being appointed to Kum Ran UMC in the West District.

Rev. Chamie Delkeskamp as Pastor of First UMC of North Hollywood

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Chamie Delkeskamp as Pastor of First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Delkeskamp is currently appointed at Ascension Lutheran School as the Resource Pastor.

Pastor Charlene Ryan-Moore as Lay Person Assigned to Yucca Valley UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Pastor Charlene Ryan-Moore as Lay Person Assigned to Yucca Valley United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Ryan-Moore has been a lay member to Annual Conference for several years. Pastor ‘Akanesi Tupou, is being assigned as the pastor for Alhambra First UMC and San Gabriel English ministries at 50% respectively in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Son-Pom Ye as Pastor of Community UMC of Wrightwood

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Son-Pom Ye at 75% to the Community United Methodist Church of Wrightwood in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Son Pom Ye is currently serving at Hesperia UMC and Hesperia Korean Mission Church in the East District.

Pastor Jonggoo Lee as Pastor of Hesperia UMC and Hesperia Korean Mission Church

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Jonggoo Lee to the Hesperia United Methodist Church and Hesperia Korean Mission Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Jonggoo Lee is currently serving at Holliston UMC in the North District and will be commissioned at Annual Conference this year.

Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin Jr. as Pastor to Inglewood First UMC and Change Manager to the West District

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin Jr. as Pastor at 50% to Inglewood First United Methodist Church and 50% as Change Manager, both in the West District, beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Cyrus-Franklin is currently appointed 75% to Grace UMC Of Los Angeles and 25% to Inglewood First UMC in the West District.

Rev. Katie Monfortte as Co-Pastor of Claremont UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Kathryn Monfortte as Co-Pastor of Claremont United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Monfortte is currently appointed to the General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) as the Education Program Coordinator. Rev. Karen Clark Ristine and Rev. Martha Morales will both enter into the retired status as of June 30, 2023.

Rev. Jay L. Campbell as Co-Pastor of Claremont UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Jay L. Campbell as Co-Pastor of Claremont United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Campbell is currently appointed in the Virginia Annual Conference. Rev. Karen Clark Ristine and Rev. Martha Morales will both enter into the retired status as of June 30, 2023.

Rev. Saul Montiel as Pastor of Fallbrook UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Saul Montiel as Pastor of Fallbrook United Methodist Church in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Montiel is currently appointed to Downey UMC. Pastor Katie Donaldson is being appointed to Ojai UMC in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Diane Rehfield as Interim Co-Pastor of Ventura/North Oxnard Cooperative Parish

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Diane Rehfield as Interim Co-Pastor to the Ventura/North Oxnard Cooperative Parish in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Rehfield is appointed in retirement. The Rev. Matt McPhee is being appointed to Shepherd of the Valley UMC in the East District.

Rev. Cynthia Huskey as Co-Pastor of Ventura/North Oxnard Cooperative Parish

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Cynthia Huskey as 75% as Co-Pastor to the Ventura/North Oxnard Cooperative Parish in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Huskey is currently serving at St. Mark UMC in Santa Barbara in the North District. The Rev. Matt McPhee is being appointed to Shepherd of the Valley UMC in Indio in the East District.

Rev. Matthew McPhee as Pastor of Shepherd of the Valley UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Matthew McPhee as Pastor of Shepherd of the Valley United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. McPhee is currently appointed to the Ventura/North Oxnard Cooperative Parish. The Rev. Dr. Belynda Reece is retiring.

Rev. Khoung Chau as Associate Pastor of Vietnamese-language ministry at Garden Grove UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Khoung Chau as Associate Pastor of Vietnamese-language ministry at Garden Grove United Methodist Church in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Chau will also continue his 75% appointment at Good Shepherd UMC of Westminster, where he primarily serves the English-language ministry.

Rev. Dr. Young Hee Chung as Pastor of Ewa Beach UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Young Hee Chung to Ewa Beach United Methodist Church in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Dr. Chung is currently serving at Holliston UMC (드림교회) in the North District. The Rev. Chi-Young Jeong is being appointed to Olive UMC in the Hawai`i District.

Pastor Teaira Parker as Pastor of First UMC of San Fernando

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Teaira Parker as Lay Person Assigned to First United Methodist Church of San Fernando in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Parker is a Local Pastor in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. She is currently serving Broad Street UMC in Burlington, New Jersey. Rev. Stanley Ferguson will return to retired status.

Rev. Erika Gara as Pastor of Los Altos UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Erika Gara as Pastor of Los Altos United Methodist Church in the West District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Gara is currently appointed to Redondo Beach First UMC. Rev. Sandra Richards is taking an appointment in the California-Nevada Annual Conference.

Rev. Kimberly Scott as Pastor of Grace UMC of Los Angeles

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Kimberly Scott as Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church of Los Angeles in the West District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Scott is an Elder in the Desert Southwest Annual Conference.

Pastor Kihyun Cho as Pastor to Hope UMC of San Diego for the Korean Ministry

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Kihyun Cho to Hope United Methodist Church of San Diego for the Korean Ministry in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.  

Pastor Cho will be commissioned as an elder at this year’s Annual Conference. Rev. Jung Min Kim is being appointed to a church in the California-Nevada Annual Conference.

Pastor Monalisa “Lupi” Halapua as Pastor of West Kauai UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Monalisa “Lupi” Halapua to West Kauai United Methodist Church in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Halpua is currently serving at Immanuel UMC in Saipan.

Rev. Rogelio Lim as Pastor of Immanuel UMC of Saipan

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Rogelio Lim to Immanuel United Methodist Church in Saipan in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Lim is currently serving at Kapalong First UMC located in the Philippines. Pastor Monalisa “Lupi” Halapua is being appointed to West Kauai UMC in the Hawai`i District.

Rev. Bae Sun Kim as Pastor of Kum Ran UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Bae Sun Kim to Kum Ran United Methodist Church in the West District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Kim is currently serving at Olive UMC in the Hawai`i District.

Rev. Terry Fisher as Pastor of First UMC of Lompoc

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Terry Fisher at 25% to First United Methodist Church of Lompoc in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Fisher is currently appointed to Community UMC of Winchester. Rev. Joy Price will be serving as interim pastor at Valley of the Flowers United Church of Christ in Lompoc.

Mrs. Pamela Fisher as Lay Person Assigned to First UMC of Lompoc

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to assign Mrs. Pamela Fisher at 75% to First United Methodist Church of Lompoc in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Mrs. Fisher is currently Professor of Digital Media Journalism, Program Director, M.A. Strategic Communication, UXD and B.A. Digital Media & Communication Studies at Azusa Pacific University and currently seeking to become a local licensed pastor.

Pastor Akanesi Tupou as Pastor of San Gabriel First UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Akanesi Tupou to San Gabriel First United Methodist Church at 50% for English language ministry in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Tupou is currently appointed to the Morongo Basin Cooperative Parish. The Rev. Dr. Warren B. (Terry) Van Hook is returning to the retired relationship.

Rev. Dr. Joseph Choi as Pastor of Holliston UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Joseph Choi to Holliston United Methodist Church (드림교회) in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Dr. Choi is currently appointed to Covenant UMC.

Rev. Jon Waterson as Pastor of Whittier First UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Jon Waterson to Whittier First United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Waterson is currently appointed to Shepherd of the Hills UMC as an associate. Rev. Dr. Angela Galanis Price is being appointed to Glendale First UMC in North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Jennifer Burns as Associate Pastor at Shepherd of the Hills UMC, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita UMC campuses

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Jennifer Burns to Shepherd of the Hills UMC, Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita UMC campuses, in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Burns is an Elder and full member of the West Ohio Annual Conference.

Rev. Luis Garcia as Pastor of Pacoima First UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Luis Garcia to Pacoima First United Methodist Church in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Garcia is currently appointed as Pastor at 75% at Chollas View UMC and 25% at Jacumba UMC. The Rev. Dr. Lydia Waters is returning to retired status.

Rev. Connie Tamkin as Pastor of St. James UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Connie Tamkin ½ time to St. James United Methodist Church in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Tamkin is a retired clergy out of the North Texas Annual Conference. Rev. Malyong Yi will be returning to the retired status.

Rev. Les Lungren as Pastor of Trinity UMC of Los Osos

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Les Lungren to Trinity United Methodist Church of Los Osos in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Lungren is currently serving as Interim Pastor for First UMC in Porterville and Grand Avenue UMC in Porterville in The California-Nevada Conference. Rev. Gilbert Stones will retire as of June 30, 2023.

Rev. Kristopher Tate as Pastor of Newport Center UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Kristopher Tate to Newport Center United Methodist Church in Corona Del Mar beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Tate is currently serving at Glendale First UMC. The Rev. Cindy Williams will retire June 30, 2023.

Pastor Ana Hungalu as Pastor of Hilo UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Ana Hungalu to serve as Senior Pastor at Hilo United Methodist Church in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Ana is currently serving as Pastor at Guam UMC. Rev. Alena Uhamaka is being appointed to Ontario First UMC in the East District.

Rev. Dr. Jack (J.T.) Greenleaf as Pastor of St. Paul’s UMC of Coronado

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Jack (J.T.) Greenleaf as Pastor at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Coronado in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Greenleaf is currently serving Redlands First UMC.  Rev. Robert Fuelser is being appointed as Pastor to The Mission Area, which includes St. Mark UMC of Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara First UMC, in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Kristie Grimaud as Pastor of Ramona UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Kristie Grimaud as Pastor at Ramona United Methodist Church in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Grimaud is currently serving as Associate Pastor at Foothills UMC in La Mesa. Rev. John Demaree will be appointed in the Indiana Annual Conference beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Mary Scifres as Interim Pastor of Laguna Beach UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to continue to appoint Rev. Mary Scifres as Interim Pastor at Laguna Beach United Methodist Church in the South District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Jaime Nieves as Pastor of Sage Granada Park UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Jaime Nieves as Pastor at Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Nieves is currently serving at Ojai UMC. Rev. George R. Martzen will be retiring on July 1, 2023.

Rev. Mina Nau-Mahe as Associate Pastor at First UMC of Pasadena

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Mina Nau-Mahe as Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Nau-Mahe is currently serving at Good Shepherd UMC in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in The Mountain Sky Conference.

Rev. Dr. Angela Galanis Price as Senior Pastor at First UMC of Glendale

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Angela Galanis Price as Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Glendale beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Dr. Galanis Price is currently serving at Whittier First UMC. Rev. Kristopher Tate is being appointed to Newport Center United Methodist Church in Corona Del Mar.

Pastor Paula Haeane as Pastor of Colton UMC 

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Paula Haeane to serve as pastor at 50% for Colton United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023. 

Pastor Haeane is currently serving at First Tongan of Pomona Valley. Pastor Taike Lolohea is being appointed to Tongan UMC in Mesa, Arizona, in the Desert Southwest Conference. 

Pastor Langi Lolohea as Pastor of First Tongan of Pomona Valley and Wesley UMC of Riverside 

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Pastor Langi Lolohea to serve as pastor at 50% for First Tongan of Pomona Valley and at 50% for Wesley United Methodist Church of Riverside in the East District beginning July 1, 2023. 

Pastor Lolohea is currently serving at 75% for Wesley UMC of Riverside and 25% for San Dimas UMC.

Pastor Katie Donaldson as Pastor of Ojai UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint the Pastor Katie Donaldson to Ojai United Methodist Church in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Pastor Donaldson is currently serving Fallbrook UMC in the South District.

Rev. Won-Seok Yuh as Pastor of First UMC of Honolulu

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint the Rev. Won-Seok Yuh to First United Methodist Church of Honolulu in the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Yuh is currently serving at Harris UMC. Rev. Dr. Tom Choi at First UMC of Honolulu is being appointed as District Superintendent to the Hawai`i District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Alena Uhamaka as Pastor of Ontario First UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Alena Uhamaka to serve as pastor at Ontario First United Methodist Church in the East District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Uhamaka is currently serving at Hilo UMC in the Hawaii District. Rev. Catie Coots at Ontario First UMC will retire June 30, 2023.

Rev. Robert Fuesler as Pastor of St. Mark UMC and First UMC of Santa Barbara

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Robert Fuesler to serve the Mission Area to include First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara and St. Mark United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara in the North District beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. B. J. Beu as Pastor of Laguna Country UMC in Laguna Woods

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. B. J. Beu to Laguna Country United Methodist Church in Laguna Woods beginning July 1, 2023.

Rev. Beu is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ. Rev. Douglas Williams will retire as of June 30, 2023.

Rev. Eric Schmidt as Pastor of Placentia UMC and East District Union Grant Writer 

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Eric Schmidt 50% time at Placentia United Methodist Church and 50% time at the East District Union as Grant Writer beginning March 1, 2023. 

Rev. Schmidt is currently serving 75% at Placentia UMC and 25% at the West District Union, Assistant Director.  

Rev. Dr. Thomas Choi as District Superintendent of the Hawaii District

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Thomas Choi as District Superintendent of the Hawaii District beginning July 1, 2023.  

Rev. Choi is currently serving First United Methodist Church of Honolulu. Rev. Lee is being appointed as the District Superintendent to the East District.  

Rev. Moonyoung Lee as District Superintendent of the East District  

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Moonyoung Lee as District Superintendent of the East District beginning July 1, 2023. 

Rev. Lee is currently serving as the District Superintendent of the Hawai`i District.  Rev. Dr. Siosaia Tu’itahi is being appointed as District Superintendent to the West District.  

Rev. Dr. Siosaia Tu’itahi as District Superintendent of the West District  

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. Dr. Siosaia Tu’itahi as District Superintendent of the West District beginning July 1, 2023.  

Rev. Tu’itahi is currently serving as the District Superintendent of the East District. Rev. Mark Nakagawa will retire June 30, 2023, after having served in ministry for over 37 years.

Rev. M. Guadalupe Alonso-Redondo as Pastor of Bardsdale UMC

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank intends to appoint Rev. M. Guadalupe Alonso-Redondo at Bardsdale United Methodist Church beginning February 1, 2023.  

Rev. Alonso-Redondo is currently serving 25% at El Buen Pastor UMC and 75% at Bardsdale UMC.