I am pleased to announce that I intend to appoint the Rev. James R. Powell as the next Superintendent of the North District of the California-Pacific Conference effective July 1, 2015.

Rev. Powell comes to this new appointment having served in faithful and exemplary ways as Director of Evangelism at Mt. Pisgah UMC (Atlanta, GA), as Senior Pastor of Imperial Beach United Methodist Church and most recently as the long-term Senior Pastor of Palmdale United Methodist Church.  He also served a season as Assistant Director of Camping and Outdoor Ministries in the California-Pacific Conference.

Rev. Powell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) and a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology (Atlanta, GA), as well as completing advanced studies in church leadership at Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX).

I am inspired and encouraged by Jim’s commitment to the local church, his strong pastoral leadership skills, and his deeply connectional spirit. I have every confidence that he will strengthen the work of our Cabinet through the skills, wealth of ministry experience, and great gifts and grace that God has blessed him with.

As we prepare to welcome Jim to our Cabinet I want to express profound gratitude to God for the servant leadership of the Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth. During his term on the Cabinet he has served both the Los Angeles and the North District. He has also served as Dean of Cabinet, gaining the respect and admiration of his colleagues in the California-Pacific Conference as well as from throughout the connection. Christ’s spirit within him and his many gifts have blessed us all. We know that God will continue to use him in amazing ways in his next appointment.

Please join me in praying for these servants of God in this time of transition.

Peace,

Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church