Reverend John Farley intends to retire on July 1, 2024

Grace and peace on this day the Lord has made.

I bring you the news of the retirement of the Assistant to the Bishop, Reverend John Farley. We are grateful for his service to the California-Pacific Conference.

Reverend Farley is second-generation clergy in our conference. He has served with deep care for churches and clergy. Prior to his role as Assistant to the Bishop for the past two years, Reverend Farley has served as on the Appointive Cabinet since 2013, including 8 years as the Dean. His appointment history includes serving as Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry at Trinity Pomona UMC (1981-1984), Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry at Church of the Good Shephard in Arcadia (1984-1989), Associate Council Director for Youth, Young Adult and Camp Programs at the United Methodist Conference Center (1989-1996), and senior pastor of La Mesa Foothills UMC (1996-2013). He has also served as Provisional Registrar for the Board of Ordained Ministry, Conference Chair of the Orders of Ministry, the Chair of the South District Planning and Strategy Team and the Conference New Ministries Essential Ministry Team.

Reverend Farley’s work among us has been fruitful and faithful. His skills of pastoral care, administration, and connectional work have been instrumental in the conference. We will miss John bringing music, food, and laughter to our places of gathering. Please take a moment to congratulate and thank John for the good work he has offered to our conference.

Grace y paz,

Bishop Dottie
Resident Bishop of the Los Angeles Area
California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church