It is with great joy that I announce the appointment of Rev. Sandra Olewine as the District Superintendent to the South District of the California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church. Rev. Olewine will assume this position on July 1, 2021.

Sandy has such a remarkable ministerial career.  She started her ministry as the Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Fontana, before becoming an Associate Minister of Holman United Methodist Church, working alongside our living legend, Rev. Dr. James Lawson, Jr.  From there she served for over 10 years as a Missionary in Jerusalem with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM).  Upon returning to Cal-Pac in the mid 2000’s, she started a new church in the Long Beach area.  She then served as the Senior Pastor at Santee United Methodist Church before being appointed as the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena for the past 7 years.

Sandy has been and is a General/Jurisdictional Delegate and an active member of the United Methodist General Council of Finance and Administration (GCFA).  She is also active on the Board of Methodist Hospital.

Sandy brings such a varied and diverse appointment and ministerial experience level to the whole annual conference and the South District.  I am looking forward to how her gifts and graces will bless our Conference as well as throughout the Connection.

I also want to thank Rev. John Farley who has served for 8 years as the South District Superintendent as well as the Dean of our Appointed Cabinet most recently.

Be the Hope,

Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop