Sisters and brothers,

I am pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Sharon Rhodes-Wickett will serve as our California-Pacific Conference’s Interim Executive Director of Connectional Ministries beginning September 1, 2019.

Currently in retired relationship with the California-Pacific Conference, Rev. Dr. Rhodes-Wickett previously served in ministry at Claremont UMC (Claremont, CA), Westwood UMC (Westwood, CA), and Santa Clarita UMC (Santa Clarita, CA), among other local churches. In addition, she served as District Superintendent of the Long Beach District for four years, leading an area known for its great diversity and strong ministry potential.

Rev. Dr. Rhodes-Wickett earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Claremont School of Theology.

Connectionally, she has served on a wide range of district and conference committees as well as some national ecumenical agencies. Currently, she serves on the Board of Trustees of Claremont School of Theology and also on the Board for Wesley Foundation serving UCLA.

As such, Sharon brings such a wealth of ministry experience and wisdom that I am so excited that she has agreed to serve us in this way. During this uncertain time for our United Methodist Church, I believe Sharon’s leadership will be key as we navigate a new direction for our California-Pacific Conference.

Let me remind everyone that we respect Sharon’s commitments in retirement, which include her grandchildren, and, therefore, she will be serving part time in our Conference Office. South District Superintendent, Rev. John Farley, and I will be assuming some of the other role functions of the Executive Director of Connectional Ministries. As we are in a current search process for the permanent Executive Director of Connectional Ministries, we will keep everyone informed when that search process has been completed.

Let us keep Sharon in prayer and welcome her as she leads in this capacity.

Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church