The 2026 Cal-Pac Annual Conference celebrated outstanding faithfulness by presenting the #BeUMC Award to one church, one layperson, and one clergy member who exemplify the vision and mission of The United Methodist Church. Nominees were submitted by the Laity Council, Orders Executive Committee, and Cabinet for consideration.
The 2026 Cal-Pac #BeUMC Award recipients are:
- Lay Recipient: Mele Maka, Conference Lay Leader
- Clergy Recipient: Pastor John Crewe, Lahaina UMC
- Church Recipient: Valencia UMC
These recipients demonstrate a commitment to discipleship, service, and leadership, embodying the transformational ministry to which United Methodists are called.
Our Outstanding Lay Person of the Year is Mele Maka
Mele’s spirit is contagious. She speaks boldly and thinks creatively, relying heavily on her active and disciplined prayer life. Mele has served the UMC across all levels of leadership, including the local church, district, conference, jurisdiction, and as a delegate to General Conference. As lay leader of our conference, she embodies the belief that Christ works through her to bring hope and joy to others.
Outstanding Clergy of the Year is Pastor John Crewe
Pastor Crewe’s warm and loving presence has uplifted the Lahaina UMC community since 2019; but never more than on August 8, 2023 and afterward, when wildfires devastated Lahaina. The church lost their sanctuary and fellowship hall and church members lost their homes in the fires. Through it all, Pastor John has tirelessly and tenderly cared for the members of the church and other residents and has led the recovery effort. He has truly been an inspiration and example of the very best clergy in the California-Pacific annual conference.
Our Outstanding Congregation of the Year is Valencia United Methodist Church
Valencia Church is a vibrant and spiritually alive congregation, marked by excellence in worship, leadership, and next‑generation ministry. On Sunday mornings, their services are anchored by compelling, thoughtful preaching and an exceptional music ministry. The congregation’s lay leaders dedicate their time and creativity in everything from original Advent plays to innovative outreach programs. Valencia UMC is an inspiring congregation whose passion, creativity, and faithfulness enrich their community.
Award recipients were announced by Dr. Alyssa Fisher, Cal-Pac Communications Director in partnership with United Methodist Communications, and the award was handed out by Bishop Escobedo-Frank. The #BeUMC Awards align with The United Methodist Church’s vision of forming disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Through acts of compassion, inclusion, justice, and faithfulness, this year’s recipients illustrate how that vision comes alive in congregations and in individual lives.
“The honorees show us what it looks like to live out our faith in meaningful and impactful ways,” said Jennifer Rodia of United Methodist Communications. “Their ministries inspire the Church to more fully engage in God’s mission in the world.”
Twenty one annual conferences participated in the #BeUMC Awards initiative this summer, celebrating inspiring United Methodists across the connection.
Learn more about the 2026 Cal-Pac session at www.calpacumc.org/AC2026.