All rights reserved. California-Pacific Conference, 2024.
There are two primary driving forces for Bishop Connie Shelton: being herself and keeping the rhythms that sustain her. Being herself is “incredibly liberating,” Shelton noted, commenting that she does not have to try harder if she just leans into her own being. Additionally, there
With women in leadership all around her, Laura Merrill never thought that she could be limited in being a pastor. She is a fourth-generation first-born woman. Her mother worked outside the home, despite the culture of the time. With the noted superpower of helping, Merrill
The biggest driving force for Robin Dease in pastoral ministry is to make change. Her call to ministry story is one that shows tenacious work ethic and the highest of standards. Before she was appointed as a district superintendent, Dease needed to believe that she
When she was serving as a district superintendent in the Michigan Conference, one of Kennetha Bigham-Tsai’s pastors asked her to be a part of their baptisms happening in a park. Dressed distinctively in a long African dress and ready for a day of events around
As a child, the world of service to others surrounded Dottie Escobedo-Frank. The daughter of missionary parents always felt a call to serve while watching her parents, but then and repeatedly in life kept refusing it or setting it aside. She experienced what she termed
Delores Williamston will tell you that she has always known, deeply, that she was called to something, even as a young person, and even if she couldn’t pinpoint it. The call never quieted. When she returned to the church as an adult, wishing to have
March 24, 2021 Black clergywomen are pioneers of The United Methodist Church who have answered the call to make disciples for the transformation of the world. They have had a positive impact on churches and communities, with spiritual, numerical and financial growth occurring under their
In celebration of Women’s History Month 2023, The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women (GCSRW) will be publishing eight blog articles, written by the Rev. Emily Nelms Chastain, in order to highlight the newly elected women bishops by The United Methodist Church.
January 6, 2023 “This is the first time I have ever felt comfortable in front of a computer!” – Charles, a Saint Mark computer lab client The South Los Angeles neighborhood that is home to Saint Mark United Methodist Church is populated by a mix
The California-Pacific Conference’s vision: Ending Spiritual and Physical Hunger resonates and inspires the laity and clergy of our area to give, lead, and serve in new and exciting ways. Each week we will share a video from one of our churches that is living into
