rev. cynthia abrams church in ocean park: los angeles district...

Cal-Pac 2011 Clergy Nominees to the 2012 General and/or Jurisdictional Conferences

Rev. Cynthia Abrams Church in Ocean Park: Los Angeles District

Nominated by the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) [email protected]

General Conference 2012 will be pivotal for the denomination. Critical decisions related to the Church’s connectional nature will be deliberated. I am deeply concerned about the nature of the proposals and the impact on the Church. The prophetic voice of our annual conference is critical to deliberations. I bring a unique voice that includes thorough knowledge of the General Church, relationships with conference leaders worldwide, and a strong foundation of faith and theology coupled with influence from my American Indian culture. I believe these strengths and my commitment to the annual conference will be a valuable asset to our delegation.

Rev. Piula E. Ala’ilima Wesley UMC: Hawaii District

Nominated by the Hawaii District [email protected]

I was born in Samoa, raised in Hawaii and attended seminary at Claremont. I’ve been in ministry 31 years (the last 23 in Hawaii, presently at Wesley), serving in diverse multi-cultural settings. Recovering Polynesian spirituality and its connection to Jesus’ experience of the beloved, inclusive and just community, has been my passion. Our Conference links us to the Pacific – its people and unique perspective on compassionate leadership, being the body of Christ, and responsibility in mission for justice that empowers the welfare and well-being of all, including our sacred environment. I hope to represent this vital connection to General Conference.

Rev. Richard Bentley Alhambra First UMC: Pasadena District

Nominated by the Pasadena District [email protected]

Fearless advocate with excellent skills bringing people together. Lead Pastor of growing, revitalizing congregation worshiping in English and Chinese. Extensive cross-cultural experience. Mentor with interest in spiritual direction. Wide-spread experience organizing effectively for justice/change in church and society. Helped start feeding program and homeless shelter. Former chair Conference Nominating Committee and district committee on ordained ministry. Provided leadership in Cal-Pac, Western Jurisdiction and national MFSA. Organized at 2004 & 2008 General Conferences. Organized 2002, 2004 & 2008 gatherings to help Western Jurisdiction live out its mission statement. Expert strategist with wide-ranging connections to help Cal-Pac delegation work effectively at GC&WJC.


Rev. Louis Chase Hamilton UMC: Los Angeles District

Nominated by the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) [email protected]

Native of Barbados, Caribbean. Resided in United Kingdom(20 yrs). Served the Methodist Church on the Community Relations Committee; active in urban affairs, Deputy Director of Fullemploy Trust (largest 2nd chance employment training opportunity for disadvantaged youth). School Governor at Vauxhall Manor School & Paddington College. Since 80’s, served AC as Religion and Race Chair, Peace with Justice Chair, Welcoming Committee, Conference/LAD Board of Congregational Development, UMMLAD Trustees, District Planning and Strategy Chair. Missional opportunities to Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua. Alternate to GC. These opportunites equipped me as a prophetic voice for engagement and advocacy with and on behalf of the poor.

Rev. Dr. Bau Dang Riverside District Superintendent

Nominated by the Riverside District [email protected]

2008-present: DS, Translated Bible into Vietnamese language, GBGM Director, Chair Finance Committee, UMCOR, Director, Member Executive Committee, PATH 1, Committee Member, National Federation Asian-American United Methodists (NFAAUM), Treasurer. 2008 GC&WJC Delegate. 2004 Reserved WJC Delegate. 2000-2008 General Commission on Religion/Race (GCORR) Board Member, Chair of Finance Committee. 1988-2008 Associate Pastor, Co-Pastor, Senior Pastor of Wesley UMC: SD - A church with 6 worship services in 4 languages: Cambodian, English, Spanish, Vietnamese. If I have the honor of being chosen, I will trust the Holy Spirit to make the best decisions for our denomination on behalf of our AC at GC.

Rev. A. Paige Eaves Crescenta Valley UMC: Pasadena District

Nominated by the Pasadena District [email protected]

Love being the pastor at Crescenta Valley UMC – also loved youth ministry at Pasadena 1st & Anaheim. Executive Director of Sierra Service Project (90’s). Worked at the World Bank & Habitat for Humanity (India). Education: Candler; Masters of Public Policy (UC Berkeley). Pasadena’s Ecumenical Council Board Member, Progressive Christians Uniting, Abrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative. DPAS, Conference Trustees, CLT. As a GC delegate: Work with team to make the UMC an open&affirming denomination, to strengthen our advocacy around peacemaking, and to help focus general agency efforts. I am one degree removed from most Southern delegates. Would be happy to network.


Rev. Patricia Farris First UMC Santa Monica: Los Angeles District

Nominated by the Los Angeles District [email protected]

Currently Senior Minister of FUMC Santa Monica, I have also served small and medium-sized congregations, as campus minister, and as district superintendent. I bring considerable experience of General Conference, having been elected to six GC delegations. I was elected to Chair the Faith and Order Legislative Committee in 2004. As a CST Trustee and as a member of the UMC Committee on Faith and Order, I bring specific concerns for theological education and UM theology, as well as for our vitality, faithfulness, inclusiveness and mission at this critical juncture.

Rev. Willie J. Foreman First United Methodist Church of Canoga Park: Santa Barbara District

Nominated by the Santa Barbara District [email protected]

Church: Pastor of First UMC, Canoga Park since 2002. District: Presiding Elder at several Charge Conferences, representing the District Superintendent. Conference: Member, Board of Ordained Ministry; Chair, Conference Relations Committee of the Board. Beyond the Cal-Pac conference: past Member, Board of Directors of the General Board of Discipleship; past Associate General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship. Community involvement: Valley Interfaith Council Board Member, fostering interfaith dialogue and social services in the San Fernando Valley. I believe my appointments to cross-racial and diverse settings and my ecumenical and interfaith experience would be an asset to our delegation.

Rev. Debbie Gara First UMC Pasadena: Pasadena District

Nominated by The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) [email protected]

Ordained Deacon, Associate Minister, Children’s and Adult Education, Evangelism and Hospitality. Conference Level: ‘Telling our Stories’ Cal-Pac, 2010; Mentor; Chair: Deacons; CO-Chair: Orders Executive Committee; Board of Ordained Ministry; Korea; Zimbabwe. As a Deacon I represent those called to serve in specialized areas of Ministry partnering with those called to the Ministries of the Elder. The voice and vote of the Deacon is essential. I dream impatiently for a fully inclusive Denomination for the LGBT community. I am committed to working for legislation and leadership that shares the unconditional message of the love of Jesus Christ: right here, right now.


Rev. Nestor Gerente Grace UMC: Long Beach District

Nominated by the Long Beach District [email protected]

As a United Methodist of 29 years, I offer myself as a clergy delegate. With passion for church-growth, evangelism, and social justice, and competence in multiculturalism, networking and advocacy, I will push for legislation to enable us to focus on our mission of making disciples of Jesus for the world's transformation. I am co-chair of the LB District Planning & Strategy Team, member of AC Worship Team, and Vice-Chair of Hope for Children of Africa Task Force. I am involved in the Filipino Caucus, a board member of the Center for Pacific Asian-American Ministries, and the California Council of Churches.

Rev. Tonya Harris (Jurisdictional Only) Park Hill UMC: San Diego District

Nominated by the San Diego District and MFSA [email protected]

Pastor: small membership and declining churches in both inner-city and suburban communities. District Planning and Strategy Committee / Ordained Ministry. Conference Planning: Design, Agenda, Sessions Chair; New Church Start Institute. Trustee, Claremont School Theology; Founder, nonprofit for inner-city change, Natl VP/Board, of a UMC affiliate organization. Gifts: discernment, visioning, creativity. I would: speak to the particular needs & ecclesial views of our region; advocate for a deeper inclusivity that enlivens our claim; contribute to our contextual understanding of church planting; advocate for a missional plan to address/transform public policy; support the insights of young voices regarding a strong/vital future church.

Rev. Ji Tai (“J.T.”) Kim National City FUMC, San Diego District

Nominated by the San Diego District [email protected]

I have been serving as Pastor at First UMC:National City (SD District) since 2008. Served as Vice President of the National Association of the Korean American United Methodist Pastors Serving Cross-Cultural Appointments, and also as President of the Korean American United Methodist Pastors Serving Cross-Cultural Appointments in Cal-Pac. I now serve as Vice Chairperson of the District Trustees &a member of the District Strategy &Planning Committee. This is my first opportunity to serve as a delegate as a “front-line” local church pastor. With 12yrs of cross-cultural ministry experience, I will do my best to represent your concerns, needs & prayers.


Rev. Dr. Brian Suk-Boo Lee Artesia-Cerritos UMC: Santa Ana District

Nominated by the Santa Ana District [email protected]

The Ordained Elder in Full Connection (various churches in California, Hawaii and Alaska). Claremont School of Theology (M.Div.1998; D.Min.2006). Pastoral Care & Counseling (Hospital Chaplain); Congregational Development & Leadership (New Start/Revitalization Institute); Multicultural Ministries (Philippines Mission Trip 2010). The President of the CST Alumni/ae Association & Board of Trustees (2007-2010). Present: Council Member of the CST Alumni/ae Association, The Chairperson of the DCOM & Leadership Team, Santa Ana District, Member of the Cal-Pac Conference Leadership Team, Design and Worship Team for 2011 Annual-Conference. To pass our voices and concerns from our Conference & multi-cultural ministries as the bridge across cultures.

Rev. Andy Mattick Simi Valley UMC: Santa Barbara District Nominated by the Santa Barbara District

[email protected]

I am a young adult clergy serving as Lead Pastor of Simi Valley UMC. My 11 years of service in Cal-Pac included Desert Hot Springs-Community, Los Altos (LB), and Malibu. You see my passion for our future in the Youth Alive program, serving as worship coordinator and keynote speaker; and speaker for Youth 2011. I shepherded a group of young clergy leading opening worship at Annual Conference 2009. I’m a strong preacher, musician, storyteller, active listener and bridge-builder. I love what I do, love the church, and would love the chance to continue to serve her faithfully in this way.

Rev. David McGlocklin St. Paul’s UMC San Bernardino: Riverside District


Before ordination in 2010, I served as Riverside District Lay Leader, Chair of Congregational Development (BCD) and have served on every district committee except ordained ministry. I served on Conference Board of Laity and BCD on leadership team where I helped develop Academies & Boot Camps. Currently I serve as Chair of Evangelism. My passion is offering a relationship with Jesus Christ through a Wesleyan perspective in the United Methodist Church. For 20 years I worked in the Civil Engineering field and understand how to write, organize and get legislation processed. 43 year old male, married with 3 children.


Rev. Janet Gollery McKeithen The Church in Ocean Park: Los Angeles District


Wide perspective: Rev. Stanley & Virginia Gollery infused me with a love for exploring the diversity of life. I left church to discover the richness of Buddhism, Native American Spirituality, etc. My Christian identity emerged after witnessing God work through me on the Sierra Service Project. I understand what it is to be outside and inside the church. Executive Director, Sierra Service Project, Conference Refugee Coordinator (UMCOR, UNHCR, BGM), Secretary, Church & Society, President, Westside Interfaith Council, President, MFSA, Cal-Pac Chapter, Representative, National New Sanctuary Movement, Vice President, Conference Hispanic Committee

Rev. Bob Nakata Kahuluu UMC: Hawaii District Nominated by Rev. Alan Mark

[email protected]

For nearly 40 years of intense community involvement, I have been a leading advocate and activist in Hawaii as a Methodist Elder, Community Developer for the National Division, frequently serving on Boards or Divisions of Church and Society, executive director of human services agencies, leader on issues of land use, water management, substance abuse, homelessness, AIDS, gambling, environment, mortgage foreclosures. I served as a State Representative and Senator in the Hawaii Legislature. My concern about survival of the National safety network, including Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security and justice issues drives me to seek election to the General Conference.

Rev. Steven F. Peralta Thousand Oaks UMC: Santa Barbara District

Nominated by the Santa Barbara District [email protected]

Completing his 13th year of ministry. Passion is for the local church. Served as Associate Pastor at Community UMC: Huntington Beach (4yrs), Pastor of St. Mark UMC of Santa Barbara (4yrs), and Senior Pastor of UMC: Thousand Oaks

(6yrs). Currently serves on Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, and served on many district and Conference Committees, including SB District Planning and Strategy, SBDCOM, CCYM, and CCYA. He was a representative at WJYM, has led worship and served as keynote speaker at many Conference Youth&Young Adult events. When not

working, he enjoys coaching Pole Vault, running, and listening to loud music.


Rev. Sandie Richards (Jurisdictional Only) First UMC of Los Angeles: Los Angeles District


Rev. Sandie Richards was ordained Deacon in 1993, and Elder in 1996. She has served on the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, The L.A. District Committee on Ordained Ministry, Walk to Emmaus and Strength for the Journey retreats, and community organizations. She serves as Chair of Cal-Pac Church and Society, and as pastor to First UMC Los Angeles. Her gifts are in fostering communication and facilitating collaboration. She is interested in participating in the Western Jurisdictional Conference to see how we might work together across the Jurisdiction to fulfill our Church’s mission within the four areas of focus.

Rev. Teresa Santillana Hawthorne UMC: Long Beach District Nominated by the Long Beach District

[email protected]

Born in Lima, Peru; educated at Methodist Schools, came to U.S. in 1965 after marrying Fernando. In 80s I participated with UMW as Conference Leader. Served as Chair for Interfaith Central America Coalition. During these years I learned how to be a prophetic voice for refugees from Central America, through Sanctuary Movement. Through the BGM, served as missionary in Peru and Brazil. Returned to US to serve as mission interpreter in the South Central Jurisdiction. I felt the call to ministry and attended SMU, Perkins School of Theology. I was ordained an elder in 2003. Presently I serve Hawthorne UMC.

Rev. Dr. Leigh Ann Shaw La Mesa First: San Diego District

Nominated by the San Diego District [email protected]

As the pastoral leader of the La Mesa First (San Diego District), I am passionate about connecting with the churches in my mission area, and growing relationships beyond the local church with organizations actively caring for the vulnerable and those in greatest need. Drawing from experience as a hospital chaplain and doctoral work focused on building healthy communities, I am theologically grounded in the Wesleyan spirit of holistic wellness. I look forward to building our conference Wellness team, as a resource for physical, emotional and spiritual health, in order to revitalize the church, for the transformation of the world.


Rev. Dr. James E. Stevenson Sr.

Scott UMC: Pasadena District

Nominated by the Pasadena District

[email protected]

I want to be elected to serve as delegate to JC & GC because I possess qualities such as maturity to listen to different sides of issues. Globally, nationally and locally, I model a relationship honoring and respecting, the loving difference among us as we seek to discover our common ground in God. Served as Senior Pastor in the UMC (past 27 years) and as Senior Pastor of Scott UMC (past 13 years). Am the chairperson of District Board of Ordained Ministry, member of Conference Board Ordained Ministry, Pasadena District Leadership Team, past member Committees on District Superintendency and Nominations.

Rev. Mark Ulrickson Santa Ana District Superintendent: Santa Ana District

Nominated by the Santa Ana District [email protected]

Ordained elder in 1979. Served as associate, as pastor of a two-point charge, a mid-sized and large congregations and 7 years as Santa Ana District Superintendent (Dean of the Cabinet 3yrs+). Provided leadership as chair of the Board of Church&Society of both the Desert Southwest & the Cal-Pac Annual Conference, the Committee on Investigation&Conference Leadership Team. In 2004:alternate to General Conference and member of the Jurisdictional delegation and serve on the Western Jurisdictions Leadership Team. Youth work as counselor and dean of camps as well as UN Seminar and pilgrimage to Taize. July 1, 2011 pastor at Los Altos UMC

Rev. Dr. W. “Terry” Van Hook Lancaster UMC: Pasadena District Nominated by the Pasadena District

[email protected], [email protected]

A tectonic shift between an ageing church and a spiritually renewed one needs wisdom, experience, dreams, vision and energy. We’re in a different world than we were four years ago, vastly different from the one 8 -12 years ago. John Wesley and the early Christians faced such a shift, with God’s help we can too. My career focus has been the renewal, revitalization of local Churches. Served: Seven churches, all sizes-types: small/med/large, suburban/downtown. Cal-Pac.: Conf. Leadership Team, Board of Ordained Ministry, organized regional workshops, Board of Discipleship, various District Committees. Multi-cultural experience includes: Spanish, Korean and many Anglo cultures.


Rev. Molly Vetter San Diego First UMC: San Diego

Nominated by the San Diego District and MFSA [email protected]

Being a 2008 GC delegate gave me: gratitude for your trusting me as a young leader, a deeper (practical) understanding of church polity, a chance to advocate for issues that matter in our local contexts. I’ve worked with the World Council of Churches, General Board Church & Society, and am Order of Elders’ Chair. Most exciting in all this is seeing the ways they enable mission in our local contexts. I love teaching &preaching, working with people in poverty in my community, helping nurture younger leaders, &working at how to be Church in ways that are relevant for new generations.

Rev. Jose Vindel Rialto UMC: Riverside District


Jose Vindel is a native of Honduras, Central America. He was ordained a Deacon in 2000, and an Elder in 2003. He is now on his third year of appointment at Rialto UMC. Prior to his current appointment he served St. Paul’s UMC in San Bernardino for 3 years, and El Buen Pastor UMC in Santa Paula for 11 years. His present Conference involvement include: Board of Ordained Ministry, Disaster Response, and Latino Ministries. His past Conference involvement: Chairperson Cal-Pac Ethnic Ministries, BCD, Committee on Investigation, and Archives & History. Jurisdiction involvement: MARCHA West, and WJIECC.

Rev. Frank Wulf

United University Church: Los Angeles District Nominated by the Los Angeles District

[email protected]

A 27-year elder in the UMC, I have witnessed our denomination’s increasing bureaucracy, top-heaviness and contentiousness. Poor morale has diminished our capacity to make disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world. I offer my skills as a reconciler who is rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, passionate about sharing the good news of Jesus, and committed to the work of peace with justice. I am co-chair of the Conference BHECM, the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, and the Western Jurisdiction Conferences Committee. I served on the Conference Leadership Team and was General Conference reserve delegate and Jurisdictional Conference delegate.

rev. cynthia abrams church in ocean park: los angeles district...

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