Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I am pleased to let you and your congregation know that Bishop Robert Hoshibata intends to appoint The Rev. Joan Miller to serve as Pastor at St. Matthew United Methodist Church as of July 1, 2015. Through a process of prayerful discernment, the Bishop and Cabinet believe that The Rev Miller has the gifts and skills needed to serve your church at this time. She is very excited and looking forward to serving with you.
Joan is currently associate pastor of Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. She previously served as Interim Pastor of Cross in the Desert UMC and as associate pastor of Dove of the Desert UMC. Joan has also served as a chaplain for Hospice of the Valley as well as a Middle School teacher. Rev. Miller is an excellent preacher, teacher, accomplished administrator and visionary leader. Joan and her husband, Dan have one son who is a junior in college in Portland, Oregon.
Rev. Miller will continue in her current appointment through June 30, 2015 and will begin as your Pastor on July 1, 2015.
I am excited about the gifts Joan will bring to St. Matthew UMC to continue and grow your ministry in Mesa and the southeast valley. Working together we can further God’s kingdom in our community and in our world.
I want to also share that the Cabinet is working diligently to determine where Rev. Eaton’s next appointment will be. Although we are not able to finalize that appointment yet, I expect to be able to make an announcement soon.
God bless you.
Rev. Dr. Robert Burns
Central East District Superintendent