Bishop Announces Cabinet Change

1/25/2012

Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. has announced a Cabinet change, effective July 1, 2012. After six years, the Rev. Jerry Smith (upper right) will be completing his service on the Cabinet. Rev. Smith is superintendent for the Great Northern District.

"I am extremely grateful for Jerry's faithful leadership during some challenging years for the California-Nevada Conference," the bishop said. "He has led the formation of the Great Northern District and has a deep love for that region of our Conference. We have benefited greatly from his service on the Cabinet and look forward to what he will bring to the Conference in the next phase of his ministry."
 
Six years is generally the standard term of service for a district superintendent.
 
The bishop has asked the Rev. David L. Samelson (lower right), pastor of First United Methodist Church of Eureka, to become the new superintendent to the Great Northern District on July 1.
 
Rev. Samelson is a graduate of Pacific School of Religion and Asbury Theological Seminary and has been a member of the California-Nevada Annual Conference since 1988. Before being appointed to Eureka First in 2006, he served at Greenville, Taylorsville, and Yreka UMCs. He currently is a circuit leader in the Great Northern District.
 
"I am delighted to welcome Dave Samelson to the Cabinet," Bishop Brown said. "He has a passion for the local church. His unique gifts of ministry will serve the Conference well in this role, as we continue to work toward a goal of more ably carrying out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We look forward to his leadership."

Comments

1. Colin Kerr-Carpenter wrote on 1/26/2012 12:37:05 PM
Job well done Jerry! You have been an outstanding DS to me and many others who faithfully serve in the Great Northern District.
2. Michael Bresnahan wrote on 1/26/2012 5:47:45 PM
Congratulations Pastor David. You are a great fit for the new position. I know you will sparkle. May the light of your ministry continue to shine brightly for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Grace and blessings.
3. Shannon Kimbell-Auth wrote on 1/26/2012 9:49:15 PM
Thank you for your work and ministry, Jerry. The heart and soul of our connectional system has been vastly improved with your heart and soul at work in Lake County. God bless you on the next stage of your journey!
4. Linda Dionne wrote on 1/27/2012 10:06:25 AM
Pastor Dave has been a remarkable leader at Eureka First UMC. He has a firm belief that if-you-build-it-they-will-come. One of the blessings of the Methodist church is its strong connectional system. So, we at Eureka now get to share Dave's faith, energy and compassion with the rest of the Great Northern District. God bless!
5. Wayne A Palmrose wrote on 1/27/2012 11:04:25 PM
God Bless Pastor Dave as his starts this new job, takng with him the blessings from Eureka First. He did so much good here and will continue to do a great job as District Superintendent. God Bless!
6. Marlaine Florencio wrote on 1/28/2012 12:27:57 AM
Pastor Dave, may God continue to bless you and your family as you start your new journey. Many blessings!
7. Susan Kopp wrote on 1/28/2012 12:10:51 PM
Thank you Jerry for all of your amazing work. Only you could accomplish such an assignment with all of your gifts and blessings of grace. God has truly blessed all of us with your leadership. Welcome Dave and we pray that this transition will be blessed in many unexpected ways.
8. Sue Peacock wrote on 1/28/2012 4:46:14 PM
Eureka's loss will be districts gain. We will have to share his many gifts with everyone!!
9. Holly Hillman wrote on 2/8/2012 5:02:07 PM
What a gift Dave will bring to the Cabinet! I treasure his integrity, deep love for people and his passion to bring glory to Jesus Christ.