June 15, 2009 Letter from Bishop

The United Methodist Church
San Francisco Area California-Nevada Conference
PO Box 980250, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0250 1276
Halyard Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691
Telephone(916) 374-1510 Fax (916) 372-9062 bishop@calnevumc.org

Warner H. Brown, Jr
Resident Bishop

Rev. Deborah Grundman
Executive Assistant to the Bishop

Jennifer McGrath
Administrative Assistant

June 15, 2009

Mr. Robert D. Sartin
Chair, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee
Martinez UMC
via email OlBobbyDay@aol.com

Dear Mr. Sartin,

I am responding to your emails of June 2 and June 9.

As a longtime United Methodist congregant, I am certain you are aware that United Methodist clergy are appointed one year at a time. While I understand your
care for Rev. Cruz and appreciation for the leadership he has provided, this is the year for him to receive a new appointment.

With regard to the consultation process and this appointment, I will make these observations. Consultation is an ongoing process throughout an appointment and not just in appointment season. The needs of the local congregation, the pastors and the
annual conference are all considered when decisions are made. Prior notification to a church that is losing their pastor in an appointment change is not the norm in appointment-making. Instead, the District Superintendent should be kept informed on the church’s situation so that, should a change occur, he or she can best present the church’s needs to the Cabinet and Bishop.

When a change does occur, the District Superintendent will work with the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee to structure the appointment and match the pastor to the needs of the church. The committee’s role in this consultation is important, but
it is also advisory.

District Superintendent Renae Extrum-Fernandez has made several attempts to meet with you and the committee for structuring of the appointment for the 2009-2010 appointment year. She also sought to introduce the pastor we intend to appoint.
Unfortunately, it seems that she has not received your cooperation.

We are aware of many of the challenges facing the congregation and we want to work with you. As we proceed into the new appointment year, it will be important that you meet with your District Superintendent to review your plan for the continued
viability of the Martinez United Methodist Church.

The first step to getting our consultation with Martinez United Methodist Church back on track is to meet with your District Superintendent as soon as possible. The pastor I intend to appoint for the coming appointment year is a caring pastor who will work hard to serve both the Martinez United Methodist Church and the Tongan Fellowship of Martinez. He will, however, need your cooperation and support in order to succeed.

Sincerely,


Warner H. Brown, Jr.
Resident Bishop
Cc: Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez

WHB/dvg