Staff Parish Relations Committee
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Report – 2025
According to paragraph 258.2 in the 2016 version of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, each local church is to have a pastor-parish relations committee. This committee is to support and strengthen the pastor and staff and build relationships between the staff and congregation and the district superintendent.
SPRC Members: Rev. John Oda, Kristin To (Chair), Kathy Haneta, Warren Hayashi (Conference Lay Member), Lori Longmire, Carl Miya, Shelley Nakashima (Lay Leader), Kellie Nunokawa (Lay Leader), Jim Tengan, Mimune Tsukamoto (Nichigo representative)
SPRC Members: Rev. John Oda, Kristin To (Chair), Kathy Haneta, Warren Hayashi (Conference Lay Member), Lori Longmire, Carl Miya, Shelley Nakashima (Lay Leader), Kellie Nunokawa (Lay Leader), Jim Tengan, Mimune Tsukamoto (Nichigo representative)
Summary of 2025
Over the past year, we had a few staffing changes. Lauren Takaichi resigned from her position as Youth Director in July. She faithfully served as our CAF Director in 2022 and then as Youth Director starting July 2024. We are grateful for her leadership, dedication, and impact on our youth. In addition to directing the youth program, Lauren was also a member of the Asian Camp Directing Team this past year. As she starts her next chapter at the Southern California College of Optometry this fall, we wish her continued success.
Earlier this summer, we were delighted to welcome Vanessa Perry-Mar as our new Youth Director. She brings enthusiasm and a strong background in education. Many of our youth know Vanessa through her involvement with Kids Camp, and we look forward to new ideas and vision she will bring as she leads our youth ministry forward.
Amid these transitions, we are especially thankful for Hatty Lin who continues to serve as our Children’s Ministry Director. Her reliable presence and support have been invaluable as she worked alongside different CAF and MYF directors while continuing to guide our God’s Garden team. Her commitment to the spiritual growth of our children and youth is a blessing to our church community.
At the end of 2024, Terri Thornton transitioned from Administrative Assistant to Office Manager. Since joining Wesley UMC in 2023, Terri’s responsibilities have expanded, and she has taken on new projects with dedication and care. We appreciate the many ways she contributes to the smooth operation of our church.
We give thanks to God for the leadership of Rev. John, our Senior Pastor. Under his guidance, Wesley UMC continues to grow in faith, strengthen its ministries, and serve our community. Looking back at the beginning of the year, we are reminded Rev. John experienced a personal loss with the passing of his father, John Masuso Oda of Stockton.
Then in April, he and Luz moved into temporary housing while renovations of the Mineta House parsonage are being completed. Despite these unexpected events, he remained a constant presence at Wesley. At the end of this year, Rev. John began a strategic planning process led by Rev. Samuel Yun. This important initiative will engage church members in shaping a shared vision for ministry and discerning the church’s direction for the next three to five years.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While we continue to practice faithful stewardship of our resources, there are increased staffing expenses set by the conference in the coming year. However, we remain committed to supporting our staff with careful monitoring of our budget.
We thank the congregation for your ongoing and generous support of Rev. John and our dedicated staff. We are truly blessed with a great staff who serve with care and compassion. They create a welcoming and inclusive place for all, and we sincerely recognize and appreciate each staff member for their important contributions.
Over the past year, we had a few staffing changes. Lauren Takaichi resigned from her position as Youth Director in July. She faithfully served as our CAF Director in 2022 and then as Youth Director starting July 2024. We are grateful for her leadership, dedication, and impact on our youth. In addition to directing the youth program, Lauren was also a member of the Asian Camp Directing Team this past year. As she starts her next chapter at the Southern California College of Optometry this fall, we wish her continued success.
Earlier this summer, we were delighted to welcome Vanessa Perry-Mar as our new Youth Director. She brings enthusiasm and a strong background in education. Many of our youth know Vanessa through her involvement with Kids Camp, and we look forward to new ideas and vision she will bring as she leads our youth ministry forward.
Amid these transitions, we are especially thankful for Hatty Lin who continues to serve as our Children’s Ministry Director. Her reliable presence and support have been invaluable as she worked alongside different CAF and MYF directors while continuing to guide our God’s Garden team. Her commitment to the spiritual growth of our children and youth is a blessing to our church community.
At the end of 2024, Terri Thornton transitioned from Administrative Assistant to Office Manager. Since joining Wesley UMC in 2023, Terri’s responsibilities have expanded, and she has taken on new projects with dedication and care. We appreciate the many ways she contributes to the smooth operation of our church.
We give thanks to God for the leadership of Rev. John, our Senior Pastor. Under his guidance, Wesley UMC continues to grow in faith, strengthen its ministries, and serve our community. Looking back at the beginning of the year, we are reminded Rev. John experienced a personal loss with the passing of his father, John Masuso Oda of Stockton.
Then in April, he and Luz moved into temporary housing while renovations of the Mineta House parsonage are being completed. Despite these unexpected events, he remained a constant presence at Wesley. At the end of this year, Rev. John began a strategic planning process led by Rev. Samuel Yun. This important initiative will engage church members in shaping a shared vision for ministry and discerning the church’s direction for the next three to five years.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While we continue to practice faithful stewardship of our resources, there are increased staffing expenses set by the conference in the coming year. However, we remain committed to supporting our staff with careful monitoring of our budget.
We thank the congregation for your ongoing and generous support of Rev. John and our dedicated staff. We are truly blessed with a great staff who serve with care and compassion. They create a welcoming and inclusive place for all, and we sincerely recognize and appreciate each staff member for their important contributions.
Rev. John Oda – Senior Pastor
Mark Teagle – Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement and Music
Kelli Martines – Director of Administration
Hikaru Bakoshi – Media and Technology Coordinator
Vaness Perry-Mar – Youth Director
Hatty Lin – Children’s Ministry Director
Terri Thornton – Office Manager
Alan Ngai – Administrative Assistant
Kelvin Kamachi – Facilities Manager
Shane Cantanho – Accompanist
Akiko Buchanan – Accompanist
Ivan Vielma – Praise Band Lead Singer
Mark Teagle – Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement and Music
Kelli Martines – Director of Administration
Hikaru Bakoshi – Media and Technology Coordinator
Vaness Perry-Mar – Youth Director
Hatty Lin – Children’s Ministry Director
Terri Thornton – Office Manager
Alan Ngai – Administrative Assistant
Kelvin Kamachi – Facilities Manager
Shane Cantanho – Accompanist
Akiko Buchanan – Accompanist
Ivan Vielma – Praise Band Lead Singer
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin To, SPRC Chair
Kristin To, SPRC Chair
Posted in Charge Conference 2025