  JONATHAN CHUTE
- Senior PastorJonathan came to Rolling Hills from Ontario, Canada but that's not where he's really from. Born on the east coast (Long Island, NY), and raised mostly in southern California (Whittier, Corona, Julian, Escondido), he headed back east for college (Harvard University, 1982), where he discovered how much of a Californian he truly was. Being the only person in the dorm rooting for the Dodgers, the Rams and the Lakers will do that to you. Fortunately it was while there that he met his wife, Dr. Thyra Endicott (though she was not a doctor at the time). He went to Berkeley for his Master of Divinity degree (Pacific School of Religion, 1985), under the mistaken impression that he had come home. Northern Californians persuaded him otherwise. He graduated from seminary, was ordained by the newly formed Califomia Pacific Annual Conference, and was appointed as the Associate Pastor at Community UMC in Pacific Palisades. Later that summer he and Thyra were married in her hometown of Toronto, Canada. After four years in Pacific Palisades (well, they lived in West LA and Santa Monica), Thyra and Jonathan moved to London, Ontario, Canada in 1989, where Thyra attended medical school (The University of Western Ontario, 1993). Jonathan served as Pastor with Trinity United Church, a congregation in the United Church of Canada. It was during their time in London that their daughter, Hannah was born. Thyra completed her internship and residency in radiation oncology (the treatment of cancer with radiation) in 1998, and was awarded a fellowship at the Jonsson Cancer Center at UCLA. This made their return to southern California possible. Jonathan was appointed as Senior Pastor at Rolling Hills UMC in July of 1998. As a pastor, Jonathan loves working with people as they discover the grace of God in everyday, ordinary life. From joyful celebrations of births and baptisms, to experiences of humor, struggle and growth along the way, to times of remembrance and thanksgiving at the end of life, he can't imagine being happy doing anything else. He especially enjoys helping the church to live out its mission in a time when many people do not see "organized religion" as a resource for their lives. Compared to when Paul first landed in Corinth around 49 A.D., he still feels he has it relatively easy. But more than that, he knows that this is a time when the church can make a real difference in people's lives, and is grateful for the chance to be a part of it. Jonathan is an avid reader, loves playing tennis and basketball (neither terribly well), and spending time with Thyra and Hannah. Thyra moved from UCLA to Torrance Memorial Medical Center in 2000; where she is a member of the Department of Radiation Oncology. Hannah is entering middle school, and has inherited her mother's gifts with music, taking lessons in both piano and harp.  JOHN KWAN
- Associate Pastor John Kwan has come to Los Angeles and Rolling Hills UMC by way of Sacramento, California. Born in San Francisco and raised mostly in Sacramento, he grew up idolizing Bruce Lee. Realizing at a young age that the second coming of Bruce Lee was not in the cards, John focused his energies around sports – a practice he continues to this day. In his spare time, John loves playing basketball, fishing, tennis and cycling. He also has been studying martial arts for a number of years and holds a black belt in Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu. John has been a part of the Rolling Hills family since 2001. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree from the Claremont School of Theology in 2002 and a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California in 1995. He is a season ticket holder for USC's football games and looks forward to the day that the basketball team meets with the same success the football team has. He is married to the love of his life and best friend, Waisze Lam (a UCLA graduate – he's heard that these marriages actually can work!) and has a young son named Taylor. John looks forward to sharing resources that enable us to grow forward in our experiences with God as we seek to discover our growing edges in all the various stages and experiences in our lives.  DIANE REHFIELD - Associate Pastor-Family Ministries Diane Rehfield is a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor, as well as an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church. Most recently she has been appointed as a chaplain to a retirement community in Long Beach, but has also served as a staff member at a local church for 13 years, first as the Christian Education director, and then for 7 years as the associate pastor. She currently serves the annual conference as the chairperson of the Board of Ordained Ministry. She and her husband Mark have three daughters; Michelle is 25 and lives in North Carolina, Julie is 22 and lives in Davis, California, and Lisa is a senior at Peninsula High School. Diane and Mark have taught all four years of the Disciple Bible Study program together. Last September Diane went back to seminary, and is working toward completing her Master of Divinity degree.  LISA LEHMAN
- Director of Children's MinistriesLisa Lehman joined RHUMC as a member in 1990. She served as volunteer Chairman of Children's Ministries until the job was made into a permanent staff position in 1994. She then was hired as Director of Children's Ministries. She plans, organizes and supervises all church programs for children from infancy to 5th Grade (excluding the Preschool program which has its own director). Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A & M. She served six years active and reserve duty in the U.S. Navy, acquiring the rank of Lieutenant Commander. She is married and has two sons. She enjoys aerobics, Macintosh computing and collecting vintage dolls.  LISA WILLIAMS
- Director of KidZoneNative Californian Lisa Williams joined our church family in 1996 with husband Peter and son, Steven. From the beginning she has been active with children and mission in our church. In early 2002 Lisa joined the staff to continue her work and start the KidZone afterschool program. As the director she oversees the daily program for children ages 3 to 14 as well as the Wednesday Logos program and specialty summer camps. Lisa wants children to feel that our church is a warm , welcoming, fun place to be. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cal State Dominguez Hills in Behavioral Science. This coupled with her nurturing and fun personality make her a natural fit for working with our children. When not at church, Lisa most enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also likes scrapbooking and enjoying the outdoors hiking and skiing.  CANDACE
SAXMAN – Jr. High UMYF DirectorCandace has been heading up Jr. High UMYF since August of 2004. In June of 2003 she and her family moved back home to San Pedro where she and her husband grew up. They have been living in Sonoma County for the past 22 years. They are pleased to be involved in family life again and to return to their roots! Candace brings with her a history of working with children and youth at Sebastopol UMC as their Director of Christian Education and Youth. She also works in Special Education with the Palos Verdes School District. Her family includes her husband Kevin and her sons Craig, (20 years old and currently going to school in Northern California), and Brian, age 13, and an 8th grade student at Miraleste Intermediate School. Candace has been a member of RHUMC for just about one year and looks forward to making new friends here. She has been busy planning the year’s program which will contain elements that are familiar as well as some new programs designed to help us grow.  JENNIFER
FOLTZ – Senior High Youth DirectorJennifer is a relative newcomer to California. She moved here about two years ago after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Management from Oklahoma City University’s School of American Dance and Arts Management. After moving to California, Jennifer worked for Disney’s stage production of The Lion King. When the show moved on, she took a job at the Norris Center for the Performing Arts. But she finally found her niche working with the children of RHUMC. Jennifer currently works as an assistant to Tanya Kelly in the preschool full day class. She is also on staff and teaches dance for Kid Zone. Outside of working at the church, Jennifer teaches dance at Centerstage Dance Academy. She is also a relative newcomer to marriage. She exchanged vows with Jason Foltz on September 12 in Kalamazoo, MI, officiated by Jonathan. Her new husband is also a teacher and teaches brass instruments in the PVPUSD. He is a very talented trumpet player and much of his time out of school is focused on playing in his brass quintet, Brass Pacifica. Jennifer is very excited about working with the high school youth. She has been co-teaching the Senior High LOGOS Bible study with John Kwan for the past year and plans to continue. She is looking forward to new challenges and lots of fun!  TAZ
LATHAM - TreasurerTaz joins the staff as Treasurer for the second time. He recently retired from industry where he functioned as the Chief Financial Officer for several privately owned companies. He graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Accounting and Finance. After a tour of duty in the US Navy he returned to Southern California where he was born and raised and joined Price Waterhouse as a staff auditor where he became a Certified Public Accountant. After several years in public accounting he moved to industry and has served in a variety of positions for many companies from Assistant Treasurer, to Treasurer, to Chief Financial Officer. Taz joined RHUMC in 1977 and has served on many committees including Finance, Staff Relations, Trustees, Family Ministries and several other volunteer positions. In addition, in the early 1980’s he served as the church Treasurer. Taz and Susan were married in 1986 at RHUMC. They have four adult daughters and eight grandchildren ranging in age from 14 years to 3 months. Taz enjoys spending time with the grandchildren, golf and listening to music.  CHARLES
DICKERSON (“Chuck”)
- Director of MusicIn addition to serving as Director of Music at RHUMC, Chuck also serves as Music Director and Conductor of the Southeast Symphony. He has also been guest conductor for the Casa Italiana Opera Company of Los Angeles, and Director of Music at numerous churches both in the Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. areas. He is an internationally recognized tenor soloist who has released three vocal solo CDs, and an instrumental CD – “A Place of Quiet Rest” – which is an album of meditative interpretations. He has sung in choruses around the world under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen, Grant Gershon, John Mauceri, James Newton, Carl St. Clair, and and others over recent years. He is a graduate of Glendale Academy (1970), Howard University (B.S., Psychology, 1975), American University (J.D., 1978), and California State University, Los Angeles (M.M., 2005). He has also been heavily involved in the political leadership of Los Angeles and it’s surrounding communities, having served as President of the Board of Public Works of the City of Los Angeles, and as City Attorney of the City of Inglewood, California. He is an avid baseball fan. He is married to the former Paula Long, and he has two adult children, Cherie Danielle, and Charles Edward IV.  ALTHEA WAITES
- OrganistChurch Organist and Pianist, Althea Waites has been acclaimed throughout the United States, Europe and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborative artist. In addition to performances on many of the world's prestigious concert stages, she has also appeared in recital at major festivals such as Aspen, the Yale Summer Festival, and the Idyllwild Arts Festival. She holds degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana and Yale University where she studied with Donald Currier. In addition to her position here at RHUMC, she is currently on the keyboard faculty at California State University, Long Beach. Her strong commitment to cultural and community education is evident through her work with many outreach and community service programs at prisons, retirement homes, and alternative schools. Althea is a Steinway artist and records for Cambria Records. One of the things she loves about working at RHUMC is the fact that the congregation is so warm, generous and supportive in terms of her work. “I have not experienced a Sunday when someone has not complimented me on the music, and this in turn, has challenged me to do even more to provide the highest level of music which will inspire and help everyone to worship in a meaningful way.” Althea’s late husband, Marvin Hayes, had a highly successful career as a concert singer, and performed throughout the United States and Europe to critical acclaim. Her immediate family consists of her mom, sister, and her daughter, Melanie Taylor Kimmel, a professional singer.  DEBBIE
STADLER - Director of Bell ChoirsOur Director of the adult "Resurrection Ringers" and the youth "Bell Hops", Debbie Stadler earned her Bachelor Degree and Teaching Credential in Music Education from USC. She is the mother of three teenagers, Jeff (senior), Daniel (sophomore) and Elizabeth (freshman), all at South High School in Torrance. Her professional experience includes freelancing as a flutist (she's performed in Carnegie Hall for for former President Nixon, but more recently at weddings and special events). She is in her 9th year as an Elementary Vocal Music Teacher for Seaside & Hickory Elementary Schools in the Torrance Unified School District, where she coordinates the All-District Elementary School Choral Festival wherein all 17 school choruses come together in a 3-night, 6-show event at the James Armstrong Theatre every spring. Debbie's award-winning children choruses have performed at Disneyland and just last year she received the Dawley-Laughlin Scholarship as the LACMEA Elementary Music Educator of the Year. Debbie also serves as a Cultural Arts Commissioner for the City of Torrance, where you'll find her name (along with the Mayor and City Council) on the new "Stage Two Theatre" which was just opened this year. Debbie is excited to serve the church and continue its already fine bell choir program. She plans to develop a children's choir in the Fall of 2004 - including singing, ringing and playing xylophones and rhythm instruments. Ring Ring!!  NINA
BRADBURY - Parish NurseNina moved to So California in 1958 from farm country in Illinois near Springfield. University of Illinois was where she met her first husband. They moved to this area and church in 1973 when Phil Peace was pastor. Their five children grew up in this church and were active in the youth groups with mom and dad serving as counselors. When her job as mother was requiring less time, Nina went back to school at Harbor College to get an AA degree in nursing, graduating in 1981. Employment at Little Company of Mary Hospital in the labor and delivery unit provided opportunities to participate in God’s miracles on a daily basis. Pretty powerful stuff! After ten years in that position, it was time to explore other possibilities so Nina went back to school and became certified as a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in women’s health. After being nationally certified, she worked in a group practice with two obstetricians/gynecologists in Torrance for twelve years. After retirement from that very rewarding job, her husband, John was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. Having time to care for him during his illness and death was a gift that she cherishes. Nina is currently in the third year of a three year program to learn “The Art of Spiritual Direction” held at the Sisters of Joseph of Orange in collaboration with Loyola Marymount University. This has been a wonderful opportunity for her to focus on her own spiritual growth and development. Nina enjoys hiking the trails in our area, gardening, and feels her purpose in life is to help take care of all of God’s creation, people as well as the natural world.  MAUREEN BANASKY
- Administrative SecretaryBorn and raised in Southern California, she has lived in Palos Verdes for over 30 years and has been on the staff since 1995. Maureen is married and has two grown daughters, (one' recently married in this church). Her background has been primarily support staff in the Marketing, Medical and Banking fields before coming to RHUMC. She has been an active community and school volunteer on the Peninsula, as well as serving on the Board of the Guilds of Orange County Performing Arts Center. Maureen's duties are varied and can best described as either office manager or "church mom", depending on what is required of her at the moment. " I've been able to incorporate a little of all my previous positions into my job here marketing, hospital volunteer coordinator, and even banking to some degree. I really feel that nine years ago I at last found the right place for me" states Maureen.  KIM
HALL - Administrative AssistantKim joined the RHUMC staff in 2002 as Jonathan’s Administrative Assistant. A member of the church since 1997, she is married to Jim Vandever. Together they parent six children, Emily, Clay, John, Kendall, Alex and Doug. Kim grew up in Kansas City graduating from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. She moved to the South Bay area in 1979 while working for IBM. Kim’s favorite time is time with her family. She also enjoys traveling, walking and going to the theater. 
CAROL BERTHELET - Assistant SecretaryThough born in Illinois, she feels more like a Southern Californian, having lived here since 1943. Trained in laboratory and X ray, she worked in a hospital and doctors offices until her first of three children was born. She has four grandchildren. While living in the Hollywood Riviera she became a charter member of Riviera UMC where she is still active. She started to work at RHUMC in April 1988 as the assistant secretary.  GENE KOESTER - Facility ManagerGene attributes his handyman skills to having grown up on a farm in Kansas. He received his engineering degree from Kansas State University and came to California to work in the aerospace industry. After working for thirty-two years for TRW Space & Defense he retired in 1997. Gene is a lifetime United Methodist having been baptized in the Evangelical Church, confirmed in the EUB Church and joined the Methodist Church on his arrival in California. He also volunteers for the Torrance-South Bay YMCA and is a member of the Torrance Y’s Men’s Club who operate the YMCA Christmas tree lot. Gene and Patty joined RHUMC in April, 2006. They have two married sons, two teenage grandsons in Santa Barbara and a little granddaughter in Foster City near San Francisco. They enjoy traveling to visit them about every other month. Gene has fun tending to his daughters-in-law’s lists of household repair projects when he visits. 
ROGER MADDAFORD - Technical Director Roger Maddaford recently became the newest member of the church staff when he was appointed to the new position of Technical Director. This part-time position was created to oversee the operation and maintenance of the church’s various audio, video and theatrical lighting systems, and to train staff and volunteers so that they can use these systems for maximum effect. Roger first joined RHUMC in 1977 and rejoined again in 1994, after a nine-year absence necessitated by various career moves to locations in California and Texas. He has held a variety of volunteer positions in this and other Methodist churches over these years, and created the first Sound Committee following the building of the new Sanctuary in 1995. Since then he has led several audio and video upgrade projects as well as the installation of a new sound system in Wesley Hall. Roger has a B.S. Degree in Engineering from UCLA and is retired from Chevron, where he worked in various refineries around the country. |
