05/04/2026
CAUMC New Pastor Announcement 5/3/2026
The Staff-Parish Relations Committee shared a few announcements Sunday morning. First, a word of gratitude. As most of you know, Pastor Rob has been reappointed to a two-point charge serving Monaca and Aliquippa beginning July 1st. We are grateful for
his three years of ministry here at College Avenue and ask that you keep him and his family in your prayers as they begin this new chapter.
Now, some exciting news. This past week, our District Superintendent, Deborah Ackley-Killian introduced the SPRC to our new pastor who will be starting July 1st, Reverend Heather J. Wakefield, appointed by Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball.
Pastor Heather grew up in small towns across our tri-state area and brings a rich and varied background to ministry. She holds degrees in English, Theater History, and Library Information Studies, and spent more than seven years as the Library Director of
the Saegertown Public Library before answering her call to full-time ministry. She earned her Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School in 2022 and has since served a two-point charge with California and Brownsville UMCs. This past year, she served as pastor of Faith Community UMC in Rochester — so she is already quite familiar with our area and is eager to become part of the Beaver community. On a Personal note, Pastor Heather's mother will soon be moving in with her after several years in Florida, so Heather is very much putting down roots here.
Which brings us to our next announcement. Bishop Steiner Ball has formed a new two-point charge pairing College Avenue with Faith Community UMC in Rochester. This reflects a broader effort across the conference to address a pastor shortage and support the financial health of mid-size congregations — and it is far from unique to us. Six new two-point charges were created in the Butler District this year alone. The SPRC views this as a genuine opportunity for both congregations to grow together and share
resources, and we are excited about the possibilities ahead.
Finally, a word on service times. Thanks to some scheduling flexibility on the part of Faith Community, College Avenue will retain its 11:00 a.m. worship time — and that will
now be our time year-round, including summers, when we had traditionally moved to 10:00. Faith Community will shift from 10:00 to 9:45. Both congregations will be encouraged to visit one another's services whenever an earlier or later time suits your
needs.
Send a message to learn more
