Christ Ministry Center

08/18/2023

08/16/2023

Jimmy Marcelin of our Safe Harbors Network is recognized by the United Nations as one of 6 humanitarians helping asylum seekers. Congratulations Jimmy. Your work is an inspiration!

Español Every day, people fleeing violence and persecution arrive at the United States southern border in search of safety. They are women, men, girls and boys, young and old, in families or on their own. They often need food, water, rest and medical attention. While the U.S. government is responsi...

06/30/2023

The Rev. Kristie Grimaud will conduct her first worship service on July 2

06/15/2023

Yesterday 42 immigrants arrived in Los Angeles unannounced. They had been bussed here by Texas Gov. Abbott. They had no food or water for 24 hours. They were left to fend for themselves with no food, money, shelter, or communication assistance.

By God’s providence, the California Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church was in Annual Conference nearby in Los Angeles.

Our new Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, District Superintendent Sandy Olewine, Justice Director Denyse Barnes and CMC Director Rev. Dr. Donald Owens quickly huddled to address this inhumane situation.

I am pleased to report that 9 of the 42 are on their way to San Diego to join the 150 immigrants already under the care of Safe Harbors and CMC. Other congregations and charities are stepping up to meet this immediate need.

Governors Abbott and DeSantis, California is a border state too. Our little nonprofit has helped over 10,000 immigrants and asylum seekers, and we welcome these 9 into our care. We see through your cheap political stunt which is causing more suffering to “the least of these”.

It has not been easy but God not only provides, God blesses. I am witness to this as God allowed Harry to become an Angel in disguise, living in my heart, home and most of all, being part of my family!

Thank God for the congregations and nonprofits throughout the border region who are “welcoming strangers” as our Lord taught us to do. It is a test of our immigration prospects for getting into heaven. “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” However for those who not only reject but harm these vulnerable humans, Jesus will say, “Depart from me you accursed, for I never knew you!”

06/14/2023

South District
California-Pacific Conference

Message from our District Superintendent to Members of Chollas View UMC:

On behalf of Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank and her Cabinet, I share with you that after deep prayer and consultation, it is Bishop Escobedo-Frank's intent to appoint Pastor Jean Elise Duradisse as a half-time Local Pastor for Chollas View UMC as of July 1, 2023. Elise is already serving at Christ Ministry Center and pastors the Haitian congregation at Exodus United Methodist Church, work he will continue, even as he comes to serve you faithfully.

Elise brings a deep joy in the Lord, a passion for evangelism, a call to serve the least, an open heart to welcome the sojourner, and a voice gifted in song. He is continuing his Course of Study at Claremont School of Theology and is on the track to be ordained an elder. He has the gifts to be a transformative leader and will both learn from and help guide Chollas View UMC as you seek to live into a vibrant and vital future.

Pastor Elise will work with Rev. Luis to ensure a smooth transition between them so that the ministry at Chollas View UMC continues in strength.
On behalf of our Bishop, I thank you for your faithfulness, and ask you to hold Elise, his wife, and their daughter in your prayers during this time of change and new beginnings.

In ministry together,
Rev. Sandra K. Olewine District Superintendent

04/14/2023

A faithful servant and oldest man at Exodus United Methodist Church. Rest in peace in your heavenly home.

Services will be held Monday, 9 a.m. at Exodus Church. Final arrangements are in the care of California Cremation and Burial. Hinson Richard Hicks Sr. was born December 5th, 1924, […]

03/21/2023

We were honored to have our newly elected Bishop, Dr. Dottie Escobedo-Frank and her husband, Jim Frank, visit Exodus UMC for worship Sunday. The service included music from the Haitian and Hispanic congregations, as well as the Exodus choirs. District Lay Leader Michael Mitchell was also in worship service.

The Bishop will meet this week with the staff of Christ Ministry Center UMC and Safe Harbors Network. She was elected in November and “hit the ground running” here in Cal-Pac in
January. It is an honor to have her make us one of her first visits. She comes to us from Arizona where she served several churches and was a District Superintendent in Tucson.

12/06/2022

Our new sign reflecting our present organization. The former sign, installed in 2005, referenced Christ United Methodist Church out of which we evolved. But since CUMC no longer exists, the sign was confusing. But a new church, Exodus UMC, also emerged.

The Ministry Center is home to eight congregations, two free medical clinics, one of San Diego’s oldest food ministry, a clothes closet, and Safe Harbors Network that provides housing and support for immigrants, especially women and children.