Staff Parish Relations Committee
Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Report – 2026
According to paragraph 258.2 in the 2020/2024 version of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, the SPRC committee supports the pastor and staff, promotes healthy relationships and unity within the congregation and works collaboratively with the pastor and district superintendent to support effective ministry and the mission of the church.
SPRC Members: Aton Abril (District Lay Leader), Kathy Haneta, Lori Longmire, Carl Miya, Shelley Nakashima (Co-Lay Leader), Kellie Nunokawa (Co-Lay Leader), Jim Tengan, Kristin To (Chair), Mimune Tsukamoto (Nichigo representative)
Summary of 2026
Staffing and Ministry Updates
In January, we welcomed Jahzara Jones as a second Praise Band Singer. Her beautiful voice and warm presence have been a wonderful addition to our worship services.
We also experienced some staffing changes in our children and youth ministry program. Vanessa Perry-Mar resigned as Youth Director and will continue serving as a co-director for Kids Camp. We are grateful for Vanessa’s dedication and the many contributions she has made to our youth ministry. Hatty Lin transitioned from Children’s Ministry Director to Children and Youth Director, expanding her leadership to support both ministries. We appreciate Hatty’s continued commitment to helping our children and youth grow in their faith.
Supporting the spiritual growth of our children and youth remains an important priority at Wesley, and we are pleased to welcome Emma To as Youth Ministry Lead and Caroline Waddington as Youth Ministry Assistant. Emma grew up in Wesley’s God’s Garden and CAF/MYF and is now giving back to the community that helped nurture her faith. Caroline first discovered Wesley through our online services. As she looked for ways to become more involved, she found an opportunity to serve through the Youth Ministry Assistant position. We look forward to all that Hatty, Emma, and Caroline have planned for the youth this year.
Celebrating our Pastoral Leadership
Rev. John is now serving his fifth year as Wesley’s Senior Pastor, and we are thankful for his leadership and care for the congregation, staff, and community. We appreciate his advocacy for social justice and commitment to Wesley’s mission. As we continue to implement our strategic plan, we are hopeful about what we can accomplish together in the coming year.
At the beginning of 2026, Rev. John and his family moved from temporary housing to the beautifully renovated Mineta House parsonage. Their move to Japantown provides an opportunity to become more connected with and involved in the local community.
We also celebrated an important milestone with Pastor Mark Teagle, our former Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement, and Music. At Annual Conference this past June, Pastor Mark was commissioned as a Provisional Deacon and appointed to continue serving at Wesley. He is now in a two-year Residents Practicing Ministry program as he continues the path towards ordination. We are thankful for Pastor Mark’s dedicated service and continued ministry at Wesley.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As we reflect on this past year, we are reminded of the many ways God continues to provide for Wesley. We especially give thanks for our congregation. Your faithful presence, welcoming spirit, generosity, and countless acts of kindness are a blessing to our church. Each of you contributes in meaningful ways to make our ministries possible.
We are also fortunate to have such an amazing staff at Wesley. Their dedication, hard work, and genuine care are reflected in all they do.
May we enter 2027 with grateful hearts and a shared vision to continue serving our church rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice.
Rev. John Oda – Senior Pastor
Pastor Mark Teagle – Associate Pastor
Kelli Martines – Director of Administration
Hikaru Bakoshi – Media and Technology Coordinator
Hatty Lin – Children and Youth Director
Emma To – Youth Ministry Lead
Caroline Waddington – Youth Ministry Assistant
Terri Thornton – Office Manager
Alan Ngai - Administrative Assistant
Kelvin Kamachi – Facilities Manager
Shane Cantanho – Accompanist
Akiko Buchanan – Accompanist
Ivan Vielma – Praise Band Lead Singer
Jahzara Jones – Praise Band Singer
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin To, SPRC Chair
SPRC Members: Aton Abril (District Lay Leader), Kathy Haneta, Lori Longmire, Carl Miya, Shelley Nakashima (Co-Lay Leader), Kellie Nunokawa (Co-Lay Leader), Jim Tengan, Kristin To (Chair), Mimune Tsukamoto (Nichigo representative)
Summary of 2026
Staffing and Ministry Updates
In January, we welcomed Jahzara Jones as a second Praise Band Singer. Her beautiful voice and warm presence have been a wonderful addition to our worship services.
We also experienced some staffing changes in our children and youth ministry program. Vanessa Perry-Mar resigned as Youth Director and will continue serving as a co-director for Kids Camp. We are grateful for Vanessa’s dedication and the many contributions she has made to our youth ministry. Hatty Lin transitioned from Children’s Ministry Director to Children and Youth Director, expanding her leadership to support both ministries. We appreciate Hatty’s continued commitment to helping our children and youth grow in their faith.
Supporting the spiritual growth of our children and youth remains an important priority at Wesley, and we are pleased to welcome Emma To as Youth Ministry Lead and Caroline Waddington as Youth Ministry Assistant. Emma grew up in Wesley’s God’s Garden and CAF/MYF and is now giving back to the community that helped nurture her faith. Caroline first discovered Wesley through our online services. As she looked for ways to become more involved, she found an opportunity to serve through the Youth Ministry Assistant position. We look forward to all that Hatty, Emma, and Caroline have planned for the youth this year.
Celebrating our Pastoral Leadership
Rev. John is now serving his fifth year as Wesley’s Senior Pastor, and we are thankful for his leadership and care for the congregation, staff, and community. We appreciate his advocacy for social justice and commitment to Wesley’s mission. As we continue to implement our strategic plan, we are hopeful about what we can accomplish together in the coming year.
At the beginning of 2026, Rev. John and his family moved from temporary housing to the beautifully renovated Mineta House parsonage. Their move to Japantown provides an opportunity to become more connected with and involved in the local community.
We also celebrated an important milestone with Pastor Mark Teagle, our former Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement, and Music. At Annual Conference this past June, Pastor Mark was commissioned as a Provisional Deacon and appointed to continue serving at Wesley. He is now in a two-year Residents Practicing Ministry program as he continues the path towards ordination. We are thankful for Pastor Mark’s dedicated service and continued ministry at Wesley.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As we reflect on this past year, we are reminded of the many ways God continues to provide for Wesley. We especially give thanks for our congregation. Your faithful presence, welcoming spirit, generosity, and countless acts of kindness are a blessing to our church. Each of you contributes in meaningful ways to make our ministries possible.
We are also fortunate to have such an amazing staff at Wesley. Their dedication, hard work, and genuine care are reflected in all they do.
May we enter 2027 with grateful hearts and a shared vision to continue serving our church rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice.
Rev. John Oda – Senior Pastor
Pastor Mark Teagle – Associate Pastor
Kelli Martines – Director of Administration
Hikaru Bakoshi – Media and Technology Coordinator
Hatty Lin – Children and Youth Director
Emma To – Youth Ministry Lead
Caroline Waddington – Youth Ministry Assistant
Terri Thornton – Office Manager
Alan Ngai - Administrative Assistant
Kelvin Kamachi – Facilities Manager
Shane Cantanho – Accompanist
Akiko Buchanan – Accompanist
Ivan Vielma – Praise Band Lead Singer
Jahzara Jones – Praise Band Singer
Respectfully submitted,
Kristin To, SPRC Chair
Posted in Charge Conference 2026