Voris Brumfield has been named pastor of the Middletown Community United Methodist Church for the next 12 months effective July 1. Courtesy photo.

MIDDLETOWN – California Nevada United Methodist Bishop Warner Brown has assigned Voris Brumfield to Pastor the Middletown Community United Methodist Church for the next 12 months effective July 1.

Brumfield, a Middletown resident for 34 years, has been an active member of the Methodist Church for 31 years and completed the Conference Lay Minister (CLayM) training at the California-Nevada Methodist Center West Sacramento in January.

“Though it is unusual to appoint a CLay pastor their home church, Bishop Brown feels Voris has demonstrated genuine gifts and graces which will allow her to effectively serve the Middletown community as a disciple of Jesus Christ,” stated Rev. Dr. Ben Silva-Netto, the Shasta District superintendent.

Brumfield said, “When asked to consider the Conference Lay Minister training in July of 2008, I felt called to do so. The relationships nurtured in the Christian community at the Methodist church have been a support during the time of loss and transitions and also offered me opportunities to use my talents as a writer and a director. I know I am a beloved child of God and wish to share that news with our community.”

The Methodist denomination practices open doors, open hearts, open minds and all members of the community are invited to participate in the "New Life" services Sunday at 10 am followed by fellowship hour with refreshments. This Sunday and all first Sundays a community potluck dinner is served after the service.

CLay Ministers serve without salary and are expected to be self sufficient. Brumfield is employed by the county as code enforcement manager and will continue in that position.

“This is a great honor to share my faith and reach out to our community in new ways with the spirit of God,” she said.

“Bishop Brown recently wrote, ‘I want Methodists to Rethink Church. Not in terms of what it is, but of what it can be,” said Brumfield.

“Yes, ’Rethink Church,’ share the love of God, be of service to those in need. This is what our community needs and Methodism offers.”

Voris Brumfield may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 707-355-0602.