Month: February 2008

Got the info email from www.glide.org today:
The Board of Trustees of Glide Foundation, Rev. Cecil Williams, Janice Mirikitani, Rev. Donald Guest, and Willa Seldon cordially invite you to meet and welcome
Dr. Karen Oliveto as the Pastor of Glide Memorial United Methodist Church.
Please join us at the 9am or 11am Celebration on Sunday, March 2, 2008, for her official presentation and address to the Glide Community. Receptions in Freedom Hall will follow each service.
GLIDE EXPANDS MINISTRY TEAMNew Pastor Karen Oliveto Brings Diversity and Decades of Experience
San Francisco, CA…Glide Memorial United Methodist Church today announced that it has expanded its ministry team with the addition of Dr. Rev. Karen Oliveto, a highly celebrated Methodist minister who will share the ministry duties with the Reverend Cecil Williams and Reverend Donald Guest. The ministry team, which integrates Glide’s numerous programs with the spirituality of the church, includes Founding President Janice Mirikitani, Chief Executive Officer Willa Seldon as well as the Revs. Williams and Guest.
“It’s wonderful to have Karen join our team,” said Reverend Cecil Williams, Glide’s Founder and Minister of Liberation. “She brings the perfect mix of experience, passion and commitment to diversity and social justice that has been a hallmark of Glide’s work over the years.”
“I’m thrilled for the privilege to serve the community through Glide,” said Karen Oliveto. “The work here is inspiring – each and every day Glide helps people from the inside out by giving hope and strength in real ways.”
Originally from Long Island, NY, Karen Oliveto arrived in San Francisco in 1992 to take the helm as the pastor and leader of Bethany United Methodist Church in Noe Valley. While there, she expanded the congregation, and was instrumental in the effort to open the doors of the United Methodist Church to all persons, including gays and lesbians and their families. Oliveto holds a Ph.D. in Religion and Society from Drew University, and recently served as the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at Pacific School of Religion. She has served as the chair of the National Board of Directors for the Reconciling Congregation Program and is presently on the steering committee of the Religious Witness with Homeless Persons.
“Glide is growing – our programs for the public, our services for the poor and our congregation,” said Glide Chief Executive Officer Willa Seldon. “Karen rounds out our team by bringing her experience as a church leader and pastor as well as a strong connection to San Francisco’s diverse communities.”