This week, Stan and Gloria Beerman announced their upcoming retirements from the Oregon Conference. For the past five years, Stan has served as assistant to the president, managing the pastoral assignment process, while bringing his wisdom and experience to the administrative team. Before that, he had served as ministerial director and pastor in Oregon. Gloria has served most recently as assistant director for Children’s Ministries and as the Conference Adventurer director. Gloria is known around the Conference for her sweet, quiet demeanor and kind spirit. “The Oregon Conference has been immensely blessed by the ministry of the Beermans,” shared President Dan Linrud. “We wish them God’s abundant blessings as they make this transition into retirement.” Stan will officially retire in May, while Gloria will retire sometime later in June. 

Anticipating these transitions, the Oregon Conference executive committee has moved to fill these vital roles. First, they voted to call Randy Hill, current associate director for youth and Conference Pathfinder director, to fill the role of assistant to the president. In this role, Randy will take up the task of managing pastoral placements as well as directing the preparation process for Gladstone Camp Meeting. “I’m excited to serve, wherever I can be of service,” Randy shared with the executive committee upon his appointment. “I’m looking forward to this new challenge.” He is already beginning his transition into the new role by ramping up the preparation for this summer’s Gladstone Camp Meeting.

With both Adventurer and Pathfinder director positions open, the opportunity emerged to slightly restructure ministry departments. “When you look across the North American Division,” explained President Linrud, “you see that Pathfinder and Adventurer ministries are usually directed by the same department.” Now, Oregon Conference will do the same. Pastor Daniel Ortega was invited to serve as associate director in the Family & Children’s Ministries department. His primary focus will be on club ministries (Pathfinders and Adventurers). Pastor Daniel has been described as energetic and passionate, and he’s excited to join the Oregon Conference team. He comes from the Oklahoma Conference, where he has been serving as youth director and communication director. He will begin in Oregon in April, while his wife, Yesenia, and sons Benjamin and Isaac, will follow once the school year has completed. 

Please join us in praying for each of these team members as they make these transitions.