As an elder in the California-Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Kristin Gill Stoneking comes to Epworth with deep experience in social justice and multifaith leadership in a variety of settings.
            Most recently, Kristin finished a four-year term as executive director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation (forusa.org), the nation’s oldest interfaith peace and justice organization, which includes over 60 local chapters and affiliates across the country. There she led FOR’s engagement in the Movement for Black Lives, advocacy on behalf of Syrian refugees, and guided the organization through its Centennial. Under her leadership, FOR formally joined the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign in support of rights and justice for Palestinians.
            Prior to FOR, Kristin served for 14 years as executive director and pastor of the ecumenical campus ministry at UC...

Rev. Brian Adkins, Associate Pastor joins the pastoral team of Epworth and Trinity United Methodist churches on July 1, 2019. Since 2014, Pastor Brian has served as Pastor of Open Door UMC in Richmond, which was recently selected as the sponsor of a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School. His appointment marks a return to Epworth, having previously served this community as Associate Pastor of Congregational Care from 2008-2010.

Pastor Brian grew up in rural Ohio, where his Pentecostal grandmother had a great impact on his faith and formation. Prior to becoming a pastor, he worked in nonprofit development, as a fundraiser and program manager, and was trained as a faith-based community organizer. 

Pastor Brian is known throughout the United Methodist connection as a former member of the United Methodist Commission on a Way Forward, as well as a former board member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, and one of 144 clergy signers of the 2016 #CalledOUT letter. 

He holds a Master’s in Divi...

Jerry Asheim has been a church musician his whole life, serving Epworth since 1989 as Organist and Music Director. He holds a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Minnesota, where he studied organ with Heinrich Fleischer. While doing graduate work with Dr. Fleischer, Jerry was an organ instructor at the University of Minnesota. An Ordained United Methodist Minister since 1973, Jerry is a life-long human rights advocate and a R.N. working with Visiting Nurses Services for Hospice San Francisco as a HIV/Hospice Infusion Nurse.

Susan Elliott Jardin is Director of Children and Family Ministries and Older Adult Ministries at Epworth.  She coordinates the Godly Play Faith Formation Program for children in grades  Pre-K - 5, and works with Children's Council  to nurture a welcoming and supportive community for parents and children at Epworth. She also runs the Epworth Playgroups for babies and toddlers, which connects East Bay parents and children.  She helps to coordinate KidsCare!, a group of families of young children who participate monthly in community service activities at homeless shelters, skilled nursing homes and hospices (https://berkeleykidscare.com/).  In 2015 Susan added Older Adult Ministries to her duties at Epworth.  Partnering with local non-profits to bring classes, learning opportunities, and wide range of activities to seniors to keep them active in community life, A+ (Older Adult) programs aim to help alleviate loneliness, isolation and depression through connection, learning and purposeful...

Jonn Moh Bi coordinates the Nursery assistants and volunteers each Sunday morning faithfully. She also works during the week providing child care in other communities.

In addition to his dedicated part time work for the Epworth Community, Martin Perez uses his knowledge of the Mayan Quiche language and his translation skills within the Federal Courts. Martin is also an accomplished musician who performs with the band Marimba Maya.