Video: Discovering Holy Ground

This video was delivered by Rev. Sandy Olewine, First United Methodist Church of Pasadena on Sunday, January 25, 2015. Born in Maryland and raised in California, Rev. Sandra Olewine (Sandy) is a graduate of the University of California, Davis (BS) and the Claremont School of Theology (M.Div / ABD). A clergy member of the this Annual Conference for 29 years, Sandy served two congregations, First UMC in Fontana and Holman UMC in Los Angeles before accepting a call to work overseas. For 10 years, she served as the UMC Liaison to Jerusalem through the General Board of Global Ministries, during which she given numerous awards recognizing her work for peace and justice.

In 2006, Sandy was sent to downtown Long Beach to start a ministry, The Neighborhood La Vecindad, an urban ministry of the poor in downtown Long Beach, which has been recognized for its foundation of community-based ministry. She was appointed to Santee United Methodist Church on September 1, 2011 and begins at First UMC Pasadena on July 1, 2014.

Known as an inspired preacher, writer and teacher, Sandy has worked across social, racial and economic borders throughout her ministry, attempting to create a sense of solidarity among diverse communities. Driven by a passion for the Gospel, Sandy seeks the healing of creation through acts of compassion, justice and mercy.

Sandy loves to read, go to movies, and hike in the mountains. She took up running (some might call it ambling) upon returning to the US and at age 50 completed 4 marathons and almost 20 half-marathons! She is an avid photographer, loves Peanut M&Ms (well, anything chocolate, really) and is a Steeler fan. She has one nephew, Jared. He and his wife, Carol, live in El Cajon and work in San Diego.

First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 796-0157 or visit fumcpasadena.org.