With the retirement of their respective pastors, Escalon United Methodist Church (EUMC) and Oakdale Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) have announced the appointment of Rev. Mark Buenafe as the new pastor serving both congregations.

He takes over for Pastor Jeff Holder in Oakdale and for Pastor Peggy Bosch in Escalon.

Rev. Buenafe will lead Sunday services in Oakdale at 9 a.m., 1480 Poplar; and in Escalon, 2000 Jackson Ave., at 11 a.m.

He and his family come to the area from his previous pastoral assignment in Mariposa, bringing with him a deep commitment to ministry and community engagement.

Rev. Buenafe first felt his call to ministry while still in high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology before entering seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity.

Ordained in the 1990s, he has faithfully served United Methodist congregations throughout California’s Central Valley for over three decades.

His wife, Norma, is a dedicated educator with 20 years of teaching experience and currently teaches third grade in La Grange. Their son, Mahal, is completing his studies in linguistics at UC Irvine and hopes to pursue a career in education.

Rev. Buenafe looks forward to becoming an active presence in both Oakdale and Escalon, and invites the community to join in worship and fellowship. All are welcome to come and hear the message of the new pastor in town.