The Rev. Diane Rehfield was born in Illinois, but moved to Southern California at the age of 4, where she lived until being appointed to AUMC on July 1, 2013. Some of her grandparents’ farming roots must have been handed down, because Diane is really enjoying living in rural Atascadero!
Pastor Diane was ordained as a minister of the United Methodist Church in 2000. Prior to coming to AUMC, Diane was the Senior Pastor at Walteria UMC in Torrance, and has served as an associate pastor at Rolling Hills UMC, and Riviera UMC in Redondo Beach. She was also temporarily appointed as the interim pastor to two congregations, and served as the chaplain at a continuing care facility for senior citizens in Long Beach.
Having been trained earlier in her career as a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Counselor, Pastor Diane brings to us a great sense of humor and a warm and deep understanding of people. Her goal as a pastor is “to help as many people as possible to understand how much God loves them, no matter what, and that as they grow in their Christian faith, that love can and should be reflected in service to others.” She has a particular heart for those on the margins, such as people who are homeless, mentally ill, or suffering from addictions.
Diane lives in Atascadero with her husband Mark, three horses, two dogs, and a cat. Mark and Diane have three grown daughters and one granddaughter (so far!) She enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with the family, including the animals!