Meet our Pastor

Liminal. I continue to learn about liminality, defined as the time that is neither here nor there. Or, in the words of Ed Catmull from Pixar, “There is a sweet spot between the known and the unknown where originality happens; the key is to be able to linger there without panicking.” (Excerpt from Susan Beaumont’s book “How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going.”)

Chandler UMC has taken on the challenge of liminality in a world and time that is a bit skeptical about church.  We have revised our mission, vision, and core values as well as our leadership structure to be nimble and intentional. I have been blessed to come alongside you as we make progress in our goals…and go on an adventure in faith as we seek new ways to draw people into a life-giving relationship with Christ. That excitement is fueled by the belief that vital mainline churches are an important part of reaching people of all ages who have been turned off by more extreme expressions of Christianity. The Chandler congregation is a vital, service-oriented congregation ready to take on the challenging task of reaching new people for Christ in new ways…and that is my passion as well. I recently hiked Mt. Wrightson, the highest peak in the Tucson area, and was amazed at the sweeping 360 degree views stretching out before me at the top.  That, I believe, is a great metaphor for the sweeping vista outside the doors of our church!

Prior to being appointed to Chandler UMC, Reverend Doctor Candace Lansberry was the Senior Pastor at Desert Skies United Methodist Church, a multi-site church with two campuses and a thriving online community. She has also served as a District Superintendent in the North District of the Desert Southwest Annual Conference (Las Vegas area).  Pastor Candace also planted two new United Methodist Churches, one in Mesa/Queen Creek and one in Las Vegas, served as Associate Pastor for Youth at Paradise Valley United Methodist, was the clergy youth cluster coordinator for the Verde Valley, and served as pastor of Jerome UMC.  She earned her Master of Divinity Degree at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, California, where she received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and her Doctor of Ministry at Drew Theological Seminar in Madison, New Jersey. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in Theater and Cinematic Arts.

Pastor Candace is married to Mark, a retired United Methodist pastor. They have three daughters and sons-in-law and five grandchildren. She loves to run, hike, cycle, swim, read, lift weights, travel, act, sing and play the guitar! She loves to try new things and meet new people. She has walked the Portuguese Way of the Camino de Santiago, backpacked parts of the John Muir Trail and King’s Canyon in the Sierras and run over 20 marathons. She is looking forward to an Alaskan Cruise this summer and a trip to Cabo San Lucas.  Most of all, she loves the church and its potential for truly transforming the world.