Meet Our People

We are a friendly group. Our humble leaders have been volunteering in their communities for many years, and they bring with them the ability to lead, to inspire and to care for the needy without condescension or hidden agendas.

 

With untold years of volunteer experience among them, our leaders provide Desert Chapel UMC with the inspiration and direction to keep it going and growing.

Sharon Pajak

Pastor

 

Bio: Our pastor, Rev. Sharon Pajak, was born and raised in Mesa, and is a life-long United Methodist. Her parents were charter members of Grace UMC in Mesa, where she went to Sunday school, VBS, youth group, choirs and so much more.

It was while participating at First UMC that Pastor Sharon first experienced her call into ministry. Following high school, Pastor Sharon received her undergraduate degree from Grand Canyon College, and went to seminary at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. She has served in 6 appointments since being ordained in 1990, most recently as the senior pastor of Griffith United Methodist Church in Las Vegas, NV.

Pastor Sharon is married to Al, who is a vertebrate paleontologist and geologist who teaches middle or high school science. They have one child, 8-year-old Elizabeth who loves to read, play the piano and swim. 

Cynthia Norris

Administrative Assistant

 

Bio: Cynthia came to us with 20 years of administrative experience and has been at Desert Chapel since 2004.  She came from California with her husband Tim and enjoys people, traveling, golf and the outdoors.

 

 

Alice Wagaman

Bell Choir Director

 

Bio: Alice came from Martinsville, IN to Desert Chapel in 1990 with her husband Pat. First introduced to hand bells in early 1970’s, she played in her church’s choir for 10 years. After coming to Arizona, she played with the Mesa Ringers Community Hand Bell Choir from 1991 to 2000.  In 2003, after playing in the Desert Chapel Choir, she became the Hand Bell Director. 

Peter Pizzino

Choir Ditrector

 

 

Bio: