The Reverend Gale D. B. Smith came to Sunrise MCC in September 1995 as an Interim Pastor. She was voted our permanent senior pastor during a congregational meeting on June 1st, 1997. Reverend Smith accepted the call to the ministry in 1989 and began her journey to becoming ordained by finishing her degree in Biology and then attending Claremont School of Theological studies. There she completed her Masters Degree in the History of Christianity. Rev. Smith came to us after serving 12 years at MCC Long Beach in several lay ministries. She was born and raised in the Quad cities of Iowa and Illinois before her family moved to Southern California. Rev. Smith comes from a rich background of many interests and experiences. She is an Air Force veteran. She has also excelled athletically having been a part of several athletic teams. Rev. Smith has studied several languages in her effort to gain a better understanding of theology and the scriptures. Rev. Smith says she has a deep compassion for the congregation at Sunrise. She describes herself as a Charismatic Christian who has a deep love for studying the scriptures. She believes in reaching out to those who feel lonely and unloved, and teaching others to also reach out in God's love. In Reverend Smith's words: "Do not allow anyone to take your relationship with God away from you! God is not just for a few, God is for everyone!"