April Herron earned her M. Div. from the Pacific School of Religion in 1987. Following her first assignment as an ordained United Methodist pastor, which was to Kauai, Hawaii, she came to Pacific Beach United Methodist Church in 1991. During her years at PB UMC, attendance has more than doubled. A huge remodeling project has been completed, and just recently the debt has been completely paid off.

A native San Diegan, Pastor April graduated from Coronado High School. She loves living and working in Pacific Beach, where she can be near the water. She is often seen early in the morning bicycling or walking on the beach. The mother of two daughters, she is proud of being a "soccer mom." Balancing her outdoor interests is her love of reading. In fact, some members of the congregation keep a pencil handy during Pastor April’s sermons so that they can jot down the titles of books that she mentions.

Members of the congregation are often heard to comment that Pastor April’s sermons always make them think. "They’re the perfect mixture of intellect, emotion, and spirituality," explained one of the choir members. And although her children’s messages each Sunday are carefully designed to interest the little ones, they invariably also prove to be meaningful to the adults.

Pastor April 's involvement in PB UMC goes well beyond preaching—she does everything from singing in the choir and taking part in the drama productions to counseling members on topics ranging from religious questions to planning picnics, outdoor church, and gospel sings! Her parents as well as her children are active church members, reflecting the church's multi-generational character.

"I love it here at Pacific Beach United Methodist Church," said Pastor April. "We have a sincere community of men, women, and children who are committed not only to worshipping God, but also to helping others and making this world a better place."