United Methodist Church of Palm Springs Staff
United Methodist Church of Palm Springs is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. Following are brief bio's of our staff team and their qualifications for ministry.
Jane Voigts
Pastor
Email - pastorjane@umcps.org
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since July 1, 2018
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I lead worship, preach, teach, oversee administration, cast vision, care for the flock, explore new connections with the greater community, and offer an occasional cartwheel when helpful.
- Education/degree/previous experience: BA Indiana University 1981; DMin Claremont School of Theology 1996; served churches in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Appleton WI; also, I was previously a legal secretary and professional comedian in Chicago and LA.
- Favorite piece of scripture: John 15:11 - “Jesus said, 'I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.'"
- Favorite movie: "It's a Wonderful Life"
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? Making church fun!
Jeremy Wells
Facilitator of Congregational Life
Email - jeremy@umcps.org
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since June 1, 2016
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? Lead small group studies and life groups
- Education/degree/previous experience: Graduated from Concordia University- Portland in 2006 with a degree in Business Administration concentrating in International Management
Erin Forget-Wells
Office & Communications Manager
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since March 2018
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church?
- Education/degree/previous experience: BA in Secondary Education from Concordia University-Portland 2008
- Favorite piece of scripture: Psalm 23:5 "Let the lover of your soul restore it."
- Favorite movie: "Dumb & Dumber"
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? Meeting new people
Dr. Wayne Hinton
Music Director
Email - music@umcps.org
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since 2012 when UMCPS celebrated its 50th anniversary
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I am responsible for directing the choir and providing solo piano and organ music for all services.
- Education/degree/previous experience: I have a Bachelor and Master's degree from Florida State University and a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Southern California., as well as 45 years of experience in serving in churches.
- Favorite piece of scripture: Matthew 6:28
- Favorite movie: I don't really have a favorite.
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? Working with the hard working, talented and joy filled members of the Chancel Choir.
Dr. Ed Hartman
Director of Handbell Choir
- How long have you been with UMCPS? 36 years
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I am responsible for directing the handbell choir
- Education/degree/previous experience: I have a Doctorate in Education from USC, and have also worked as a music educator in the public schools.
- Favorite piece of scripture: 1 Corinthians 13
- Favorite movie: "Remains of the Day"
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? The music, the members of the handbell choir, and this wonderful congregation.
Ana Rangel
Song Leader
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Two years
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? Lead singer for worship
- Education/degree/previous experience: Masters in Vocal Performance
- Favorite piece of scripture: There are too many to choose from! To be determined.
- Favorite movie: Dreamworks "Storks"(There is a short and fast scene about different types of parents that is all-inclusive and it gets me every time.)
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? We all get to share music together!
John Velasquez
Song Leader
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since October 2019
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? Lead singer for worship and looking forward to getting more involved with the community and church
- Education/degree/previous experience: Currently working on AA from College of the Desert and I also sing with local groups in the valley such as California Desert Choral and a mens ensemble called The Sweethots
- Favorite piece of scripture: Joshua 6:1-27, the whole story of the Israelites, the walls of Jericho and being able to conquer it with trumpets, shouts and faith stuck with me
- Favorite movie: "The Greatest Showman", I saw it 5 times while it was in movie theaters and own a digital copy. Beautiful singing, dancing, and overall message.
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? I enjoy singing in general but, having people who enjoy it with me and being able to sing together with them to worship and praise just brings it to a whole new level. I'm grateful to be part of it all.
Angelica Gutierrez
Custodian
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since June 2007
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I ensure all church spaces are cleaned well and prepared for all church activities. I make sure to take out all the trash, ensure bathrooms are deep cleaned and keep all surfaces and floors clean. I am also the church’s child care taker during church services.
- Education/degree/previous experience: N/A
- Favorite piece of scripture: Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
- Favorite movie: "Coco"
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? I enjoy talking and seeing the members of the church whenever I'm at the there. They all make working at the church enjoyable. I always look forward to seeing Pastor Jane and Erin when I come into the office.
Juan Gutierrez
Groundskeeper
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since June 2007
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I help maintain the health of all plants and gardens, trim trees and shrubs, fertilize and mow lawns, and keep walkways clear of debris and litter.
- Education/degree/previous experience: N/A
- Favorite piece of scripture: Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
- Favorite movie: "El Llanero Solitario" (Lone Ranger)
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? I enjoy seeing the flowers bloom and the plants grow. I enjoy walking around the garden spaces and keeping the church’s landscape clean and welcoming for the church members.
Jane Voigts
Pastor
Email - pastorjane@umcps.org
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since July 1, 2018
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I lead worship, preach, teach, oversee administration, cast vision, care for the flock, explore new connections with the greater community, and offer an occasional cartwheel when helpful.
- Education/degree/previous experience: BA Indiana University 1981; DMin Claremont School of Theology 1996; served churches in Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Appleton WI; also, I was previously a legal secretary and professional comedian in Chicago and LA.
- Favorite piece of scripture: John 15:11 - “Jesus said, 'I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.'"
- Favorite movie: "It's a Wonderful Life"
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? Making church fun!
Jeremy Wells
Facilitator of Congregational Life
Email - jeremy@umcps.org
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since June 1, 2016
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? Lead small group studies and life groups
- Education/degree/previous experience: Graduated from Concordia University- Portland in 2006 with a degree in Business Administration concentrating in International Management
Erin Forgét-Wells
Office & Communications Manager
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since March 2018
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church?
- Education/degree/previous experience: BA in Secondary Education from Concordia University-Portland 2008
- Favorite piece of scripture: Psalm 23:5 "Let the lover of your soul restore it."
- Favorite movie: "Dumb & Dumber"
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? Meeting new people
Dr. Wayne Hinton
Music Director
Email - music@umcps.org
- How long have you been with UMCPS? Since 2012 when UMCPS celebrated its 50th anniversary
- What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I am responsible for directing the choir and providing solo piano and organ music for all services.
- Education/degree/previous experience: I have a Bachelor and Master's degree from Florida State University and a Doctor of Music degree from the University of Southern California., as well as 45 years of experience in serving in churches.
- Favorite piece of scripture: Matthew 6:28
- Favorite movie: I don't really have a favorite.
- What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? Working with the hard working, talented and joy filled members of the Chancel Choir.
