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!

How long have you been with UMCPS? Since early 2019 as a part time Coachella Valley resident and participant in the church community.

What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I help volunteers develop new ministries and programs. I also look for partnerships between UMCPS and other great community organizations.

Education/degree/previous experience: Doctor of Ministry, SMU 1992. Worked as a pastor since the 1980s and as a church consultant since 2002.

Favorite piece of scripture: 2 Corinthians 4

Favorite movie: Cinema Paradiso, Godfather trilogy (and so many others).

What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? Community. It has been my experience that amazing people hang around churches, and they become dear friends and collaborators: people whom often I would never find within my own demographic.

Email - info@umcps.org

How long have you been with UMCPS? March 5, 2024

What are some of your responsibilities at the church? As the OCC, I am responsible for many things but most importantly keeping the office running smoothly as possible and keeping the appropriate members of the organization whether it is volunteers, personnel, trustees or congregation members informed of the happenings in our church when needed.

Education/degree/previous experience?

34 years working for the City of Los Angeles in various administrative positions.

Favorite piece of scripture? Mark 12: 30-31 / Colossians 3: 11

Favorite movie? Depends on my mood and time of day - I have many favorite movies to choose from.

What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church?

I like the idea of being of service to the members or the church and the members of the community.

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.

How long have you been with UMCPS? I am the newbie of the music crew and have made a few appearances in the past as a guest singer and in August of 2020 joined the music team at UMCPS.

What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I am the lead tenor male singer and help with music and providing lead vocals for the worship team.

Education/degree/previous experience: I have a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, Associate’s Degree in Music and Theatre, and Certificate of Musical Theatre.

Favorite piece of scripture: Isaiah 40:31 - “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Favorite movie: Hard to pick a favorite, I am a big movie lover and love all Genres most recent favorite Avatar. There is something about movies with great sceneries and epic out of the box universes that I really enjoy.

What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? I love being an instrument and a vessel of music and to be able to share powerful messages through song for those in need and to be able to reconnect with my own spirituality and voice is truly a gift in itself.

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.

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 there. They all make working at the church enjoyable. I always look forward to seeing Pastor Jane and Anita when I come into the office.

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 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.

Email - kyle@umcps.org

How long have you been with UMCPS? I've been with the church since June 2025.

What are some of your responsibilities at the church? As the Communications & Public Relations Coordinator, I build relationships with our community by visiting local businesses on behalf of the church. I also manage all of our digital communications, including maintaining the church’s website, overseeing our social media presence, and creating both weekly and monthly newsletters to keep our congregation and community informed and connected.

Education/degree/previous experience: I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Northridge in Cinema and Television Arts. As a filmmaker, I have written and directed several short films and directed the first season of a television show.

Favorite piece of scripture: Joshua 1:9, John 13:34–35

Favorite movie: As a filmmaker, I can’t just pick one movie. I enjoy a wide range of movies, from romantic comedies to suspenseful thrillers. I love films that are smart and keep you guessing. Clever writing and directing are key for me!

What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? I genuinely love the people I get to connect with each day, whether it's our church family or members of the community I'm blessed to invite into our church home.

Email - john@umcps.org 

How long have you been with UMCPS?
I have been attending UMCPS since summer of 2024 and a member since December 2024 and on staff since February 2025.

What are some of your responsibilities at the church?  My primary focus is to assist the individuals in our congregation in finding an area of ministry that uses their gifts, talents and brings them joy and fulfillment.

Education/degree/previous experience? I managed law firms for many years prior to retiring several years ago.

Favorite piece of scripture?  John 14:27:   Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Favorite movie?  Letter From An Unknown Woman with Joan Fontaine and Louis Jordan

What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church?  The beautiful relationships that I am forming with the loving people in this congregation.

How long have you been with UMCPS?
Spring 2024

What are some of your responsibilities at the church?  My charge as Bridge Builder to the LGBTQ+ Community has been finding who in that community might be most in need of our partnership and support. After many interviews, and in consultation with our pastors, I have focused on the needs of queer youth across the Coachella Valley. I see my work as an extension of our Rainbow Ministry, developing programming with focus outside the church in partnership with others groups I've come to know in my travels: Safe Schools of the Desert, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus, and others. We can make positive change! The work requires patience as many youth and their parents are alienated from religion and rightly suspicious of any offers of help. Showing up consistently really matters, with trust builds one step at a time!

Education/degree/previous experience? I have doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Stanford University, where I taught for many years in the Stanford Business School. I have been an organization change consultant and leadership coach for 40 years. I now teach overseas, once a year, in India.

Favorite piece of scripture?  God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 1 John 4:16 

Favorite movie?  Harold and Maude

What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church?  Having a role helps my introverted self to get to know people in our congregation, which has been a total pleasure! I feel especially blessed to be meeting others open to sharing their time and treasure on these fabulous young people. 

Email - pianoman601@hotmail.com

How long have you been with UMCPS? I have officially been on staff with the church since March 30, 2025. Although, I have been at the organ as a guest of Dr. Wayne for a few services since Palm Sunday, 2024.

What are some of your responsibilities at the church? I currently serve as organist for the Sunday service(s) twice a month. However, you’ll see me in the pews on other Sunday mornings and also at the Rainbow Ministry gatherings.

Education/degree/previous experience: I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Organ performance from Henderson State University, Arkansas. I have served on staff of Baptist churches, United Methodist churches, a PCUSA Presbyterian church, and a DOC Christian church. Somehow I managed to serve three churches at one time while I finished my degree. My ministry began as a pianist in 1998 and expanded, over the last three decades to Director of Music Ministries, where I conducted chancel choirs, children’s choirs, handbell choirs, and Easter/Christmas presentations with orchestra, from the console.

Favorite piece of scripture: Luke 15:3-7. The scripture basis of the classic hymn, “The Ninety and Nine”

Favorite movie: What’s Up, Doc? With the young and beautiful Barbara Streisand. A lovely culmination of my obsession for the 1970s, music, and comedy.

What is one thing you most enjoy about serving in the church? The most beautiful and rewarding thing in serving the church for these many years is the relationships built with the body. Church families have shined through time and time again when the many facets of life have “dropped the ball.” In turn, it has been just as rewarding to be on the opposite end and have returned support to the membership when they have been in need.