Reverend Cathie Capp

lead pastor

Pastor Cathie, a native Southern Californian who earned her Bachelors Degree in Social Work, began her career working with at-risk youth in the Los Angeles foster care and probation systems. It was a tenure that lasted 14 years which she considers as her secular ministry.


Yet, as a lifelong Methodist who believed she had more to give, she attained her Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education degrees at Princeton Theological Seminary. During that time, she served the Princeton United Methodist Church as Director of Christian Education, and upon graduating, as Pastor of Congregational Care at Chambers United Methodist Church in Trenton, NJ.

Returning to Southern California, Rev. Cathie served the last four years as Lead Pastor at Ojai United Methodist Church where she also led the Preschool Chapel Services, Disciple Bible Study and Prayers Services, and performed in the choral and hand-bell choirs.


Pastor Cathie brings with her a passion for planning worship, preaching from Scripture, teaching, creating avenues to engage in spiritual disciplines, engaging in thoughtful dialogue, and ministering to the needs of the congregation and community throughout the week. She enjoys running, hiking, Zumba, traveling, being near water, cooking, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog Shaggy.


email: pastorcathie@uumcirvine.org


reverend Sunghwan Park

Associate Pastor, Children's Ministry and lead pastor for korean Congregation

Pastor Park earned his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Methodist Theological University in Seoul, South Korea. After this, he continued his theological studies at Claremont School of Theology, where he specialized in the New Testament and received a Master of Divinity degree. Currently, he is working on his doctoral dissertation in the same area of study.


Pastor Park has a passion for working with children and has felt called to minister to them. He is deeply committed to their spiritual growth and regularly participates in children's ministry. 


Through engaging and meaningful Bible studies with his congregation, he shares his extensive knowledge and insights on God's Word.


Pastor Park lives with his spouse and two children, treasuring the special moments they share. One of his favorite activities is going camping with his loved ones, which allows them to connect with nature and enjoy quality time as a family.


email: pastorpark@uumcirvine.org


John Carpenter

director of music

John W. Carpenter is the Director of Music at University United Methodist Church, Irvine, California where he directs the Chancel Choir.  The choir is known for its energetic and moving performances, encompassing a wide variety of musical styles.  The choir participates in the weekly worship service as well as offering two annual concerts, at Christmas and in June.  In November 2016 the choir performed Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna at Carnegie Hall, has toured England and Scotland, participates in various choral festivals and ecumenical services, and was a featured choir at the National Association of Church Musicians.   


Mr. Carpenter is also the Assistant Director for the Saddleback Valley Community Chorale, Mission Viejo, California.  He received his Masters of Music History from California State University, Fullerton and Bachelors of Music with Conducting Emphasis from Chapman University (formerly Chapman College) studying under Dr. William Hall and John Koshak.  He also is the former President of the Orange County chapter of the National Association of Church Musicians.  In addition to his choral duties, Mr. Carpenter has directed Broadway musicals, as well as children, youth, and handbell choirs.


John's Facebook thoughts on music and ministry:

email: John Carpenter

Aidee truitt

Youth ministry coordinator

Aidee Hope Truitt is an innovative creative from Chicago, Illinois. She is passionate about teaching people what it means to be radically loved and accepted by Jesus, and she hopes to encourage people to accept this love and share it with everyone they encounter.

Aidee played basketball for 15 years, including a year at Judson University, a Christian college in Illinois. She is also a worship leader, who plays guitar and loves teaching children and youth how to authentically and interactively worship God. Aidee is currently attaining her B.A. in Psychology and often loves finding new ways to connect faith with mental and emotional wellness.


email: aidee@uumcirvine.org


Marcel Millot

Office Administrator

Marcel is a communications enthusiast who is passionate about brand consistency and who looks for innovative ways to elevate the brand of Jesus. 


He has served in senior management roles at organizations of various sizes and has been an entrepreneur at some time in his career. Today his desire and focus is to equip the church with the right tools to reach more people. 


As the Church Administrator, Marcel leads the communications, marketing, facility rentals and administrative work of UUMC. His other passions include helping people reach their fullest potential, staying fit, golfing, reading, church research, fine dining, cooking, baking and coffee. 


email: marcel@uumcirvine.org

Irma Ramirez

Finance Administrator

Irma came to UUMC after a 20-year career in the Anaheim School District, where she served as Senior Administrative Assistant to the Principal. The church relies on her experience with human resources and budgeting. Active in her local church, Irma considers her service at UUMC to be part of her personal ministry. 


email: irma@uumcirvine.org

cyndi mccormick

director of child's world preschool

Cyndi McCormick was born and raised on a working farm in rural Indiana. She attended Purdue University and Orange Coast College as she pursued her love of teaching, first in Elementary schools and finally in the Early Childhood environment. 


Cyndi's blog on parenting and preschoolers:

email: cwpsirvine@aol.com

wan-chin chang

accompanist

Wan-Chin received her doctorate from USC in musical arts - piano performance. In addition to playing for UUMC worship and concert events, she serves as adjunct faculty at Soka University; Associate Faculty at MiraCosta College; and Piano Department Director at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lakes, MI. Dr. Chang excels at violin as well. She joined the UUMC staff in 2014.

jeff moretti

media ministry technician

Jeff Moretti was born and raised in Southern California. He has been a part of the United Methodist Church since he was 5 years old. It was in high school that he discovered his passion for computer visual arts and went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree from Cal State University in Fullerton. Jeff has been attending UUMC since 2007 where he both creates and runs the visual presentations for the worship services.

email: jeffrmoretti@gmail.com

tiffany vantine

Children's music & Noiseful Joy

director

Tiffany is a "home grown" member of the staff, having attended UUMC since birth. She has sung in its children's, youth, and adult choirs throughout her life, and can also be caught doing solo work occasionally.  With John Carpenter as a father, music was unavoidable.  


Tiffany attended Chapman University, where she studied voice, conducting, and music education.  She believes every child has the right to a quality music education, that involvement in musical ensembles develops discipline and drive, and that God is easiest to reach through music.


Tiffany is married to Mike, a software developer.  When not singing or directing, Tiffany enjoys writing children's music, sewing, reading, playing games, and having new adventures.  


"Make a joyful noise to the Lord all ye land." -Psalm 100:1


Tiffany's Facebook postings on music and minsitry:

email: Tiffany Vantine