Lead Pastor
Pastor Cathie is a Southern California native who earned her bachelor’s degree in social work and worked with under-served youth in the Los Angeles County foster care and probation systems for 14 years, which she considers her secular ministry.
A lifelong United Methodist who experienced a call to ministry as a teenager, she moved east after her son graduated from high school to earn her Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary. She served two churches in New Jersey before returning to Southern California in 2014, when she was appointed to Ojai UMC.
Pastor Cathie was appointed to University UMC Irvine in July 2018 and 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 community throughout the week.
Pastor Cathie serves on the Newport Mesa Irvine Interfaith Council board (NMIIC), is a chaplain with the Canterbury Irvine Community Table @ UCI, preaches at Regents Point, and numerous community organizations.
Pastor Cathie has an adult son, Anthony, who lives in Pasadena, and shares a home in Irvine with her
mother, Lois. She enjoys hiking, traveling, being near water, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Associate Pastor – Irvine Korean UMC
Born and raised as a pastor’s kid, Pastor Josh’s life is a testament to the power of faith and cultural harmony. Spending half his life in Korea and the other half in the U.S., he embodies a unique bicultural and bilingual identity that enriches his ministry.
Pastor Josh’s journey into ministry is a story of dedication and divine guidance. It began as a military chaplain’s assistant, where he served alongside two U.S. military chaplains—one a Southern Baptist pastor and the other an Episcopal priest. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and the Episcopal priest chaplain’s encouragement, Pastor Josh pursued his Master of Divinity at Yale University’s Divinity School.
With a thirst for knowledge and a heart for service, Pastor Josh earned his Doctor of Education at Harvard University. He then dedicated about ten years to social science research and higher education instruction. Yet, his calling to serve the Lord remained strong, leading him back to Yale Divinity School as a Visiting Fellow to reaffirm his commitment to pastoral ministry.
In July 2024, Pastor Josh embraced a new chapter as an associate pastor at University UMC Irvine. Here, he serves with unwavering dedication, embodying the love and teachings of Jesus in every aspect of his ministry.
Pastor Josh resides in Fullerton with his wife, Helen, and their three children—two in college and the youngest in high school. Their home is filled with joy, laughter, and the playful antics of their two beloved cats.
Finance Administrator
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Child’s World Preschool Director
Children’s Music Director
Media Ministry Technician
Director of Music Ministries
Accompanist
Audio Ministry Technician
Sunday Custodian
Marketing Manager
KidJam Teacher
KidJam Teacher
KidJam Teacher
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University United Methodist of Irvine California is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, registered in the US, registration number 95-2634429.
