We embrace all of God’s people. Regardless of their race, sexual orientation, age, immigration status, gender identity, or belief system. We believe that everyone belongs here and is in God’s Grace. Belong intentionally comes first, because everyone belongs here.
We are not all of one mind, but we believe that God calls us to be unified in heart as we follow Jesus. We grow in understanding and in developing our belief in community, through worship, Bible study, small groups, choir, and any other opportunities for growth. Questions are welcome!
We serve as the hands and feet of Christ in this world. One of the key ways we live out our faith is to “be love” together, through mission and outreach activities beyond the church itself, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and serving the most vulnerable in our midst.
Located in Irvine, CA. We are a safe space focused on grace, not guilt. We are a part of the United Methodist Church, and we follow Jesus wherever the Spirit leads. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Discipleship happens when we gather together to grow in love for God and neighbor through worship, service, and fellowship, which transforms the world for good.
Founded in 1966 to serve the growing city of Irvine and the new University of California campus. Rev. Jim Stewart was appointed as the first minister. Initially, around sixty families gathered at St. Mark Presbyterian in Corona del Mar. Eventually, we moved to Culver and University Dr. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 1968, and the first service took place in June 1969. Stewart Hall was also built for Sunday school and meetings. The church grew rapidly and helped other new churches. It initially shared facilities with Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church, an Assembly of God Congregation, and the Israeli Academy. Today our ministries have expanded to Japanese-speaking Nozomi congregation and the Korean-speaking Irvine Korean UMC.
A lifelong United Methodist who experienced a call to ministry as a teenager, she earned her Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Princeton Theological Seminary. Pastor Cathie has served at UUMC since 2018 and brings with her a passion for planning worship, preaching from Scripture, creating avenues to engage in spiritual disciplines, engaging in thoughtful dialogue, and ministering to the needs of the community throughout the week. She also enjoys hiking, traveling, being near water, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
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 identity that enriches his ministry. With both a Master of Divinity from Yale University’s Divinity School and a Doctorate in Education from Harvard University, he serves with unwavering dedication, embodying the love and teachings of Jesus in every aspect of his ministry. Pastor Josh also enjoys spending time with his family and their two beloved cats.
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University United Methodist of Irvine California is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, registered in the US, registration number 95-2634429.
