Methodist Church Riverside

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    Fellowship Groups

    UPLIFT Youth Group

    Any school-age children can attend on alternate Wednesdays from 5:30 – 7:00. Please register your youth when you attend the first time. Parking is in the rear of the Sanctuary and youth take the outside stairs to our meeting rooms. Campus map is here. Young people who come can expect to engage in

    • Interaction with other youth
    • Contests, Music, Art, Recreation, and Special Events
    • Snacks (Pizza, of course!)

    Bring a friend!

    Empty Nesters

    Are your children grown and out of the house? Looking for a supportive community to connect with? Join our Empty Nesters group! We meet on the third Saturday of each month for a delightful potluck meal followed by engaging activities like board games, movies, and lively discussions. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and fun.

    Our potluck dinners are a highlight, where everyone brings a favorite dish to share, creating a warm and welcoming dining experience. After the meal, enjoy activities that foster fellowship and joy.

    Join us to build new friendships and find support in this unique life transition. For more information, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you!

    United Women in Faith

    The United Women in Faith (UWF) works to improve the lives of women and children throughout the world.  We support church and community projects as part of our outreach, as well as local programs designed to help the unhoused and under-served. Our local projects include supporting the Hope Room at Wesley UMC, providing children’s activity bags for the police department, and financial donations to Family Promise and Feeding America (among others).   UWF is open to all women regardless of their church affiliation. 

    Internationally we support hospitals and schools through UWF missions. Our UWF chapter provides tuition, books, and uniforms to a schoolgirl in India, and has funded over 90 Kiva micro loans to impoverished entrepreneurial women.

    To learn more about the worldwide United Women in Faith, their history, missions, and function,  visit the national website at uwfaith.org.

    United Methodist Men

    The United Methodist Men (UMM) is a group of men who are active in support of a variety of church ministries. UMM hosted functions include the following:

    • Weekly morning prayer and fellowship breakfast on Friday
    • Monthly luncheon w/ guest speakers
    • Annual silent auction to raise money to support student scholarships 

    We encourage all men to join us in support of the church community. 

    Music Groups

    Aldersgate Chorale

    The Aldersgate Chorale sings four part harmonies and uplifting anthems accompanied by piano and the church’s Aeolian-Skinner organ that has been refurbished. The choir rehearses at 7 pm Thursdays during the school year and leads the worship service most Sundays. On Palm Sunday and Easter, a brass quartet often raises the roof.

    Response Praise Band

    The Response is the praise band that features guitars, drums and vocals on contemporary Christian hits. The band practices on Wednesday nights and leads worship one Sunday each month.

    Allegro Ringers

    Allegro Ringers is the bell choir for adults, who want to play music for the Sunday Service.  In addition, a youth and children choir are also available. The director teaches bell techniques and music reading skills to newcomers. The groups play regularly during the year and offer a concert every June.

    Youth Bells and Children's Chimes

    Led by the Bell Choir director, the children’s chime choir is our youngest musical group, consisting of children from the 1st grade through the 6th grade.  The group meets most Sundays from 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

    These children are just beginning their musical instruction.  They learn how to ring their chime and the beginnings of music reading with the emphasis on note value.  In addition, a few of the Sundays are set aside for fun rhythm activities.

    Any parent wishing their child to participate in this group should contact the Bell director or the church office for additional information.

    Meet Our Team

    Reverend Ji Tai (JT) Kim

    Reverend J.T. Kim, who became our Senior Pastor on July 1, 2016 was called by God to his ministry. He also followed in his father's footsteps as a pastor. He is loving and responsive, checking on his flock in the hospital or noticing a new face in the sanctuary. His sermons are meaningful, touching on society and popular culture as well as insightful Biblical interpretation. Pastor Kim spends time developing relationships with other pastors in the Riverside community. Pastor Kim said he feels blessed with a wonderful, amazing congregation in Riverside. Earlier in his career he served churches in the San Diego area as well as in Riverside.  He is married to KwangJin Kim, who is a talented artist and singer

    Christina Graves

    Youth and Children Ministries

    Yvonne Flagg

    Aldersgate Chorale Director

    See Bio

    Yvonne was born and raised in Michigan.  She received a B.Mus.Ed. from Central Michigan University, M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary, and a M.A. in music from Claremont Graduate University.  Yvonne taught high school choir for 13 years, and has been blessed to be the choir director/minister of music for 5 different churches.  Also, she loves Mother Nature.

    Robert Phillips

    Organist

    See Bio

    Robert Phillips joined the staff of FUMCOR in October 2019.  His piano studies began at age 5. He switched to the organ at age 13, secured his first church organist position the following year, and has served various congregations in the Inland Empire continuously since then. He earned a bachelor's degree in music from the University of California, Riverside, in 1977, with emphasis in composition, organ, harpsichord, and carillon. He has a "day job" with the Riverside Police Department and sometimes plays keyboards in various bands with his friends from the PD. He lives in Riverside with several cats, and a houseful of books and keyboard instruments.

    Gayla Lonsbery

    Adult, Youth and Children's Bell Director

    See Bio

    Gayla Lonsbery, the Bell Choir Director, has two groups that is open for anyone 6 and over to participate in the program. With over twenty years of experience, Gayla has taught music and the instruments to numerous players.  Her day job is an IT Project Manager.  She also enjoys puzzles, computer games and helping out in the sound booth.

    Becky Ruiz

    Office Manager

    See Bio

    Becky Ruiz began working for FUMCOR in 2011. As the Office & Finance Manager, she enjoys assisting the church congregation, supporting the Pastor and reporting necessary items such as the church financials and campus maintenance issues to both the Finance & Trustee committees. She is excited for the advancements that the church is making and happy to be part of the team!

    Beverly Devine

    Secretary

    See Bio
    Bev retired from ordained ministry in 2019 and is now here in Riverside. She says "This congregation has included me and loved me from my first day in worship. It is my privilege to serve as Secretary/Receptionist for this congregation. This position is a gift! It is a blessing to serve and connect with the congregation and community."