Coming to visit?
We invite you to join us at First UMC Riverside, where your first visit will be warm, welcoming, and spiritually uplifting. As you enter through our front doors, our friendly greeters will be there to welcome you and help you feel right at home. We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you!
What do you believe?
- The belief in one God, who is the Creator and sustainer of the universe.
- The belief in the Trinity, that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- The belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is fully human and fully divine.
- We believe salvation is an open gift from God, accepted by individuals according to their own free will.
- We believe in welcoming all people, including the LGBT community, into worship and into the full life of the church, including ordination and marriage.
How do I get there?
Couldn’t be easier! Just click on Directions.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Is there a dress code?
If you want to fit in with some of our Ushers, a T-Shirt and shorts is the way to go. But seriously, we want church to be a place you feel comfortable so you won’t find a dress code here.
Do I need to be a member?
What do you have for my kids?
Infant Care (0-3 years old): Upon arrival, our friendly greeter will direct you to the childcare room. For parents who wish to stay close, there is a connected parent room where you can view the service with your infants. Alternatively, you are welcome to keep your little ones with you in the sanctuary.
Preschool through 6th Grade: Children will sit with their parents until the “Children’s Moment,” when they are invited to gather at the front for a brief story. Afterward, they will be escorted to their Church School classrooms for fun and engaging lessons.
Youth through 12th Grade: We offer Youth Sunday School for this age group on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at 10:15 AM. Join us for these sessions designed to deepen their faith and foster community.
We look forward to welcoming your family!
What does the Church do for the World?
Our church is active in our community and in the world through a variety of ways, including:
Participating in local mission projects and service initiatives
Supporting global mission efforts through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other mission organizations
Advocating for social justice and working to address issues such as poverty, hunger, and inequality
Offering counseling, support groups, and other forms of pastoral care
What is a typical service like?
Join us for a worship experience that nourishes the soul and uplifts the spirit! Our worship service, lasting about an hour, is filled with meaningful moments of prayer, inspiring sermons, and opportunities to express generosity. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful blend of traditional hymns and contemporary praise and worship songs that will leave you feeling renewed and connected.
Meet Our Pastor
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