Ji Tai (“J.T.”) Kim
Senior Pastor
The Rev. J. T. Kim has been serving Riverside First United Methodist Church as Senior Pastor since July 1, 2016, after having served 13 years in the San Diego area at National City First United Methodist Church (2008–2016) and Park Hill United Methodist Church in Chula Vista (2003–2008). Before San Diego, he served as Senior Pastor at Barstow First United Methodist for 4 years (1999–2003), after serving at Arlington United Methodist Church in Riverside as Associate Pastor for Korean Ministry (1997–1999). He is married to KwangJin Kim who is a talented artist and singer with a beautiful voice. They have two daughters: Deborah and Esther.
Roy Riggs
Reverend, Retired
Rev. Riggs is a retired United Methodist minister who has served 40 years as a full-time pastor in churches in Arizona and Southern California. He has been married over 50 years to Dr. Cheryl Riggs who is a Professor Emeritus of History.
Position Available
Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Bio Pending
Yvonne Flagg
Aldersgate Director
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
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
Bell Choirs Director
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
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!
