Get to know our hard-working & dedicated staff below. We're grateful for the men & women who God has called to serve the Body of Christ at Palmdale United Methodist Church.
PALMDALE U.M.C. STAFF
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Rev. Jim White - SENIOR PASTOR
Pastor Jim White came to Palmdale UMC in July 2015 after serving 21 years of ministry in the Hawaiian Islands. He's lived in Virginia, Wyoming, Arizona, Hawaii, New Jersey, & now California. He married his high school sweetheart, Jody, and they have 2 children (Ezra & Emily), who are both married & living on their own in other states... and 2 dogs (Milo & Hope). Jim enjoys sports, movies, reading, photography, Disneyland, cookies, & laughing! Contact him at SeniorPastor@PumChurch.com
Or find him on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jim.white.967422
Interested in Prepare-Enrich counseling or training? Click here for more info!
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Jon Gentry - ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Pastor Jon joined the ministry of PUMC in July of 2020. He oversees "Food For Thought" on Wednesday nights, the Youth & Young Adult ministries, and assists with the pastoral care of PUMC. Jon hails from the college town of Clemson in beautiful upstate South Carolina (go Tigers!) so you can find him wearing orange and purple on game days during football season. He enjoys hiking the great outdoors and spending quality time with friends, family, and his amazing wife Cordy. As a Methodist he cares a lot about spiritual growth and discipleship, community vitality, and social justice.
Contact him at: pastorjon@pumchurch.com
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Don Morris - MUSIC & WORSHIP
Don was born and raised in Sun Valley and moved to the AV in 1995 with his wife Lise. After over 10 yrs of playing gigs in various groups all over SoCal, he finally found his home when he joined the first Praise Band at PUMC and turned his life over to Christ. Eventually he became Band Director and in 2008, after a lot of wrestling and prayer, left 15 years in the IT industry for full-time ministry. Husband and father of 3 (Ana, Donnie, and Reva) is one of his greatest joys. Don is an avid baseball fan and if he's not glued to a Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast or mourning the loss of the Lancaster Jethawks, he's counting the days until professional baseball returns to the Antelope Valley.
Contact him at Music@PumChurch.com
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Sandra Clemons - PUMES DIRECTOR
Aka "Princess Sandra: Daughter of the King of Kings!" Born & raised TEXAN, Sandra came to California by way of the US Air Force. She's had the privilege of working in Early Childhood Education & related fields for over 23 years, 14 of which have been at Palmdale UMC Educational Services (PUMES). From teaching to administration, Sandra has experienced opportunities to fill students' days with hope, positive guidance, understanding, and love. She enjoys reading, dancing & going to the movies. Contact her at Preschool@PumChurch.com
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Inge Strauss - OFFICE MANAGER
Born & raised in Germany, Inge worked as an interior designer & German Air Force photographer. She married oversees, moved to CA in '67, and raised 3 children. She's worked in sales, graphic design, and the newspaper industry. Inge remarried in '84, added 4 children to the family, and moved to Palmdale in '88. She's been a member of PUMC since '93 and on staff as Office Manager since '99. Inge chaired the annual Service Auction for a decade, has been the Foundation treasurer, and organizes our Senior Ministry. Her family now includes 17 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren. Inge's walk with God has grown greatly here!
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Gloria Wright - TREASURER/Bookkeeper
Gloria Wright is the Treasurer at Palmdale United Methodist Church (PUMC). At PUMC we believe in worshiping God in community, growing spiritually through Jesus Christ, practicing compassion in mission, and advocating for social justice. Gloria brings to PUMC more than 15 years experience in healthcare administration, specializing in financial and managerial accounting. As a long-term member at PUMC, Gloria has served as a Trustee, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) liaison, participant in the bread ministry, and continues to serve as an usher, liturgist, and an active supporter of the senior ministry in whatever capacity needed.
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Dathan Dedman - ACCOMPANIST
Dathan is our uber-talented pianist, keyboardist, and overall musical genius. He provides music for both the Traditions & Generations Sunday morning worship experiences. Outside of church, Dathan teaches piano to many students in the Antelope Valley. (He also plays a killer trumpet!)
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beth mccoy - children's ministry
Beth and her family have been attending PUMC since 2015. As wife to Craig and mother to Owen and Jonah, she has spent the last 14 years as a stay-at-home mom. Beth loves spending time with her family, crocheting, crafting and animals (especially dogs and cats). A couple of years after starting at PUMC, she was asked to serve in Children's Ministry. Beth is thrilled to officially join the PUMC team as a staff member, and is excited to be able to do more in the ministry.
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lourdes serrano - children's ministry
The Serranos have been attending PUMC since 2015. Lourdes is married to Steve and is mom to Joaquin, Sofia, Natalia, Lucia, and Isabel. She loves running (4x Los Angeles Marathon), reading, Hamilton the Musical, along with Ted Lasso. She's been part of the Children's Ministry team for 4 years. Working with children has always brought joy to her life. As a former teacher and now substitute, Lourdes is also thrilled to officially join the PUMC team as a staff member. GO DODGERS!!!
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Sal Lerma - CUSTODIAL CARE
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Dustin Gomez - CUSTODIAL CARE