Our Pastor – The Rev. Lydia Sohn
The Rev. Lydia Sohn is a Korean American elder within the Cal-Pac UMC Conference. She served as Associate Pastor at Church of the Good Shepherd in Arcadia, California and then, as Senior Pastor at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in San Diego, before taking a sabbatical to raise her two young kids, Hugh and Ivy.
Her husband, James Rogers, has a doctorate in Theology from the Claremont Graduate University and works as an editor. They met at Yale Divinity School, where they both received their Masters degrees.
Lydia is also a writer who has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Christian Century, among others. Check out her work at www.revlydia.com.
She’s passionate about contemplative spirituality, helping people connect with God and their truest selves, and cute coffee shops. You can email her at pastor@walnutumc.org
Director of Young People Ministries – Maddilynn Morris
Maddi is a devoted mother to three daughters and the wife to a husband in law enforcement. She is ardent about children and has several Early Childhood Education Units (ECE). She has certificates in Child Family and Community, Science and Math for the Young Child, Externship Program, and Programs and Principals / Human Growth and Development.
Maddi is involved in her children’s school PTA and spends her free time volunteering. Her days are also often spent outside cheering for her girls at their soccer games, indoors baking, and sitting in an auditorium listening to her daughters’ choir concerts and enjoying the plays her kids are in. She is passionate about family bonding, outdoor activities, movie nights at home, and helping the children and youth connect with God through conversation, crafts, movement, and sharing life experiences. You can reach her at ypministries@walnutumc.org
Pianist – Nico Marucut
Nico is a professionally trained pianist who has been playing for over thirty five years. In addition to his love of piano, he enjoys Thai food and live Jazz concerts.
Administrative Assistant – Avery Brenner
Avery Brenner joined our staff in 2024 as our new Office Administrative Assistant. She is a recent graduate from Biola University where she received a degree in Communication Science and Disorders and a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies. Currently, she is a graduate student at California State University Fullerton with plans to become a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist! In her free time she likes to go to the beach, play card games and board games, and spend time with her family and friends! You can email Avery at office@walnutumc.org.
Children’s Ministry Staff
Sunday School and childcare are provided for our children, toddlers, and babies during our 10 a.m. service each Sunday and other events as needed. Our current childcare staff are Ms. Marissa, Ms. Sophia, and Ms. Savannah. All are CPR certified and background checked and they love caring for our little ones! And our little ones adore them!