Daniel Diss
Senior Pastor
Daniel.Diss@lgumc.org
408-354-4730 x 102; text him at 224-240-3630
Daniel Diss
Senior Pastor
Pastor Daniel grew up in south central Illinois on a dairy farm near Taylorville, Illinois. He studied religion and philosophy at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois where he earned his bachelor’s degree. After college, he attended Yale University for his seminary education, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1990. He completed his education with a Doctor of Ministry degree from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary (now Bexley-Seabury). Pastor Daniel came to California from Illinois where he served congregations for over thirty years in rural and suburban settings. He served as a member of the Reconciling Ministry Network Board of Directors and was a keynote preacher for national and regional events. Pastor Daniel is an avid photographer and writer; you can find his reflections on Facebook and other online locations. He, his partner Andrew, and their dog, Chauncey, are excited to make their home in the Los Gatos community.
David Herberg
Music Director
music@lgumc.org
408-348-1736
David Herberg
Music Director
I studied music at Stanford University while earning two degrees in electrical engineering. While working at Tandem Computers and later Hewlett-Packard, I remained active in the local musical theater scene, conducting several dozen productions, as well as appearing on stage and playing in the orchestras. After leaving the computer industry, I continued my music studies at San Jose State, and served at Bethel Lutheran Church as their choir director for nearly ten years. Currently I sing with the Santa Clara Chorale and play contrabass in the Peninsula Symphony Orchestra. My wife and I are parents of three grown children, and we just welcomed our first grandchild into the family. I enjoy the outdoors, photography, and any kind of boating, especially whitewater rafting.
Jonnye Cartmill
Children's Ministry Director
Kids@LGUMC.org
408-656-9817
Jonnye Cartmill
Children's Ministry Director
I enjoy working to engage children in open-ended exploration and inquiry of the Bible. Through experiential activities, spiritual practices, and reflection. The curriculum we use is Celebrate Wonder All Ages serves as a biblical guide to help children make meaning for their lives. This curriculum seeks to deepen children’s faith formation and to create a safe space for children to ask big questions and claim their spiritual identity as children of God.
Joyce Rhodes
Organist
Joyce.Rhodes@comcast.net
408-394-0457
Joyce Rhodes
Organist
As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to play the organ. After five years of piano, I started organ lessons and majored in organ at Sacramento State. My first organ position was while I was in high school, and since then have held several other positions for 45 years. Playing the organ, planning and coordinating music worship, participating in worship and being organist at Los Gatos United Methodist helps to fill my soul. My husband Bob and I have been married for 55 years, raised four children and now our family has grown to include spouses, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandson…numbering 24 total! I am actively involved with P.E.O., YMCA, enjoy family, bridge, reading, a mountain home at Northstar, snowshoeing, music, traveling, and being a part of LGUMC.
Mary Lou Abrahamson
Office Manager
Marylou.Abrahamson@LGUMC.org
408-354-4730 x210
Mary Lou Abrahamson
Office Manager
I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but have spent 50+ years in California and the last 17 years working for LGUMC. Commuting daily from Hollister was sometimes tiring but all worth it once I arrived at the LGUMC campus. My co-workers are my friends, the members of the church my extended family, and the office was my home away from home. In 2019 I partially retired and moved to Idaho to be near family. I work remotely now but stay in contact with the office and try to get back to San Jose every quarter, which seems to work out well. On weekends I walk, enjoy movies and surround myself with family.
Carmen Palacios-Garcia
Finance Secretary
Carmen.Garcia@lgumc.org
408-354-4730 x211
Carmen Palacios-Garcia
Finance Secretary
Kathy Mlinarch
Director of Live Oak
Kathy.Mlinarich@lgumc.org
408-354-0707
Kathy Mlinarch
Director of Live Oak
Kristy Currie
Grace Preschool Director
Kristy.Currie@LGUMC.org
408-354-7163