Oregon City
United Methodist Church
18955 S South End Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045
503-656-3433
Rev. Thomas Orquiza-Renardo
Pastor
Pastor Tom hails from Chicago, Illinois, and is an ordained Elder in the Oregon-Idaho Conference of The United Methodist Church. Throughout his life and professional development Pastor Tom has been involved in ministry in a variety of forms. He has worked in youth ministry, spiritual education, and congregational leadership. Pastor Tom has also worked in social services providing residential support and work experience to adults with developmental challenges, and in education working with children and youth with behavioral challenges. While in Illinois, Pastor Tom attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston where he received his Master of Divinity degree. Since 2017 Pastor Tom has been ministering in the Pacific Northwest, following his call to be a voice for spiritual development, community outreach, cultural transformation, and heart-felt and spirit-led Christian living. He believes such a life and ministry should be inclusive of all God’s people no matter who they are, where they come from, who they love, or how they understand themselves as being whole. All are loved, cherished, welcomed, and compassionately accepted by God.
Pastor Tom is also a family man. He enjoys spending time with Romulo, his husband, and their four kids. You might see them out and about walking one or both of their two dogs. Or all six might be vying for space on the couch for a STAR WARS movie night.
Christa Palmer
Office Administrator
She has been attending the church for over 17 years and brings her expertise to the inner workings of the office. She is a master crafter and brings an artist's touch to all she creates. She and her family enjoy time spent together at the coast.
Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
~ 3 John 1:8 ~
Rick Wilson
Music Director
Rick is our music aficionado here at OCUMC, and has led us through many a season of worship and praise. His uses his gifts on the piano, the organ, with his vocals, and directing the choir to bring us into that space of worship every time we come to before the altar.
Carrie Myers
Nursery
Carrie was born and raised in Oregon City and has been a member of OCUMC her entire life. She's the mama of three children and has enjoyed caring for other's children for over 25 years. Her family enjoys playing games, movie nights and camping at the beach.
Kelly Difranco
Nursery
Kelly is a member of OCUMC with a passion for working with kids. She is a mom of two a recently completed a degree in education. She know works as a special education teacher and brings her patience, love, and compassion to our childcare team.
Danielle Swatman
Preschool Teacher
On board since 2006, Danielle is our head teacher, and truly enjoys the opportunity she has to shape the lives of Children in the Oregon City Community. Danielle brings many years of experience in kindergarten, first grade, and special education classrooms. Danielle looks forward to many years of serving families for Christ as a part of Cornerstone Christian Preschool!
Jenn Eakman
Preschool Teacher
Jenn started working in a preschool in 2013. She began at Cornerstone Christian Preschool in 2019 as a substitute teacher's assistant in her son's class. "It was so rewarding and I feel so blessed to be able to help other kids learn and grow."
Beth Werber
Preschool Volunteer
Beth has been with the preschool since it opened in 2001. She retired from being the head teacher in 2022 and now joins us as an occasional volunteer and substitute. She and her husband are long-time members of the church. Beth has an Oregon Teaching Certificate in Elem. Ed. and has taught all ages in public, private, and community schools. Working in a Christian preschool allows Beth to do God’s work while using her many interests to pass on her excitement and satisfaction in learning new things.