Rev. Jay Parr, Pastor
Jay comes to SUMC with unique experiences as a pastor. As a life-long Methodist, he left a 25-year career in tech sales to attend seminary and become a minister. His education includes a BA in biology from the University of Texas in Austin, an MBA from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and a Masters in Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. His best friend is his wife Bridget, and they have four children. His favorite sport is golf, although he is quick to inform you that his last name says nothing about his golf game.
When you ask Jay about the church, he talks about how important it is to have a culture of innovation and embracing new ideas. He believes we need to ‘re-think’ church, as church cannot exist just within the four walls of the building. Church is about people in relationship with God and each other — out in the community and world. The Methodist slogan that best references this approach to church is “open hearts, open minds, and open doors.”
Ruhi Nathan, Office Manager
Born and raised in New Delhi, India, Ruhi graduated from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, with a Master’s degree in history. Having worked for a year in India, she moved to the United States in 1991 with her husband, Ronald. Sunnyvale United Methodist Church was the first church she attended and has continued to worship here ever since.
Ruhi and Ronald have been married for over 30 years and their children, Nikita and Tanay, along with their dog, Teddy, are the joys of her life. Ruhi is a news junkie, likes to read, travel and collect coins.
Terry Won, Bookkeeper
Terry Won was born in South Korea and immigrated to the United States with his parents as a teenager. He received his B.S. in Business Administration (Concentration in Accounting) from San Jose State University. He has worked as an accountant at a variety of companies and retired in 2010. Prior to his work experience, he served in the United States Army for 3 years.
He has been a long time member of United Methodist Church in San Jose. He is extremely passionate about serving as a volunteer on short-term mission trips. Terry has been married to his wife Michelle for 38 years and has 2 married sons. Outside of church, you can typically find Terry on a beautiful golf course or with his grand-daughter.
Pastor Bayani Alkuino, Youth Pastor
Pastor Bayani Alkuino is a native of the Philippines. Served in the fulltime ministry in the Philippines for more than 12 years. Appointed as District Superintendent in Eastern Visayas District of the Visayas Philippines Annual Conference for 2 years. Graduate of Master of Divinity in Union Theological Seminary, in Dasmarinas, Cavite, Philippines.
Ministry experiences include: Company Bible Study, youth music ministry, youth and adult small group ministry, neighborhood bible study, urban and rural mission, hospital and home visitation, and many others.
Blessed with a loving wife, Grace, and three wonderful kids, Blessy (15), Bryce (12) and Brynn (5).
Pastor Bayani believes that success in the ministry is a blessing and grace from God as it is said in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Don Cardoza, Music Director
Don Cardoza has worked as a Methodist music minister for a number of years. Most recently, he worked at Twin Towers UMC in Alameda. He teaches music as well and taught piano, harmony, musicianship, jazzband at Ohlone College, Cal State East Bay and Las Positas College. Don has a BA and MA in music.
Don is familiar with a number of styles of worship and looks forward to supporting the choir and the singing of our favorite hymns. He also enjoys arranging and writing music for all occasions.
Don and his lovely wife Leslei Ahne have a daughter Karen and a son Josh.
Deborah Witt, Site Manager for the Senior Nutrition Program
Prior to joining our team, Debbie worked with West Valley Community Services in Cupertino, first as a volunteer and then was hired to be the Community Health Coordinator. Debbie managed the food pantry, worked with the grocery rescue program, and supervised over 150 volunteers. Her catering background and experience working with seniors is a great addition to our team.
Debbie and her husband Jim live in San Jose with their two dogs, Sherlock and Basil. Debbie enjoys baking, cooking, home improvement projects and spending time with her family.