About

Mission

The mission of First German UMC is to transform modern lives through living connection to the universal body of Jesus Christ.

We seek to connect real people in our community to Jesus Christ. All are welcome to come and see what God is doing here.

Vision

The vision of First German UMC is to use our German-American culture, language, and historical memory as a springboard into transformational ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

We celebrate the multicultural nature of our community and love to share in other's.

Values

First German UMC believes in the power of living in community. As a result we value inviting friends and neighbors to the table for food, music, fun, and collaboration.

We value moments of slowed-down living where we can get offline and out of our houses to see where God is working.

Our Beliefs

We believe in God the father and creator. We believe in Jesus Christ, God made human, and in his bodily resurrection. We believe in the gift of the Holy Spirit, and that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all one triune God. 

We believe in the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Our History

Our Staff

Pastor Kurt Poland

From Denver, CO, Kurt has his Masters in Divinity from Emory University. While studying for the ministry, Pastor Kurt spent a year a the Georg-August Universität in Göttingen, Germany. He and his wife, Katherine, just welcomed their first son to the world in December 2021. They live in Eagle Rock, CA.
Pastor

Anna Bischoff

Anna Bischoff serves as the church's office manager. She is in the office on Tuesday - Thursday from 9am - 2pm. Call or email to make an appointment if you would like to visit the office at a different time.

Anna has a professional background in natural resource management, environmental consulting, and project management. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from University of California, Berkeley. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and enjoys boardgames, baking, dog training, and spending time in her garden.

Anna is engaged to be married in October 2022!

Sae Wan Yang

Sae Wan Yang serves as the Director of Music and Organist for First German United Methodist Church. She directs the vocal quartet and plays the organ and piano.

Sae Wan was born in Seoul, Korea.  She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Kosin College and Korea Theological Seminary and Bachelor of Science degree from the Dong-A University in Korea.  She taught organ performance and organ literature at Kosin University and Pusan Theological Seminary while in Korea.
 
She received a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in organ performance, and special studies in church music, choral conducting, and music history from the University of Southern California.  Beside being the recipient of many scholarships, she was honored with the USC Organ Departmental Award in recognition of professional service, leadership and performance.
 
She earned her Certificate Diploma in organ performance under a full scholarship from Northwestern University, Illinois, where she also worked as a staff of University Organist.  Her experience includes a Performer’s Certificate and ARCM Diploma from the Royal College of Music in London, United Kingdom, where she received a Special Foundation Scholarship for three years.  She joined at Christuskirche in 2007 as Director of Music and Organist.
 

Keith Siemens

Loves God. Loves his wife. Loves his cat. Loves plants.

He is serving as the church's caretaker. Keith maintains and cares for the facilities and grounds.

He can be reached at [email protected].

Our Groups

Join a Community

Church is not only a crowd gathered around a stage, but a Community sharing life around a table.

One of the central ways we grow as disciples of Jesus is by having intentional relationships with people who share the same goal.

If you are interested in joining a community group please email us directly.

Contact Us