Meet our Pastors and Staff

Rev. Gary Oba received his BA from UCLA and Master of Divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. He has served five United Methodist Churches and as a District Superintendent. Before receiving this appointment, Rev. Gary served as a Development Director at Claremont School of Theology.  Gary has a passion for preaching and leading Bible studies. He is married to the Rev. Janet Cromwell. Rev. Gary began serving WLAUMC in July 2010.

Rev. Janet received her BA from Oberlin College in Ohio and Master of Divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. She served as the Wesley Foundation Campus Minister at the University of Oregon, Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Trinity UMC in Ontario, and as an Administrator at Pilgrim Place Retirement Community in Claremont. She has a passion for children’s, youth and young adult ministries. Rev. Janet began serving WLAUMC in July 2011.

Pastor Becky was born and raised in Japan. She is a graduate of the University of Washington with a BFA degree. She attended Torchebear Bible School in Austria, Seoul Theological Seminary in Korea, and Talbot School of Theology, graduating in 1991. She has served as a Christian Education Director, an organist, and a Japanese language minister at churches in Southern California. She began serving at WLAUMC in July 2008.

Midori greets guests at the church and on the phone throughout the week. She oversees the production of the Church Newsletter and Master Calendar, and prepares the Sunday bulletin and PowerPoints for Sunday worship.

As a church member, Midori brings a rich background of industrial design and library science to her work at the church.

Ashley enjoys being the Music Director at West LA UMC where she directs the chancel choir, children’s choir, youth praise band, and handbells. She assists in selecting hymns for worship.

Ashley comes to West LA UMC with experience in teaching Middle and High School Music, and directing church and children’s choirs. She is pursuing a graduate degree in music.

Thomas Gaff has worked as an accompanist, musician, and music director for many musicals and Las Vegas shows, and as the sound engineer for Green Valley UMC in Henderson, NV.

Thomas moved to LA in June 2013 to pursue his dream of becoming a Hollywood composer for film and television, and is thrilled to have found a new United Methodist church family to share his music with.