Staff

  • Pastor Cate Luehr

    Pastor Cate Luehr has served as an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for over 16 years. Because the ELCA and the United Methodist Church (UMC) are full communion partners, she is able to serve in both denominations—something that has shaped her rich and varied ministry.


    For 12 years, Pastor Cate faithfully led Emanuel Lutheran Church in La Habra, CA. In 2021, she followed a call into new terrain, completing a year-long chaplain residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she offered spiritual care in a clinical setting.


    Since then, she has embraced a range of creative and collaborative roles. She currently coordinates the Mission Collaborative, an ecumenical network of congregations—including La Mirada Methodist as a founding member—working together to serve the communities of Whittier and La Mirada through shared outreach and justice-focused ministry.


    In 2023, Pastor Cate was also appointed Candidacy Coordinator for the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA, where she accompanies individuals discerning calls to ordained ministry as pastors and deacons.


    She lives in La Mirada with her spouse, Clayton Mark, and is deeply committed to building bridges across faith traditions, generations, and neighborhoods.

Kiko Torres Velasco

pianist

Francisco “Kiko” Torres Velasco is a gifted classical pianist, collaborator, and educator whose playing brings both precision and heart to every service. A graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music, Kiko is currently completing his master’s degree while teaching at the Westside Music Conservatory and Musical Beginnings in Los Angeles.


He is an award-winning performer—recognized at the Los Angeles Liszt International Competition—but what sets Kiko apart is his deep curiosity about the body, spirit, and mind behind the music. He explores piano technique through meditation, mechanics, and body awareness, blending discipline with a genuine sense of wonder.


Kiko considers it a true privilege to serve as our accompanist. He is grateful for the community’s warm embrace and for the opportunity to make music alongside such dedicated musicians. His joy at the keyboard is matched only by his gratitude—and we’re lucky to have him.

Andrew Nguyen

Online Host & Tech

Andrew serves as a member of the Simple Board, contributing to the thoughtful guidance of the church’s mission and programs. Behind the scenes, he manages much of the church’s technology—from the website and live-streaming to phone and internet systems—helping keep the community connected both in person and online. He also works closely with partner churches in the Mission Collaborative, fostering relationships that strengthen shared efforts.


In addition to these roles, Andrew leads small group studies that create space for honest conversation on important and sometimes challenging topics, including seasonal reflections and social issues such as racial justice and political awareness. Through his steady presence and quiet dedication, Andrew helps the church grow not only in numbers but in understanding and connection.

Lloyd Hastings

choir coach

Lloyd joined our staff in the summer of 2021, just as we were stepping out from the challenges of COVID. Before that, he spent 15 years as Worship Co-Leader at Belmont Heights UMC in Long Beach, where he helped shape a worship experience that was as diverse as it was heartfelt.


From traditional hymns to contemporary praise, and everything in between—country, bluegrass, rock, ballads, and spirituals—Lloyd embraces a wide range of musical styles that reflect both his versatility and his deep love for worship. He’s a multi-instrumentalist, equally at home with acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, Dobro, bass, and keyboards.


Lloyd’s roots run deep in church music. Growing up at Montebello UMC, he was immersed in worship through the long-standing ministry of his parents, who served as Director of Music and Accompanist for nearly four decades. That legacy lives on in Lloyd’s dedication to crafting worship that’s both meaningful and inclusive. 


cynthia azarcón

song leader & Choir Assistant

Cynthia’s path to LMUMC has been anything but ordinary—partly thanks to her longtime friend and musical partner, Lloyd, who helped guide her here. Singing has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, beginning with choir and solo performances at Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from CSULB and later returned to complete a Master’s in Linguistics with a TESL certificate. Today, Cynthia shares her knowledge as an online adjunct professor teaching English as a Second Language and beginner ukulele music theory.


Between her degrees, Cynthia’s musical journey took her from vocal competitions and opera performances with Long Beach Opera and Opera Pacific to singing with the Los Angeles Chamber Singers and Zephyr Voice Ensemble. She even explored progressive rock and tried her hand at composing and Shakespearean acting. At just 19, with minimal formal training, Cynthia stepped into the role of Director of Music at Belmont Heights UMC, where she spent 31 years honing the art of conducting.


Now, Cynthia is thrilled to be part of LMUMC’s vibrant music team and community, bringing decades of experience and a joyful spirit to her role as song leader and choir assistant.

sonia vivar

office administrator

Sonia is the steady heartbeat of our church office, where she manages everything from coordinating with the Korean preschool that shares our space to working with vendors and organizing community groups who use our facilities for events and meetings. Whether it’s setting up for receptions, scheduling rehearsals for choirs, or fielding inquiries from new groups, Sonia is the go-to person who keeps everything flowing behind the scenes.


She’s also the friendly voice on the phone and the welcoming presence for walk-ins, juggling emails, calls, and office logistics with calm efficiency. With years of experience in sales and staff management, Sonia brings a blend of professionalism and warmth that helps our community feel supported, grounded, and connected.