Meet the team
Rev. Mark Cordes
Our new pastor, Rev. Mark Cordes, will be joining us on July 1st! Mark describes bringing creativity, laughter, and "beyond-the-box" imagination to the teams he nurtures.
With over 20 years of service within the United Methodist Church, Pastor Mark has recently led congregations at Aldersgate (San Rafael), Park Presidio and Central (San Francisco), and Trinity (Berkeley).
Throughout his career, he has focused on cultivating spiritual growth, fostering community outreach, and deeply engaging with the neighborhood.
With a background in sociology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion, Mark is dedicated to building strong, resilient communities where vulnerability, authenticity, and hospitality take center stage.
What makes Pastor Mark truly unique is his entrepreneurial "lean startup" approach to ministry.
He has an incredible track record of transforming spaces and programs, ranging from managing major housing development projects in Berkeley to founding the Sarah Laughed Ministry Group in San Francisco, which grew from zero to 200 members. Between 2014 -2020 Pastor Mark served on the Board and also as President of Sierra Service Project, and on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia in 1998.
Before answering the call to ministry, Pastor Mark was an executive chef and general manager for a national restaurant group, Chevy's, designing and launching new dining concepts. This means he’s just as comfortable negotiating a ground lease or designing a kitchen as he is leading a Bible study. Furthermore, his training as an electrical and plumbing apprentice will be invaluable in supporting our historical buildings.
Outside of his professional life, Mark is married and a father to two sons. He is an avid outdoorsman, currently on a long-distance bike ride from Canada to San Francisco! You might find him surfing, wilderness camping, or swimming at Aquatic Park. He is a self-described "home chef" who also enjoys reading the mystics of many faiths. He has a heart for service, spending his free time building stairs, decks, and wheelchair ramps for those in need.
With over 20 years of service within the United Methodist Church, Pastor Mark has recently led congregations at Aldersgate (San Rafael), Park Presidio and Central (San Francisco), and Trinity (Berkeley).
Throughout his career, he has focused on cultivating spiritual growth, fostering community outreach, and deeply engaging with the neighborhood.
With a background in sociology from UC Santa Cruz and a Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion, Mark is dedicated to building strong, resilient communities where vulnerability, authenticity, and hospitality take center stage.
What makes Pastor Mark truly unique is his entrepreneurial "lean startup" approach to ministry.
He has an incredible track record of transforming spaces and programs, ranging from managing major housing development projects in Berkeley to founding the Sarah Laughed Ministry Group in San Francisco, which grew from zero to 200 members. Between 2014 -2020 Pastor Mark served on the Board and also as President of Sierra Service Project, and on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia in 1998.
Before answering the call to ministry, Pastor Mark was an executive chef and general manager for a national restaurant group, Chevy's, designing and launching new dining concepts. This means he’s just as comfortable negotiating a ground lease or designing a kitchen as he is leading a Bible study. Furthermore, his training as an electrical and plumbing apprentice will be invaluable in supporting our historical buildings.
Outside of his professional life, Mark is married and a father to two sons. He is an avid outdoorsman, currently on a long-distance bike ride from Canada to San Francisco! You might find him surfing, wilderness camping, or swimming at Aquatic Park. He is a self-described "home chef" who also enjoys reading the mystics of many faiths. He has a heart for service, spending his free time building stairs, decks, and wheelchair ramps for those in need.
Greg Zema
Director of Music
Greg Zema is honored to be Director of Music at LUMC! Born and raised in the Bay Area, he’s been playing music professionally since 10th grade. He hopes to continue to grow the music ministry and choir program here and when he’s not leading the choir you might find him in various theatrical productions or other musical ventures or binging on a favorite TV show.
Taryn Lee
Joyful Beginnings and JB Kids Director
Taryn Lee discovered her love for preschool while exploring electives in high school. As soon as she graduated she began working as a teachers aide while going to DVC and getting her ECE units. She completed her BA in Liberal Arts at Cal State East Bay.
Taryn lives in Alameda with her husband, two children and mini dachshund. She enjoys dancing, hiking, camping, and skiing.
Taryn looks forward to meeting you and showing you around our school!
Taryn lives in Alameda with her husband, two children and mini dachshund. She enjoys dancing, hiking, camping, and skiing.
Taryn looks forward to meeting you and showing you around our school!
Alison Flynn
Church Office Administrator
Alison is thrilled to be the Office Administrator for Lafayette United Methodist Church! Born and raised in Ireland, she moved to the Bay Area twelve years ago mainly for the beautiful weather and a new adventure!
Her background is in a variety of administration roles and she is enjoying getting to know the LUMC community and helping them and the Pastor in any way she can!
Alison lives in Livermore with husband Aidan, their two children Jude and Sabrina and three pets. In her free time she loves to attend her kids baseball, softball, basketball and soccer games, go for hikes, bake, visit restaurants with friends and travel!
Her background is in a variety of administration roles and she is enjoying getting to know the LUMC community and helping them and the Pastor in any way she can!
Alison lives in Livermore with husband Aidan, their two children Jude and Sabrina and three pets. In her free time she loves to attend her kids baseball, softball, basketball and soccer games, go for hikes, bake, visit restaurants with friends and travel!