Meet the team
Rev. Mark Cordes
I am the newest member of the Lafayette UMC staff having just started July 1, 2026. I am excited to get to know the Lafayette community both within and outside of the church in the coming year. Feel free to write to me with something you love about Lafayette!
Before I became a pastor I was a chef & restaurateur focused on creating new experiences and building strong teams. Like many folks formed by the restaurant business I have worked in way too many jobs to list.. When I decided to go seminary (for the second time) I finished my restaurant career as a Bartender in Berkeley while at the Graduate Theological Union where I studied to be a local church pastor and almost got a masters in Ethics and Social Theory. Almost because I decided not to get a PhD and teach but rather focus on local church ministry.
As a local church pastor I orient my work around three things (funny that it’s 3) Building people’s toolboxes for living a more whole, just, sustainable, and God connected life. Building the community of faith’s ability to care for each other and the world through a focus on loving our neighbors and caring for our world. And the third thing I spend a lot of time working on is cultivating a sense of joy and thankfulness in the midst of the real challenges we face!
Thanks for the gift of your attention if you want to know more about us feel free to watch our worship on live stream or better yet drop by!
Peace
Pastor Mark
Before I became a pastor I was a chef & restaurateur focused on creating new experiences and building strong teams. Like many folks formed by the restaurant business I have worked in way too many jobs to list.. When I decided to go seminary (for the second time) I finished my restaurant career as a Bartender in Berkeley while at the Graduate Theological Union where I studied to be a local church pastor and almost got a masters in Ethics and Social Theory. Almost because I decided not to get a PhD and teach but rather focus on local church ministry.
As a local church pastor I orient my work around three things (funny that it’s 3) Building people’s toolboxes for living a more whole, just, sustainable, and God connected life. Building the community of faith’s ability to care for each other and the world through a focus on loving our neighbors and caring for our world. And the third thing I spend a lot of time working on is cultivating a sense of joy and thankfulness in the midst of the real challenges we face!
Thanks for the gift of your attention if you want to know more about us feel free to watch our worship on live stream or better yet drop by!
Peace
Pastor Mark
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!