Progressive ~ Traditional ~ Open to All

Leadership & Staff

Rev. Dr. Elbert Kim

Pastor

Born in Korea but raised in Hawaii, Pastor Elbert loves all of God's multifaceted creation, especially people of all walks of life.  He studied computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University before entering ministry. He received his Masters in Divinity from Claremont School of Theology and his doctorates from Wesley Theological Seminary.  He and his wife, Grace, have a passion for teaching and enjoy engaging with all people, young and old.

Anna Binney

Lay Leader

Anna is a lifelong member of Camarillo UMC. She currently teaches math at a local high school, loves to hike, and to be of service to the people of Camarillo UMC. 

Lorna Efford

Office Manager

Lorna Efford joined the CUMC staff on December 1, 2019, and currently serves as the Church Office Manager. Lorna was born in the Philippines but lived almost all her life in Albuquerque, NM, which she considers her hometown and state.  She was always an organizer and a volunteer mom at her children’s schools and in their sports, church, and other curricular activities.  Her constant presence made her well-known by the local neighborhood “kids,” and she earned various nicknames such as Mrs. Efford, PTA mom, the team mom, and the Ms. reading partner.  Lorna also had another role as an advocate and a public speaker from 2006 to 2012.  These roles were missions of hope and a big part of Lorna’s life.
Her passion for outreach in the community and helping young people was recognized by Dr. Bertha K. Madras, a White House Deputy Director during the Bush Administration.  Lorna earned her degree in Office Administration and has 20+ years of experience in the administrative office field.  In her level of expertise, she obtained and held a government security clearance while working in a reputable lab in Albuquerque, NM.  After moving to California, Lorna worked for a large management company based in Santa Barbara, CA, and co-managed a 179-unit apartment community in Carpinteria, CA.  Lorna believes having a positive attitude is key to a fulfilling life.

Dr. Luvi Avendano

Director of Worship & Music Ministry

Born and raised in a family active in the Methodist Church in Mexico, Luvi received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Redlands – his bachelor’s in vocal performance and his master’s in choral conducting and vocal performance.  He recently earned his doctorate degree in vocal performance at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His parents and sister live in Arizona and his brother is a minister for the United Methodist Church of Mexico. As for hobbies, “I love a good performance of opera; I love the arts; and I am an avid soccer player,” he replied.

Kristi VanKeersbilck

Director of Youth & Family Ministries, Director of Hand Bell Choirs

Born and raised in Michigan, Kristi migrated west after college to escape the cold weather.  
She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Music Therapy and moved to Camarillo to complete an internship at Camarillo State Hospital.  Kristi joined the church staff and enjoys working with youth, young families, and especially the bell choirs.  She currently has 4 children’s/youth bell choirs and adult choir which all play in church and at the annual bell choir concert.  In her spare time she enjoys going to the beach, walking, riding bikes, taking trips with her family, and relaxing in the hot bath with a good book.

Dorrie Kelly

Associate Director of Children & Family Ministries

Dorrie Kelly serves in many roles at CUMC and our community. Dorrie is the director of our Children's Ministries , Songbirds Children's Choir, and participates in many of our music programs on campus. Dorrie can also be found leading other educational roles in choir, and  violin for elementary to middle school age students. 

Mark Holmstrom

Organist / Pianist

Mark Holmstrom came to Camarillo United Methodist Church in 2010, after 17 years at California Lutheran University where he served as University Organist, Chapel Music Coordinator, and staff accompanist.  Mark began playing the piano at age 9 and organ at age 13, taking lessons under Richard Warned, noted instructor and music director at Hollywood United Methodist.  After graduating from Chatsworth High School, he spent two years at UCLA pursuing a major in chemistry.  Mark’s hobbies include attending classic rock-and-roll concerts and listening to top organists such as Olivier Latry and Cameron Carpenter.  He also enjoys listening to the Pipedreams program on NPR and especially likes the organ music of such composers as Johann Sebastian Bach, Michael Burkhardt, and Jean Langlais.