About
Our Leadership
Sang Ho Yi
Lead Pastor
Pastor Sang Ho Yi completed his Master of Divinity in May 1996 and his Doctor of Ministry in May 1997 from the School of Theology at Claremont. After his ordination in June 1998, he was appointed to various UM churches, including those in Alaska, Hawaii, and Southern California, over his 27-year tenure. On July 1, 2024, Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank appointed him as pastor, dividing his time between Van Nuys UMC (¼ time) and First UMC of Reseda (¾ time) in the North District.
He is talented in teaching, preaching, administration, and organization, and is very energetic, devotional, spiritual, and goal-oriented.
His ministry goals are to establish a Jesus-life sharing, mission-oriented, multicultural, and multi-racial church with the congregation he serves.
His spouse, Jin Yi, who holds a Master's degree from USC, works as a clinician for the City of Ventura. They have two sons, Joseph Chanwoo Yi and Mark Hyunwoo Yi, and are grandparents to Tainoa Sooho Yi (born on December 3, 2023).
He and his wife are very excited to serve the Reseda congregants and the people in the neighborhood, no matter who they are.
Donna Edmundson
Ministry Assistance
Church Vision
The vision of First United Methodist Church of Reseda is to be a family of faith where all people are welcome within a caring fellowship to worship God and be in service with the community and the world.
Our Faith
As United Methodists, we have an obligation to bear a faithful Christian witness to Jesus Christ, the living reality at the center of the Church’s life and witness. To fulfill this obligation, we reflect critically on our biblical and theological inheritance, striving to express faithfully the witness we make in our own time.
Source: http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/basics-of-our-faith
GETTING INVOLVED
Do you have talents to serve and be part of the kingdom building. Contact the church office to volunteer.
• Helping in the church office during the week
• Helping with food pantry on Wednesdays
• Helping with fixing thing around the church with gift of your “handy”
• Helping with children’s ministry on Wednesdays and Sundays
• Help serve coffee and cookies on Sundays during fellowship
Thanks for for your interest in getting involved with your community! Please check your email for further instructions.
Reseda Church History
The First United Methodist Church's origins lie in the heart of a rural Reseda, a community centered around the intersection of Sherman Way and Reseda Boulevard. In those early days, Reseda consisted of a school, a grocery store, a drugstore, other food stores, a service station, and a bank.
Harry and Elsie Cady were instrumental in realizing the dream of establishing a church. In September 1923, they invited interested individuals to a Sunday School class held in their home. The first class drew twenty-four attendees, sparking enthusiasm and leading to continued meetings in various locations: homes, a vacant storefront, and even a bean factory where bean sacks served as benches.
In 1924, the church was officially chartered as the Reseda Community Church within the Pacific Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Reverend Enoch Eiland served as its first pastor.
To accommodate the growing congregation, construction began on a new building in February 1925. Completed on August 9, 1925, at a cost of $16,000, the church was located at the corner of Amigo Avenue and Gault Street.
Over the next twenty-seven years, continued growth prompted a decision to relocate in 1952. Funds were raised through $58,000 in pledges, the sale of the existing property, and contributions from Temple Judea, which had shared the church's facilities for two years.
Groundbreaking ceremonies at the corner of Lindley Avenue and Saticoy Street took place on May 23, 1954. During construction, worship services were held at the Reseda Theater, while classes met in private homes. On February 20, 1955, the Chapel, Friendship Hall, Fireside Room, and Church School rooms were dedicated. The sanctuary followed, with a dedication held in 1961.
In 1968, the West Van Nuys United Methodist Church, which had been active since 1950, merged with the First United Methodist Church of Reseda, uniting the two congregations.
As of 2025, a total of forty-one pastors have served the Van Nuys and Reseda churches throughout their history. For the past century, the First United Methodist Church has been an integral part of the community. Known for its inspiring music, local and global missions and outreach, and a strong education ministry, the church continues to serve with dedication and care.
In recent years, the Reseda Church has expanded its community engagement, striving to provide increased support and share the message of God's love. The church's Food Pantry offers a comprehensive range of services, including food, lunch, hair care, essential items for children, clothing, shoes, and shower facilities for the homeless. Every Wednesday we have the privilege of serving over 1,000 individuals representing more than 300 families.
