Pastoral Leadership

Rev. William Johnson, Senior Pastor

Rev. Bill Johnson is a passionate preacher of the Gospel whose gifts for ministry include leadership, teaching, and prophetic insight. He has been serving FUMCO since July of 2014. Previously, he served 4 local congregations in California, including 2 start-up churches, until God called him to ministry as a full-time evangelist. For the ten years prior to his appointment at FUMCO, Pastor Bill served as the Executive Director of Lift Ministries. In 2011 Pastor Bill was part of a team that traveled to Ghana to teach spiritual leadership for local pastors and laity, and had the opportunity to preach several times in local churches. He returned to Ghana in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2023 with a team to continue training in leadership development and disciple-making.  

Pastor Bill is married to Dr. Judy Johnson, a licensed educational psychologist; they have three adult children and two grandchildren. He earned a B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Redlands and holds an M.Div. from the Claremont School of Theology. Bill is an avid cyclist and enjoys painting.

Contact: [email protected] or (714) 532-6363, ext. 206


Office Staff

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Rochelle Flosi, Office Manager

Rochelle joined our staff in October of 2018, and comes to our community with a rich background and experience. Her past work experiences include serving as a medic with the Air National Guard, working as a Sheriff’s Radio Dispatcher in Los Angeles and a Public Safety Dispatcher in San Jose, then serving for nearly 10 years as the church secretary of Hollister United Methodist Church. In addition, Rochelle served on the Staff-Parish Relations Committee and the Preschool Board of Directors at Hollister UMC. For the past 5 years Rochelle was an Administrative Assistant for Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville.

Rochelle has a deep love of Disney and an even deeper love for Christ Jesus our lord and for serving the world in His name. She brings her own unique skill set and spiritual gifts to the work she will do in our midst. She her husband Ed along with their adult children, Amanda and Em, are a wonderful addition to the family here at FUMCO, and we are blessed to receive them.

Contact: [email protected]


Sam Fast, Media Specialist

Sam was born and raised at the First United Methodist Church of Orange. Throughout his childhood and youth, he was involved in many of the ministries around campus. After graduating, he remained active in the church, joining the staff in the spring of 2016. Besides working in the office, he is also a licensed pharmacy technician. Sam also loves video games and playing and watching ice hockey.

His main responsibilities are producing weekly worship materials, the church newsletter, and website maintenance.

Contact: [email protected]

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Worship Staff

Mike Short, Music Director

Mike has been the Director of Music at FUMCO since September of 1988. He directs the Sanctuary Choir. After working for the Orange Unified School District for 40 years, Mike recently retired from his position as the "Director of Choral Activities" at Orange High School. He is the Founding Director of the Orange Community Master Chorale. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Chapman College in 1979 and his Masters in Choral Conducting from California State University Fullerton in 1987. Mr. Short is married to Vicki, and they have two adult children and three grandchildren.


Sylvia Coussa, Bell Choir Director

Sylvia has been directing the Hand Bell program at 1st United Methodist Church since 2006. She has participated in many different aspects of church music her whole life.  This includes both vocal and instrumental aspects.  Sylvia was a church organist for over 25 years.  She has sung in church choirs since childhood.  She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Long Beach State and a Masters degree from Azusa Pacific. Mrs. Coussa was credentialed for teaching grades K-8. She retired from teaching in 2001.

To Sylvia, the planning and preparation of music to be used in a worship service is a very spiritual and rewarding experience.  Her belief is that the musicianship and readiness of each member of the bell choir is important, but more importantly is the realization that they are in a leadership position for each person in worship.

In her spare time, Sylvia enjoys reading, crossword puzzles, and gardening.

Contact: [email protected]


Brian Tochilin, Audio Technician

Bio coming soon. Brian has been running sound at FUMCO since 2017, and joined our staff formally in 2021.


Preschool Staff

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Cheri Payne, Director

Hello! My Name is Cheri Payne and I am Blessed to serve our children, families and staff here at Downtown Orange Preschool as the Director.

My Early Childhood Education Career began in the year 2000. I have had the pleasure of working in the classroom with all ages of children as well as in Administration. It brings me such joy to witness young children develop emotionally, academically and spiritually while in our care. Welcome, you have come to a very special place.


Click here to meet the rest of the preschool staff.