Mission Statement
Elk Grove United Methodist is an inclusive, intergenerational Christian community committed to social justice, diversity, service, spiritual growth, and integrity. Our faith and work reflect God’s unconditional love and Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are called to invite others to walk with us in the way of Jesus.
A reconciling congregation in the heart of the community.
We welcome and include everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, age, economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Through our actions, we encourage the community to do the same. Our doors are open. Our love is unconditional.
We minister to the whole person to nurture a faith that works in real life through worship, education, fellowship, service, and justice. We walk with each other on our journeys with God and in following the way of Jesus.
We create a spirit of belonging through Christian care-giving, fellowship, and service. We foster collaboration both within our congregation and throughout our greater community.
We work, educate, and advocate for social justice locally and globally through our actions, prayers, and financial resources.
We use our time, labor, and other resources to respond to the needs of our local, national, and global communities. We encourage everyone to serve.
Pastor April Sousa
Pastor Sejoon Jang
The Rev. Sejoon Jang transfered to Elk Grove UMC as of July 1. He has been the Senior Pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Rockford, Illinois since 2022, and an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church for nearly eleven years. We welcome the arrival of our new pastor and his family to our church.
Gayle Litz
Gayle is our Music Director. (more coming soon)
Noah Kelley
Noah is our Accompianist. (more coming soon)
Cliff Gassoway
Cliff is our Administrative Assistant. He has worked for various churches as an Administrator for nearly two decades. Unlike most people, he actually enjoys reading technical manuals. He is an avid cyclist who has ridden thousands of miles across the country.
When he is not administrating, he writes. His first novel, a fantasy adventure series, came out in March, 2026. He has already written the second novel of the series, which is in the works to come out sometime in 2027. Search for his book “Revelation of the Heretic” on Amazon if you’re curious.
Cliff is married to retired pastor Maggie McNaught, who served 42 years in the United Methodist Church. She served at churches in Indiana, California, and Nevada. She has been a campus minister at Berkeley, Indiana University, and UC Davis and was a missionary in Nicaragua for two years during the Contra war. Cliff thinks she’s the best pastor to follow Christ since the Apostles, though naturally that comes with a certain bias due to his pride in all her efforts.
His daughter, Kyna McNaught, is a first-rate pastry chef who works at the restaurant Pig Latin in Elk Grove. Plus she has a second-degree black belt, so watch your manners!