“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman

Our Staff

Everyone!

This congregation is led by a whole bunch of people who work together to create gatherings, activities, and ministries that bring them alive and help others thrive. Whether it’s preparing and serving meals to hungry people in our community, volunteering at a food bank, singing together just for joy, cheering on students at the multicultural elementary school across the street, or just sharing a good meal together, everyone is welcome–along with their voice, ideas, and energy.

Pastor Kathleen McShane

Pastor Kathi has been part of FUMCPR since July 2024. She graduated from UC Davis with a B.A. in public service/political science and law school at UC Berkeley. She practiced law in San Francisco, Oakland, and Walnut Creek for 15 years, specializing in business and real estate litigation. She has a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, where she served as Vice President for eight years. She pastored churches in Northern California until she moved to Paso Robles in 2022.
Kathi is also co-founder of a small national movement called The Changemaker Initiative (thechangemakerinitiative.org), author (with Elan Babchuck) of Picking Up the Pieces: Leadership after Empire, and Director of Learning & Innovation for Texas Methodist Foundation and Wesleyan Impact Partners. She sees her work in ministry as taking the stories of an ancient and truth-full religious tradition and retelling them in a way that offers meaning to real life now--in this place, at this time. She says, "No matter how imperfectly we (and the Church) do it, I believe that trying to walk in the footsteps of Jesus has the power to change people’s lives for good—just as it has changed mine."

Musical Director Bobby Vesnaver

Our musical director and pianist Bobby Vesnaver hails from neighboring Atascadero, CA where he has shared his talents and artistic visions with the community all throughout his life. He attended Berkelee College of Music in Boston, MA where he played trumpet and was a member of many notable touring bands. Since returning to the Central Coast, he has continued to dedicate himself to creating and sharing art of all mediums -- spreading joy and bringing people together in community.
Previously, Bobby served as the pianist at the nearby Morro Bay Methodist Church. He inspires and encourages others by offering private music lessons, and provides accompaniment to our Thursday evening community choir, Sing! You can also catch him gigging regularly around the Central Coast, or sharing his paintings and photography in local art galleries.