SENIOR PASTOR

Scott Julian is a graduate of Hope International University, where he majored in Biblical Studies and Church Growth. Scott was ordained in 1993 at Northshore Christian Church in Everett, WA, where he served as Youth Pastor and subsequently as Associate Pastor for over 7 years. In 2000, Scott joined First Christian Church of Huntington Beach as their Associate Pastor.  In 2003, FCC Huntington Beach And Stadia decided to plant a new church in San Clemente. Scott was chosen to be Senior Pastor of that new church, called SeaPointe Christian Church.  In April of 2006, Scott was called to University Christian Church. Scott’s wife is Jenny, and their children are Micah, Kaylee, and Grace. Scott loves sports, fishing, camping, and traveling.

ASSOCIATE PASTOR (Connection Groups, Pastoral Care)

 Perry Fuller was raised in Joplin, Missouri. He graduated from Ozark Bible College with a Bachelor of Sacred Literature and was ordained shortly after. He served as Youth Minister and later Minister at a small church in Tulsa, Oklahoma and began his Masters program in psychology at the University of Tulsa. He worked as a counselor at juvenile treatment facility. Perry then moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as the part-time College Minister and later director of Christian Education at Westwood Hills Christian Church. He also owned a small business for 7 years. Sydney, his wife, Alexander and daughter, Erin, complete the Fuller family. 

WORSHIP AND ARTS PASTOR

 Michael Stafford  brings a unique and diverse approach to worship.  He has gained invaluable experience and knowledge through working for numerous churches including SeaCoast Grace Church, First Baptist of Lakewood, Eastside Christian and EV Free Fullerton.  His background is in the Churches of Christ where he first lead worship at age 7.  Michael went to Fresno City College and Fresno State to study music and performing arts.  His background is in Vocal Jazz, Choral, Gospel, Musical Theater and Acapella music.  He has performed and recorded for numerous artists including Promise Keepers.  In 1994, Michael created an educational entertainment production company that emphasized original theatrical productions.  He has also worked in Southern California as a professional actor and studio musician. Michael’s passion is to see the local church impact the world through creative and compelling worship services.  Michael cherishes his wife Robin, their son Jonathon Michael Hand and their 2 dogs Rocky and Missy.

STUDENT MINISTRY PASTOR

Ryan Thwing ministers to our Jr. High and High School students and their families. The newest addition to our team, Ryan is a graduate of the youth ministry program at Hope International University in Fullerton. He has worked in the youth ministries at Knott Ave. Christian Church in Anaheim and Crossroads Christian Church in Vacaville, CA. He has also had extensive experience on the missions field working in South Africa and Australia. Ryan grew up in Vacaville, has played college volleyball, loves to stay in shape, and adds some much needed height to our pastoral staff. (He’s 6’7”)

 ADMINISTRATOR

 Anne Pope, is a native of Alabama. She and her husband, Bill, have been in California since 1969. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Anne has been on the UCC staff since, May, 1984. The Popes have two sons, Scott and Jason.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

Gail Ruhlen is a native of Los Angeles. She graduated from San Jose Bible College with a Bachelor of Sacred Literature degree. She served as Director of Christian Education at the First Christian Church in Caldwell, Idaho and then returned to Los Angeles where she attended Pepperdine College and earned a B.A. in Religious Education. She and her husband, John, have 2 grown sons, Brent and Scott, and one grandson. Gail was an active volunteer in the local public schools and taught pre-school for many years.

DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

Lainey Thwing is a graduate from Hope International University, where she majored in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Psychology. Currently, she is getting her teaching credential and Masters at Hope.  She has a passion for the Lord and children and felt lead to help in the children’s department here at UCC. Lainey enjoys volleyball, softball, scrapbooking and planning.