Hwapyoung Kang - Lead Pastor (hwapyoung.kang@SparksUMC.org)

Hwapyoung Kang was born and raised in South Korea. In 2010, he moved to the US to attend Seminary. He completed his Master of Divinity degree at Pacific School of Religion and graduated in May 2015. He was ordained as an elder on June 27, 2021 by California-Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Since July 1st, 2025, he has been appointed to Sparks United Methodist Church, after serving New Creation UMC in Campbell, Gilroy UMC, and Hollister UMC. His hope is to serve the church as the place for healing and growth in spirit and body in God’s love and grace. He and his wife, Mihyun, have been married since 2012.

 

Celebrating 4th of July after Face painting at SParks UMC!

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Megan Bay - Office Manager and Director of Families with Children & Youth Ministries (office@SparksUMC.org)

Here at SUMC Megan is the helping voice you’ll hear at the other end of the phone. She was born in California but now calls Sparks, NV her home. Not only is she the eyes and ears of our Church Office, she is also director of our Families with Children and Youth Ministries. She will be delighted to hear from you and assist with any needs or concerns that you may have.

Gina Aramanda - Treasurer & Tech Support (treasurer@SparksUMC.org)

Gina was born and raised right here in Sparks, NV. She even lives in her childhood home with her husband (Jacobsen) and two kids (Ilia & JoJo). She dabbled in many different industries and courses of study over the years but finally graduated from TMCC in 2023 with a General Studies Associates Degree with a focus in Bookkeeping. Gina has been the Treasurer here at SparksUMC for just about a year. Recently she has gotten to put her Graphic Design and Tech knowledge to use as the unofficial Tech Guru and interim Communications Design Support.

She can get you a financial report or design you a fresh flyer before you can even finish asking for it!

 
Gina and her lovely summer assistant in training JoJo!

Gina with her lovely summer assistant in training, JoJo.

Cindy Sabatini, Co-Music Director

Cindy has a passion for all types of music, theater, and volunteer opportunities since retiring from her full-time Director of Worship & Music position for 21 years here at Sparks UMC in June, 2023. In January, 2026, she re-joined our staff as the Co-Music Director on a part-time basis. She and Michael LaTorre plan worship services, she directs and accompanies our Sanctuary Choir, leads and sings in worship services, and also takes on the role of Special Events Coordinator. Cindy has performed in or musically directed theater productions in the Reno/Sparks/Carson City/Lake Tahoe area since moving here from WA State in 1998. Her diverse musical background includes productions in 6 states, vocalist in classical, jazz, Christian, and oldies rock groups. She is vocalist for Reno’s Biggest Little Big Band, Route 66 Rock ‘n Roll Band, and a member of the Reno Philharmonic Chorus where she had the thrill of performing at Carnegie Hall! Cindy teaches voice and piano at “It’s All About Music” in Reno.