About WGUMC
Welcome to Willow Glen UMC Family
At WGUMC, we are Christian without apology, but we are open when it comes to theology. Yes, we love the Bible, but we read it to begin a conversation, not to end one. So you don’t have to check your brain at the door. Bring your questions with you. We don’t have all the answers, but we are getting to know the One who does. We hope you will join us on the journey.
There are a few things we don’t have to debate:
- Every person is a child of God. God loves you and we welcome you, no matter what label society has slapped on you.
- No one is without the need of or beyond the reach of God’s grace—absolutely no one.
- Grace comes to us in Jesus Christ, the One whose life, death and resurrection makes God real for us.
- And the Holy Spirit is the One who shows us how to love and how to live so that we can make God real for others.
Because our own families don’t always work for us, the church must be the family where God’s grace can work through us. Whatever is going on at WGUMC, you will find children, youth, and adults engaged in it. No matter your age, you can find a place and a purpose here. Other churches talk about family. We do it.
There are only two things we really have to do in life: love God and love our neighbor. In addition to weekly worship, Bible studies, and small groups, there are abundant opportunities for hands-on, hearts-in mission and service in Willow Glen and around the globe. If you want God to change your life, help us change the world.
The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
For more information about the history and beliefs of the United Methodist Church, visit http://www.umc.org.
Meet our Staff
Rev. Blake Busick
Senior Pastor
Office: 408-294-9796, ext 4
E-Mail: blake@wgumc.org
Greetings! I’m Blake Busick, and I’m honored to begin serving as the new pastor at Willow Glen United Methodist Church. From the moment I first visited, I sensed a deep warmth and a strong spirit of community here. I’ve been in pastoral ministry for over four decades, serving churches of various sizes and settings throughout the California-Nevada Conference, and most recently as a District Superintendent. Throughout my ministry, I’ve been passionate about helping congregations listen deeply to God and one another, grow in grace, and live out their faith in meaningful, transformational ways.
My wife, Peggy, and I are thrilled to be in San Jose and part of this vibrant community. We have two adult children, both of whom are married, and we’re the proud grandparents of twin grandchildren who bring joy and laughter into our lives. I believe the Church is at its best when it becomes a place of belonging and blessing—where people are known, grace is practiced, and the love of Christ overflows into the wider community. When we live as the Body of Christ in this way, we reflect the heart of God and become a sign of hope in the world.
Rev. Susan Smith
Pastor of Children & Family Ministries and Director of Woodhaven Preschool
Office: 408-294-9796, ext 5
E-Mail: susan@wgumc.org
For Susan, children are the most important people in the church. They’re not just the church of the future; they’re the church of now! For this reason, Susan is committed to providing a place where children and families can grow together in their faith, experiencing God’s presence in their lives and learning to respond to that incredible love.
On Sunday mornings, you’ll find Susan sharing stories with the children, singing and dancing with them, participating in Sunday School projects, or just sitting with children to hear about their lives.
Susan shares her life with her husband Stephen (a high school history teacher) and her son Casey. Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, baking, biking, and being a mom. She also loves to spend time with her friends and family for whom she feels truly blessed.
Lisa Jacobs
Director of Joint Youth Ministries
Lisa Jacobs is the Joint Youth Director and the Fitness Ministry Director for Willow Glen. Lisa’s desire to be a Youth Pastor started when she was 16 and she has pursued that passion ever since. She worked in the Episcopal church, the Free Methodist Church and the Urban ministry program at Westmont College. She graduated from Westmont College in 2002 with a major in Religious Studies and an emphasis in Urban Ministry. She has been working as the Joint Youth Director for 10 years and loves serving, working with and getting to know the in’s and outs of young people.
Everyone always asks if she will soon study to be a pastor of adults and Lisa’s response is this; “I believe that the young people are one of the most important parts of a congregation. Churches need relevant, affirming programs that help point teenagers towards God. Youth ministry is essential to the life of any church and my desire is to help facilitate that growth wherever God leads me. I can never imagine myself working with anyone but teenagers!”
Director of Music Ministries
Director of Music Ministries
We are looking for a Director of Music Ministries! Please contact Pastor Blake Busick, blake@wgumc.org, for more information.
Sally Gilberts
Office-Facilities Manager / Bookkeeper
Office: 408-294-9796, ext 2
E-Mail: officemanager@wgumc.org
My family moved out to San Jose in early 2022 and became members at WGUMC shortly after. My husband and I have been married for four years and have a son born in early 2024 as well as a lab-mix, Honey. We enjoy spending time together outside in this beautiful Bay Area and experiencing life as new parents. My favorite part of working in the Church office is meeting and getting to know new people and being involved in the mission of the Church and Willow Glen community.