Rev. Darin Arntson is a life-long United Methodist. With a second-career pastor for a mother, Darin established roots in the traditions, theology, and community of the church at an early age. Now, as an elder in full-connection herself, she hopes to continue to cultivate opportunities for this rich formation for others of all ages, stages of development, identities, and perspectives, both within and beyond the church.

Darin grew up in San Diego County, which is where she feels most at home, but she also intentionally sought out opportunities to live and study in other parts of the country as well. A combined five years in Dallas, New York City, and Atlanta proved to be deeply influential in broadening her awareness of other racial, cultural, and theological perspectives, as well as the diverse ministries (and potluck dishes) experienced within United Methodism across the nation.

In seminary at Candler School of Theology – Emory University, Darin deepened her passions for designing and leading formative worship services, and building up the next generation of pastoral leaders. Since her commissioning in 2014, she has lived into these callings by serving on the Annual Conference Worship Committee, the Board of Ordained Ministry, and appointed most recently as the Associate Director of Leadership of the Cal-Pac Conference. She also served as the Associate Pastor of San Dieguito UMC in Encinitas from 2014 to 2017. She looks forward to continuing her work as the Conference’s Vocational Discernment Coordinator, assisting young people in their discernment of gifts and call for pastoral and lay ministry.

Outside of work, Darin hangs out at dog parks with her Aussiedoodle Monroe, has recently taken up CrossFit, and always looks forward to the next hiking or camping adventure. She also enjoys making music (often poorly), building things in her dad’s garage, sporting activities of all varieties, and spending quality time with’ beloved friends and family.

I have been attending St. Mark’s for about 35 years and was married in the church as well. Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, my family was very involved in the church. My Grandfather was a Lay Minister and my Mother, and her twin sister taught Sunday school. I was participated in MYF, the choir and began my service there as a Sunday School Teacher. After leaving Wisconsin to get out of the harsh winters, I found St. Mark’s while looking for a church in my community.

My volunteer work at St. Mark’s began in 2009 when I became a member of Care Corp. That led me to my current profession as a Professional Fiduciary and Eldercare Advocate. I have advised and assisted several parishioners and their families over the past 10 years. I believe my strength lies in my ability to recognize and identify the needs of my clients and provide direction with compassion, empathy, kindness and love.

I am honored to be on the St. Mark’s team and excited about the gifts and knowledge I can provide to the congregation of the church. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions, concerns and guidance.

Ryan Silvia has called Southern California his home for 30 years. He graduated from Granite Hills High in 2011 and studied Sociology at UCSB where he first gave his life to Jesus. It was through the community in Santa Barbara and the Bible studies he created up there where he first felt the call to be a minister. After graduation Ryan started studying to be a high school math teacher, working as a private Tutor on the side and volunteering at a local Church. During one particularly moving summer camp with the youth students Ryan felt the call one more time to be a full time Pastor. After returning from camp, Ryan was offered a Youth Pastor position and has been serving the Lord vocationally ever since. Ryan furthered his education through the Foursquare Church and is currently attending Bethel Seminary. Ryan’s passion for students is at the heart of everything he does. His energy and love for all God’s people drives his passion for ministry and it is with this heart that he hopes to see all those who feel lost or outcast realize how wonderfully God sees them. He is very much a nerd at heart and would proudly admit that to everyone. He has a huge passion for all things comic book and will probably be wearing a superhero shirt, even under his nice clothes, every day. He loves games and puzzles and is always looking for new groups of friends to play Boardgames with. He and his wife Haley got married in December of 2020 and live happily together in Allied Gardens. Together they love to go to the movies, go for walks, play games and laugh way too much. 

,Michelle is the daughter of a Navy Veteran and has lived in San Diego most of her life. She received her BS in Business Administration in 2010 and pursued a career at Revlon where she was the Education Supervisor for 8 years. After being in the beauty industry for many years, Michelle decided to change careers after her position relocated to Florida. She has always wanted to work with children but wanted to be in a position where she could utilize her project management and adminstrative expertise. Being the Church Adminstrator at St. Mark’s she is able to use those skills in a position she feels very passionate about. Although, Michelle will not be working directly with children she is excited that she will be able to see the kids at the nursery school every day. Michelle has a son, Nathaniel and a daughter, Livvy and two dogs, Baxter and Bishop.  In her spare time Michelle enjoys gardening and reading. She also enjoys binge watching shows when she has some extra free time. She is very excited to be a part of the St. Mark’s UMC team.

I grew up in a family that loved music, my mother was a coloratura soprano and professor of voice. As a child I attended all kids of musical performances from ballets and symphonies with my grandfather, to musicals and operas with my mother. I always loved a good show. My journey in music really only started in junior year of high school when I auditioned for my high school’s musical (The Music Man) .To my surprise I was called back for The lead role and began to realize that I really loved theatre and music. The next year I auditioned for my school choir program and got into the top ensemble. Later that same year I was the only one in choir to represent my school in Sacramento for All State Honor Choir. I went on to major in Vocal Performance and Music Education, first at Mesa College and then SDSU. It’s at Mesa where I realized I had a passion for conducting and took any opportunity I could to assistant conduct. I joined the choir at St. Marks in the Advent season of 2012. I fell in love with the people in the choir and how everyone welcomed me like a true member of their family. Frank Williams the director was especially welcoming and supported me in all my musical endeavors . He gave me opportunities to conduct the choir and build confidence in front of an ensemble. After the passing of Frank in the fall of 2020, I was given the opportunity to be Interim Music Director. The next few years were challenging for sure but we tackled them by storm and I am very proud of all that we had to accomplish. The highlight of my time was definitely Christmas Eve. I loved seeing so many people finally being able to gather to celebrate in such a joyous Christ filled day. I cant wait to see what’s in store ahead and look forward to a beautiful 2022.