414-762-6030

We are continually growing as disciples of Christ—
and we invite you to grow along with us.
The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
South Milwaukee United Methodist Church will share the Good News of God's saving grace and live out Jesus' command to love God and neighbor, striving to bring about the fulfillment of God's kingdom
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The 2025 Vision of South Milwaukee UMC is : Make our church known in the community
At SMUMC, we will guide everyone to deepen their relationship with Christ and, as transformed people, join in God's redemptive work.
Strategic Goals: Increase worship attendance including children/ Taking gifts to different organizations with our name.
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We believe every person is made in God’s image, and when Jesus said, 'Come to me, all,' we believe he was calling us to welcome people from every corner of the world and all walks of life. The more diverse we are, the more we reflect the fullness of God’s kingdom."
South Milwaukee UMC Pastor, Rev. Maria Kim
Greetings in Christ!
It is a great joy and privilege to join you on this journey as your pastor and to be part of your faith community.
Let me share a bit about my ministry and faith journey with you. I am a Methodist pastor with 25 years of ministry experience. In 2017, I moved to Seattle, WA, from South Korea, my home country. This was my second move to the U.S.; the first was in 1997 when I came to Washington D.C. to study at Wesley Theological Seminary, where my husband David and I both pursued our studies. I earned my M.Div. degree, graduating cum laude. Afterward, we moved to North Dakota to begin our first cross-cultural ministries.
In North Dakota, I served as the senior pastor for two United Methodist churches and one PC(USA) church, while David pastored two Methodist congregations. At the time, our family of three—including our 4-year-old daughter—were the only Asians in town. North Dakota, as you might know, is predominantly Caucasian, particularly in rural areas, where people often joke, “It’s just too cold for anyone else!” In my congregations and the surrounding towns, I met many proud Norwegians and Swedish descendants who cherished their cultural heritage. Even now, I believe the people of the Dakotas are some of the most genuine and down-to-earth folks in America. There’s something uniquely special about them that’s hard to put into words.
“Pastor Maria, you are the first female pastor in our 150-year church history,” one parishioner told me during our first meeting. These conservative farming communities were initially unsure how to approach a young (back then!) female pastor from a different cultural background. Yet, as time went on, they showed me a love that was pure and heartfelt, even if they didn’t fully realize it themselves. If someone were to ask me why I returned to America for another cross-cultural ministry, my answer would be simple: “Because my wonderful first parishioners shaped me as a pastor.”
As someone who has personally benefited from mission work, I am a pastor who testifies to the transformative power of the gospel. My calling is to nurture and grow faith communities that rejoice in what God has accomplished through Jesus on the cross.
When time allows, David and I hope to explore more of the events in Kenosha and South Milwaukee, the towns we each serve. We also enjoy walking the many trails in the area—it’s something we make an effort to do regularly. Currently, I am pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Chicago, specializing in Leadership for Social Transformation.
There is so much I want to share with you about myself, my calling, and the rich cultures and faith traditions of my home country. More importantly, I want to hear your stories—both as individuals and as a church community. It is truly an honor to serve you and worship God together.
"I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done" (Psalm 9:1).
Thank you for your prayers for me and my family. I look forward to worshiping and serving God alongside you.
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In Christ,
Pastor Maria

South Milwaukee UMC Office Administrator, Marilyn Ressman
Marilyn became the SMUMC office administrator in June 2021. She graduated with a BSN while in Colorado and retired after 50 years in nursing in 2017.
She is originally a Yooper and is happy to be back near Lake Michigan.
She is an avid mystery reader and loves to be outside with her dog CiCi.
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Join us for our weekly worship services to connect with the community and strengthen your faith.

Community Programs
Discover our diverse range of community programs designed to support and engage with the local community.

Spiritual Guidance
Seek spiritual guidance and find a sense of peace and purpose in our welcoming and inclusive church community.
Youth and Family Activities
Explore our youth and family activities that provide a fun and nurturing environment for children and families.


Outreach and Support
Engage in our outreach and support initiatives aimed at making a positive impact in South Milwaukee and beyond.


History of our church
Methodism began in South Milwaukee during the days of covered wagons and circuit riders, about 180 years ago.
In 1840, Methodists in the pioneer community of Oak Creek built a parsonage for the itinerant preacher. The organized presence of Methodism in South Milwaukee officially began in 1893, marked by a dedication service for the newly constructed Methodist church at 8th and Monroe, led by Rev. Wilkinson.
With an active congregation, growing membership, and changing times, the needs of the church grew. On Easter Sunday in 1955, the first services were held at a new location, which remains our current location today.
It is evident from this 125-year journey that the South Milwaukee United Methodist Church has grown spiritually. It also has developed a sense of fellowship, brotherhood and social consciousness. This is as it should be. Our fervent wish is that spiritual growth will continue for another 125 years!
Excerpt from the History of South Milwaukee UMC, contributed by John Haslam (November 2018).

Our Mission and Values
At South Milwaukee United Methodist Church, we are committed to upholding our mission and values to serve and support our community. Our church is a place of inclusivity, compassion, and spiritual growth.
"Join our community and experience the warmth and fellowship of South Milwaukee United Methodist Church"
South Milwaukee UMC : 1327 Marshall Ave., South Milwaukee, WI 53172
Phone / E-mail: 414-762-6030 / smumc50@sbcglobal.net
Church Facebook: SMUMC South Milwaukee