Pastor Kevin Portwood

Pastor Kevin began serving as the Pastor of Medina Valley UMC in June 2020, after serving churches in Portland (TX), Taft and Kerrville. A native of Tyler, Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 2010 and a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2015. He is an Ordained Elder in the Rio Texas Annual Conference. Kevin has a passion for connecting people to Christ and to the Church. He believes that when your relationship with Jesus influences every part of your life in a powerful way, you begin to change the world.

Kevin is married to Allie, a nurse, and they recently celebrated 12 years of marriage. They have 2 beautiful children, Harper (7) and Spencer (4), and a crazy 1-year old golden retriever named Rory.

When not “pastoring” you can find Kevin playing golf, watching sports, eating lunch at a local restaurant, doing to the New York Times Crossword puzzle, or exploring the natural beauty of South Texas and the Hill Country with Allie, Harper, Spencer and Rory dog.

Feel free to call him Pastor Kevin or Rev Kev!

Lyssa Gregor - Administrative Assistant and Children’s Ministry Director

My name is Lyssa Gregor. I am the children’s ministry director! I have been with the church for two and a half years. Before joining the church staff, I graduated from the College of Health Care Professions as valedictorian as a medical assistant and a phlebotomy technician. I then worked for two years while obtaining my associates degree in health and medical administration. I’m a proud mom of three babies. Now I’m at home, homeschooling my children full time and working as the children’s ministry director at the church. This has been such a rewarding opportunity and experience for my little family and I. We have all learned a lot, made new friends and gained an entire family. I’m blessed to be apart of this community and I look forward to the future of this ministry.

Carol Love - Pianist

Carol Love was born in Litchfield, Illinois, and has been playing music almost all of her life, either on the piano, flute, violin, or viola. Her musical education started in a small Central Illinois town and continued wherever she lived, in Midland and Austin, TX, or studying at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan or the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston. In addition to teaching piano for over 25 years, she has been playing for services and accompanying the choir at the Medina Valley United Methodist Church since she moved to Castroville in 1994.

Amber Aguinaga - Children’s Ministry Staff

I am Amber Aguinaga, a Children’s Ministry leader for 3 years here at the Medina Valley United Methodist Church. I enjoy working alongside the children learning the ways of our Lord and Savior. I am a mother of 4 children. I love to sing, dance, and goof around, anything that puts a smile on someone’s face. I am often the one who keeps the kids focused on the lesson, as I expect the best behavior out of children. Although I am stern, I am also fun.

Brittany Aguinaga - Children’s Ministry Staff

I’m Brittany Aguinaga, I’m 30 years old. I have an associate’s degree in Information Technology and I love anything electronic! I also have three dogs and a husband! I grew up knowing who Jesus is, and I am extremely blessed to be able to love and care for the kids involved with the Children's Ministry here at Medina Valley United Methodist Church.