Borrego Springs Leader Receives United Methodist Honor

Virginia “Jinny” Perrin has received the 2025 Lay Member Recognition Award from the South District of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, which includes San Diego, Imperial, and parts of Riverside and Orange counties. This Lay Member honor recognizes individuals who serve with consistent dedication in both their congregations and communities.

Jinny’s love of music began early. Both of her parents were music educators and church music leaders, and she held her first choir director position while still in college—directing a children’s choir. Over the decades, she has contributed in countless ways to the spiritual and cultural life of Borrego Springs. Among her many ongoing commitments, she also performs with the Flotilla of Flutes, sharing her talents beyond Community UMC and supporting music throughout the community.

Below is the official nomination submitted to the UMC Laity Board:

Virginia “Jinny” Perrin arrived in Borrego Springs August 1981, the new K-12 music teacher in our schools and began attending Community UMC. She stepped up to become the church musician in January 1984, following the untimely passing of our pastor, Norman Wright, who was also the pianist, organist, and choir director. Jinny immediately provided piano and choir music for Sunday worship and began taking organ lessons. After 4 lessons, the organ teacher suddenly passed. Jinny continued to study independently and became our very competent organist. During her 42 years serving as Music Director of Community UMC and working with the various pastors, she has enriched and enhanced our worship experiences and encouraged many others in contributing to ministry through music. She has worked with the children/youth programs over the years, provided music at additional holiday worships, weddings, and life celebrations. The music ministry Jinny provides, has drawn many people to worship and participate at Community.

Jinny is also active in the organization and operation of Community UMC. She serves as Chair of the Simple Board of Governance. She serves and advises the Trustees and continues to be active in caring for church property. If there is something that needs attention, Jinny is there to assist.

Beyond Community UMC, she helps plan and provide music at the ecumenical Thanksgiving and Easter Sunrise worship events of the Borrego Ministers Association, including co-organizing and conducting the annual religious themed Christmas concert. She is active in the community of Borrego Springs, providing and participating in music opportunities in Borrego Springs with the Performing Arts Center, the Community Concert Association, even going to the elementary school to lead holiday singing with the students, plus other music programs.

Since retiring from teaching, she spends summers at a family home in Iowa, which is located adjacent to Lake Okoboji United Methodist Camp/Retreat Center. There is a small chapel at the camp and Jinny helps to coordinate, support, and provide music at the chapel, which serves summer residents in the area.

This is but a brief overview of the many ways Jinny is active and shares her gifts in our church and community. We give thanks to God for her presence with us.

Jinny is a quiet leader, although not afraid to speak out when necessary. She is a vital and active contributor to the operation of the church. She gets things done. She shares the gift and joy of music with others, encouraging and welcoming others to join in the joyful noise. She is dependable, you can count on her to help. She is a respected and appreciated member of the Community UMC and the community of Borrego Springs. She is a true gift!

This award affirms Jinny’s decades of service in music, church leadership, and community involvement. Her commitment continues to enrich both Borrego Springs Community United Methodist Church and the broader Borrego Springs community.