At University Presbyterian Church (UPC), we believe that every member is a minister, called to serve and contribute to our shared mission of faith, love, and service. This core conviction shapes our community, empowering all members to actively participate in the church’s ministry through their unique gifts and passions.

In addition to the vital role of our members, UPC is guided by called and elected officers who provide leadership and support:

• Session Members: Elected elders who oversee the spiritual and administrative direction of the church.

• Deacons: Servant-leaders dedicated to caring for the congregation and community through acts of compassion and outreach.

• Pastors: Ordained leaders who provide spiritual guidance, preaching, and pastoral care.

Together, these leaders collaborate to inspire, equip, and empower the entire congregation to engage in meaningful ministry. At UPC, we work as a team to nurture a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone’s contributions make a difference.

UPC’s Ruling Elders

Ruling Elders serve alongside pastors in the governance of the church. Ruling elders exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church, including ecumenical relationships.

Class of 2027
Jill Kerr – Stewardship & Finance
Lee Jenkins – Nurture
Rosemary John – Membership Committee Chair
Doug Walker – Property Committee Chair

Class of 2028
Griff Campbell – Fellowship Committee Chair
Adam Knapp – Stewardship & Finance Chair
Jan Risher – Faith Formation Chair
Darlene Adams Rowland – Day School
Lori Tucker – Mission & Peacemaking

Class of 2029
Bizza Britton – Day School Committee Chair
Dave Launey – Worship Committee Chair
Charles Sabin – Personnel & Administration
Jane Smith – Nurture
Violet Stroope – Youth Elder

UPC’s Deacons

Deacons: The ministry of deacon is one of compassion, witness, and service, sharing in the redeeming love of Jesus Christ for the poor, the hungry, the sick, the lost, the friendless, the oppressed, those burdened by unjust policies or structures, or anyone in distress.

Class of 2027
Leslie Green
Dinah Keyes
Beth Paskoff
Sarah Sabin

Class of 2028
Stacy Fontenot
Anita Melon
Kate Midkiff
Tom Warner

Class of 2029
Mary Clinkenbeard
Wes Mainord
Margaret O’Donnell
Kathie Pohlman

OTHER LEADERSHIP

Jerry Trahan – Clerk of Session
Steven Hartmann – Personnel & Administration Chair
Kristen Savicki – Mission & Peacemaking Committee Chair
Diana Reynolds – Nurture Committee Chair

UPC MINISTRIES

Worship

Music

Weddings

Community Meetings