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 2025
Barbara Hoffman – Fellowship Committee Chair
Lois Kuyper-Rushing – Membership Committee Chair
Carl Motsenbocker
Lori Pilley
Mary Stevens
Meredith Veldman – Faith Formation Committee Chair

Class of 2026
Peggy Carroll – Day School Committee Chair
Shannon Fontenot-Stafford
Gaines Foster – Personnel Committee Chair
Christine Kooi – Worship Committee Chair
Edward Peterson – Treasurer

Class of 2027
Jill Kerr
Lee Jenkins
Rosemary John
Doug Walker – Property Committee Co-Chair

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 2025
Emily Cogburn – Moderator of Deacons
Andreas Giger
Jonathan Hubchen
Stuart Irvine
Faimon Roberts

Class of 2026
Ed Britton
Daniel Burch
Robin Patty
Susan Seifert

Class of 2027
Leslie Green
Junita Meier
Beth Paskoff
Sarah Sabin

OTHER LEADERSHIP

Jerry Trahan – Clerk of Session
Dave Launey – Property Committee Co-Chair
Drew Patty – Stewardship & Finance Committee Chair
Melanie Driscoll – Mission & Peacemaking Committee Co-Chair
Kristen Savicki – Mission & Peacemaking Committee Co-Chair
Diana Reynolds – Nurture Committee Chair

UPC MINISTRIES

Worship

Music

Weddings

Community Meetings