UPPC 2025 LEADERSHIP NOMINEES
Jennifer Boucher Family Ministries Elder
Craig Carter Worship Elder
Bo Helmich Discipleship Elder
GrahamO’Brien NominatingCommitteeElder
John Wascher Finance Elder
Christine Krause Deacon
Don Krause Deacon
Ted Nussbaum Deacon
Dave Ricker Deacon
Congregational Meeting | May 18, 2025
10:30am | UPPC Sanctuary
Elder Nominees
Elders should be persons of faith, dedication and good judgment with experience in and/or a desire to be in a leadership role. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world. It is the privilege of elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation. They are to be committed to the spiritual leadership of the church. Elders are also members of the Session, which is the governing body of UPPC for the ministerial, financial and physical management of the church.
Jennifer Boucher
Jennifer-boucher@hotmail.com
FAITH: My faith keeps me centered on who I am as a daughter of God and who He calls me to be; using my everyday ordinary life as an offering to God (Romans 12:1-2). One of my favorite bible verses is Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God” because I often need the reminder that I don’t need to (and can’t!) figure this life out on my own; the power of quietness in God’s presence and the act of ongoing re-surrender are beautiful
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: I have been a member of UPPC since 2016, but my involvement dates back to childhood. I was involved with MOPS for 10 years serving in various leadership roles including coordinator for both MOPS and MOMSnext. I have been a Day Camp volunteer, Alpha youth facilitator, attendee and volunteer for The Well and Women’s Ministry events. My children and I attended the Mexico mission trip this year, I am a member of the Parent Leadership team and served on the most recent Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC).
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: My husband Fabien and I celebrate 20 years of marriage this year. My kids Allison (15) and Sébastien (11) have been raised and baptized at UPPC, attended Sunset Christian Preschool and are involved in youth group. My parents Ben & Kitty Jennings were UPPC members for over 30 years while they lived in the PNW. Professionally, I have served youth and families in many capacities including as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and currently as a substitute teacher
Craig Carter
ccraig3620@gmail.com 253.219.9602
FAITH: My faith is absolutely essential in my daily life, my marriage, and throughout my relationships. It is the foundation from which I base both my personal and work life. Beginning with early morning devotion and prayer, I strive to weave my faith into my life with high integrity throughout each day including how I interact with people. I am particularly aware of how others might perceive me when they know I am a man of faith as this keeps me accountable to demonstrate the great command from Jesus to “Love Thy Neighbor”. continued...
CHURCHINVOLVEMENT:KelleyandIhavebeenmembersofUPPCsince1987.Wehavelong beenpartofsmallgroupministryandhaveformedverymeaningfulanddeepfriendships. Servingonthenominatingcommitteeforsixyearswasaverymeaningfulandtreasuredtimeto discern,pray,andhelpcallotherstoleadershipatthechurchwhichwasaprivilegetobepartof. UPPCispartofmyfamilyandhasplayedalargeroleinmydevelopmentasaChristian.Istarted outinthechoirandorchestra,andhavesincebeenpartofmusicministryinseveralcapacities.I waspartofthegroup“Rejoice”thatstartedcontemporarymusicatUPPCandbecamean integralpart Ihaveservedasaworshipleaderonanextendedinterimbasisandstillserveon Sundays
FAMILY&BACKGROUND:KelleyandIhavebeenmarried42yearsandhavebeenmembersat
UPPCfor38years.WemetinUpWithPeoplein1981,andIthenmovedtoTacomafromWarwick, NewYorkwhereIgrewup.IwasraisedintheMethodistchurchandwasinvolvedinmusic ministrywiththerestofmyfamily.Iampartofalargefamily(6kids,17fosterchildren).Kelley andIhavetwosonsCameron(Amber)andColin(Melanie),whoarebothmarriedandlivein UniversityPlacewithour4grandchildren(Finley,Charlie,Carson,andCory).Igrewupinthe church,butfellawayinhighschooluntilIdedicatedmylifeandhearttoChrist beforegoingto theU.SCoastGuardAcademywhereIreallybuiltmyfoundationoffaiththroughthechapel there(musicofcourse).IlefttheAcademyaftertwoyearsofserviceandhavegreatrespectand admirationforthosewhohaveservedandcurrentlyserve.IgraduatedfromtheUniversityof PugetSound,andworkedfor10yearsinthecommercialprintingindustry.Forthepast30+years havebeeninthepharmaceuticalindustryspecializinginoncology.Ihavebeeninvolvedinthe TacomaandSouthSoundcommunityonmultipleboardofdirectorsforcommunity,non-profit, andChristianorganizations,andhaveservedasayouthbaseballcoach,assistanthighschool footballcoach,CubmasterforCubScouts,andYoungLifeleader Ilovetotravelwithmywife, family,andfriends,andweareactiveboatersandmembersofTacomaYachtClub
FAITH: In terms of my vocation as a scholar and teacher, faith in Jesus has profoundly affected my education, my thinking, and my subsequent career decisions In terms of daily life, faith shapes the ways that I spend my time, energy, and money. Faith also makes a huge difference for how I choose to treat others - hopefully with kindness, patience, and respect, as I believe Jesus would want.
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: I have been involved at UPPC mainly through music, as part of the worship ministry (drums and guitar), and through teaching a number of adult Sunday school classes. Lately I have been working with Pastor Mike Moffitt to design a new Sunday school curriculum with the goal of helping people to reach a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine. I am also a candidate for ordination under the care of UPPC.
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: A few fun facts about me: I grew up in Aspen, Colorado, and spent a lot of my early years on skis. One thing I bring to the table is a love for theology and church history; my favorite writers have all been dead for centuries! While I currently live out near Hood Canal, Anne (my wife) is from University Place and grew up attending UPPC. We have two grown kids, but our younger boys Andrew (18) and William (14) both attend here My mother-in-law Jan Luscombe is a long-time member as well
Bo Helmich
Graham O’Brien
FAITH: In a society that tells you you can do anything, be anything, I have always just wanted to do the "right" thing. But what does that mean? My faith, my understanding of the Bible, and my knowledge of Jesus' words and teachings, is the foundation from which I live out every day. Not always perfect - in fact, hardly ever even close to perfect - but it's a compass that guides how I live my life, how I raise my family, and how I do my job.
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: My family and I are regular attendees of the 11 o'clock service. I have been a member of UPPC since my 9th grade confirmation nearly 25 years ago. For years before and after confirmation, I was part of the youth programs, and then helped lead them when I aged out. I've been on more than a few mission trips to Mexico, Mississippi, and Eastern Washington. I was on the board for Sunset Christian Preschool when my youngest attended. I've volunteered at countless community and holiday events. Recently, I was on the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee that recommended Tina Osterhouse for the Associate Pastor of Family, Youth, & Children's Ministries. Currently, I have been serving as an at-large member of the Nominating Committee
FAMILY BACKGROUND: My mom, Colette Lease, my brother, Nolan, and I started attending UPPC when we moved down from Canada after her marriage to Gregory Lease. I was twelve at the time. My wife, Annie, and I both grew up in UPPC. Although we've had our bumps along the way, UPPC has always been an anchoring point for us - a home. Our three boys, Andrew (18), Matthew (12), and Joey (9), have known UPPC all their lives. All three attended Sunset Christian Preschool and have been part of the youth programs at UPPC. Andrew and Matthew were baptized at UPPC when they came of an age to make that decision. In recent years, since COVID, I've felt the nudge to get more involved. Not just to be a part of UPPC, but to serve it, its members, and its community.
John Wascher
jwascher@mac.com 805-444-7748
FAITH: My faith in Jesus Christ leads me to accept others regardless of our differences while realizing that we are all children of God and do have a common belief. Recognizing that I am a sinner, I know I need to try to be the best I can be, but ultimately accept God’s grace.
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: I have found a home at UPPC joining the handbell choir to share my many years of ringing Also, have helped the Communion set-up team and have been an ad-hoc member of the finance team. I have also found a home with the Men’s Wednesday morning Bible study. I have previously served on church councils, served as a church treasurer, and worked as a church finance and facility manager. I have also enjoyed serving churches as a chef, preparing meals for members of the church and for residents of the Hilltop area.
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: I attend UPPC with my wife, Bonnie and occasionally with our grandsons, George and Charlie Phelps. Bonnie and I both grew up as Presbyterians, married in a Presbyterian church in Green Bay, WI and had our children baptized in that church. We attended a Lutheran church after we moved to Southern California. We have attended UPPC for the past four years.
Deacon Nominees
As set forth in Scripture, the office of deacon is one of sympathy, witness and service, after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, exemplary lives, honesty, sympathy and good judgment should be chosen for this office. The primary work of deacons is to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, the bereaved and to anyone in distress.
FAITH: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1. This scripture is what I hold dearly in prayer and in application in my life. With life’s challenges and blessings, my faith is what always endures I have been blessed to always choose to serve others in my career, I was a YMCA fitness director in my youth, continued my education and became a Social Worker for 15 years, retired and became a licensed massage therapist for the last 27 years By God’s design and grace I am able to pray with my clients so they may receive what the Holy Spirit has for them through God the Father.
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: I was raised Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) and went to SDA schools through junior high. I was baptized at 13 years old and served at my school on the health and temperance club. It was a great foundation but I sought more answers from non-denominational churches. I served in children’s ministries in Ann Arbor, MI, at ‘242’ non-denominational church and continued seeking a home church, after relocating to Washington. After one Sunday attendance at UPPC my husband and I agreed we had found our “HOME” church! I have participated in Alpha small group and at Pastor Moffitt’s request became host/helper with my husband Don Krause the following time the class was offered. Also completed Essentials, Equipping, and will be attending the Story of God class. I have participated in Sharon Moffitt’s women’s Bible Study and attended the women’s retreat last year and this year. My husband and I also attended the Better Love class this year UPPC has enriched our lives in so many ways, We are humbled and honored to give back and serve others in our community
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: When my husband and I relocated from Michigan, my daughter and her family, as well as, my son and his family, attended UPPC during the post Covid period. They have since relocated out of state and are worshipping there. By God’s grace, I would like to influence other young families to join our community at UPPC. My husband and I are blessed with five adult children and 11 grandchildren!
Christine Krause
Don Krause
FAITH: First of all, the Bible states, it is impossible to please God without faith. We go through life with struggles in our families, with coworkers, friends, etc Being a guiding light is what I strive for on a daily basis. To get through trying times without losing our joy and being a witness to those we come into contact with, cannot be done without true faith. We will always have issues in good and bad times, but it is so much easier getting through those times with faith in God than without it
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: I was raised in the Assemblies of God to two Godly parents who served Him their entire lives. I was baptized in water at age 16. I was a leader in Royal Rangers for approximately 7 years in the 1970s. This is a program similar to Boy Scouts only with the spiritual aspect added into it I was also an usher, and served on the AG church board for 3 years as financial secretary. At UPPC, I have enjoyed the opportunities available with taking the Essentials class, Alpha, once as a group member and once as helper, took the Equipping discipleship class, and am currently on board to attend the ‘Story of God’ group I attended the Better Love class earlier this year with my wife, attended Malibu last year and am going again this year. I am part of two Bible/Book studies, one weekly, one bi-weekly.
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: I attended church regularly all of my adult life. My parents taught me values, morals, and to remain steadfast in my walk with God I have a wonderful, God loving wife whom I treasure and enjoy reading the Bible with and discussing it daily. I graduated from the University of Detroit, a Jesuit university, being taught by priests everything from Bible to principles to religion to Jesus’ life, majoring in social work/psychology, and while in the Army, I graduated from the US Army Chaplain School, and served as a chaplain assistant in the military. After retiring and moving to Washington from Michigan, Christine’s daughter’s family and son’s family attended UPPC for a while, post Covid, but have since moved out of state. I have no relatives living in Washington.
Ted Nussbaum
tednussbaum@gmail.com
907.654.4942
FAITH: From a child I have always wanted to learn more about the Bible and especially Jesus. Although faith and doubt are very close, when I have doubted that God loves me, I have remained faithful to Christ, being buoyed up by fellow Christ followers who showed Christ’s love to me (some who had no benefit to themselves for the love they showed me). Although a sinner, like us all, I strive to share the love Christ called us to when he said that the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.” I haven’t always loved myself that well, so falter on loving others at times, but through the help of a counselor, other Christians, and Christ’s Holy Spirit in me I am learning to do both of these things better each day as a child of His (two steps forward, one step back).
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: I have been part of the UPPC Connexions group that helped sustain me when challenged by limited in-person fellowship during the “Covid-19 years” and continues to be so helpful as we discuss the sermons and share our prayer concerns
My wife, Kathy and I became members here as part of the first membership group on Palm Sunday March 2021 when we were still all wearing masks. In 2022 we were part of the World Relief/UPPC support group – becoming the leaders -- who walked alongside a Sudanese refugee couple trying to assimilate into our community. continued...
Kathy and I also were a part of the March 2023 UPPC Peacemaking Group who travelled to the deep south to try to understand why we (collective “we”), in the past and presently, often selectively share Christ’s love with people like ourselves and how we can be more generous with His love to all His people. This Peacemaking Group continues to share insight with you, our church body, as we plan events to encourage us all to be aware of how better to unselfishly share His love with all our neighbors
As part of a group of men attending Malibu Men’s Weekend, we experienced Christ’s love and support from each other during our trip to the Canadian wilderness. We continue to meet biweekly to be vulnerable as we share the narrow path we walk in following Christ. Previous to attending here, I have been a member in numerous churches including: Mennonite, Evangelical Covenant, and American Baptist –serving in leadership roles, starting as a Sunday School teacher in High School and since. I have also been youth leader, worship leader, and on numerous church council leadership boards.
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: I have always been involved in church from birth, often numerous times a week My mother consistently read Bible stories to my 6 siblings and me My father was a minister in the Mennonite Church, where I was an active participant, excitedly baptized as a pre-teen believer. My wife and I met at a Mennonite Christian college and now both attend UPPC events as frequently as we can, traveling from Anderson Island where we live. In college I studied math, religion and Bible and eventually was led to become an elementary teacher in public schools. Although I retired early to build our home, I still love this profession enough that I sub whenever I can on our island. We have two children, our son who is married and lives in Wisconsin with his wife and our only grandson, and our daughter who lives in Portland and has visited here several times. I love worshiping the Lord and can be caught noisily singing His praises on a daily basis
FAITH: Jesus Christ is my Savior and my Lord and I do my best to recognize His authority over every aspect of my life. Because of the hope of the gospel, I can live with purpose and the assurance of God’s sovereignty over everything. Spending time in God’s word and in prayer are two essential spiritual practices for me
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Since attending UPPC I have assisted with children’s and youth ministry, Habitat for Humanity projects, leading adult small groups, Good Neighbor Teams, the Alpha course, and the Welcome Team assisting immigrants newly released from the Northwest ICE Processing Center Several years ago, I helped lead two service trips to China with several UPPC youth and adult members. Last year my wife and I traveled to New Orleans and beyond as part of the UPPC American South Pilgrimage, and I also went to Men’s Malibu Weekend with three of my sons as part of the UPPC group
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: I have been married to Brenda for almost 40 years and am a father to four sons and two daughters. Three of my children live locally and three live out of state. We take a yearly family vacation where we all laugh, play games, eat, and enjoy each other’s company. My three grandchildren (Josh and Kirstyn’s kids Luella, Judah, and Maeva) all attended Sunset Christian Preschool.
Elder and deacon nominees are asked to consider and submit their answers to the following prompts so we may get to know them better. If you have questions or want to learn more about the 2025 Leadership Nominees, please contact them directly.
FAITH: Please describe how your faith in Jesus Christ is important to you in your daily life.
CHURCH INVOLVEMENT: Please share your experience with UPPC ministries, activities, groups, and service outreach as well as any previous leadership roles.
FAMILY & BACKGROUND: Please share more about you and your unique makeup including names of family members also attending UPPC.
