Rev. Dr. Leslie Ann Knight, Pastor

Rev. Knight has served rural and urban United Methodist churches in Washington for 35 years. She was ordained in 1977, and completed her Doctor of Ministry degree from Claremont School of Theology in 1981.

She grew up near Kellogg, Idaho where her family attended a church that was a union of Congregational and Methodist denominations. Later, she taught English as a Second Language in a church-related girls’ school in Japan. The school had been founded in the 1800’s by Congregationalists, and she was embedded in a UCC mission community of teachers and professors. The UCC- connection continued as she did her seminary internship in a large UCC congregation. Pastor Leslie Ann and her husband Victor Bode joined UCUP upon her retirement and were active members for almost 10 years. 

Leslie Ann enjoys choir, reading (she is an avid mystery reader), and conversations. She and Vic have a large family spread across the U.S. Victor served a career in the Marine Corps, then had a second career as a high school guidance counsellor. They live in Puyallup at Wesley Bradley Park Retirement Community.

They are delighted to share the next six months with UCUP as Rev. Knight serves as our Bridge pastor through June.

Jeff Andersen, Music Director

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jeff has been in the music ministry for over two decades, serving as a pianist, organist, choir director, and composer.

He earned a BA in Music from Western Washington University and studied jazz piano at Cornish College of the Arts. Since then, he has worked professionally as a pianist, accompanist, composer, and piano teacher. Additionally, he has been active as a community theater music director, orchestra member, and composer. He also works as an accompanist at Pacific Lutheran University.

In his spare time he is an avid reader (historical novels, biographies, fiction), likes to bicycle, ski, play croquette, and go fly-fishing.

Aria Messer-Doolé, Office Administrator and Nursery Attendant

Aria is our Office Administrator. She prepares and publishes our monthly newsletter, generates our weekly newsletters and worship bulletins, and provides general administrative leadership.

Aria recently moved from Gig Harbor to Tacoma, where she spends time with her kids, friends, and loved ones. When she’s not working or being with her people, she loves making music, reading, writing, and enjoying the medicine of nature.

Aria also serves as our nursery attendant. This experienced mama of three has completed a background check and completed the Ministry Safe Awareness training. She loves working with “littles” and youth and welcomes children aged 0 – 4 to the nursery during Sunday worship services.

Daniel Walker, Audio-visual Technician

Daniel is a proficient multimedia professional specializing in videography, photography, audio recording, editing, and lighting. Daniel brings extensive experience and is dedicated to delivering high-quality content creation, team leadership, and mentorship. State-of-the-art digital tools and software are used to create captivating multimedia solutions that enhance storytelling and engage audiences.