Christ United Methodist Church

Rev. Paul Richards-Kuan
Pastor

Pastor Paul first learned faith from parents that believed faith was lived out at home, school, work, and in the world. His ministry is focused on announcing the reign of God, which Jesus describes as good news to the poor, release to the captives, recovery of sight for the blind, and liberation of the oppressed. He believes a better world is possible and it will take all of us to build that world. He loves to hear people's story, their passions, and the kind of world they dream of. Let's find a time to chat!
Biographically, Paul grew up in Houston, and has lived in Arkansas, Germany, and North Carolina before coming to Oregon. He loves music of many varieties, especially Hip Hop. He also loves basketball, rooting for his hometown Rockets and the Duke Blue Devils.
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Elizabeth Tuosto
Office and Ministries Manager

Coming to Christ UMC in 2013, Elizabeth and her family quickly became active members. Elizabeth has been a choir leader, taught children's ministry, lay leader, bells choir leader and has been an integral reason for the growth of Christ UMC. We are blessed to have Elizabeth and her passion of teaching, her always positive attitude and natural leadership abilities. Outside of church, Elizabeth sews, works in chronic illness awareness, and loves to spend time with family. Connect with Elizabeth if you want to know more (or join) a church group or one of the many ministries we have at Christ UMC.
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Jena SLATER
Worship Music Director

Jena is delighted to join the Christ UMC team leading worship. Being born into a long line of musicians, one of her favorite memories as a child was visiting her band director father at his school and being able to tinker on all of the instruments. Jena holds a Masters of Music in Opera from the Boston Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music in Voice from Portland State University. One of her passions in life is to make singing more accessible. Despite popular opinion, research shows that practically everyone has the ability to learn to sing. Jena believes God made us with the ability to joyfully make sounds and her mission is to inspire and educate those afraid of singing to embrace their unique voices.
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Rev. Karen Nelson
Social Justice Liason

Karen Nelson is a retired United Methodist clergy person who began attending Christ UMC in the fall of 2017. She spends a great deal of her time working with several social justice groups: Western Methodist Justice Movement, Methodist Federation for Social Action, and Oregon-Idaho Reconciling United Methodists. She is also active in Oregon-Idaho camp and retreat ministries. Karen’s quiet time is spent reading, quilting, and exploring Portland with her husband.
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Jessi Ford
Children, Youth and Family Ministry Director

Jessi first started to attend Christ UMC 9 years ago. She first started working with children, youth and families at Seabeck Christian Family Camp. She had many roles like assistant activities director, mid high group leader, senior high group leader, dean and more. She has a background working with all ages, newborn on up. Jessi comes from a family full of United Methodist Church pastors so working within the church was only a matter of time. Outside of church, Jessi likes to go on adventures with her partner and 2 children, photograph nature, and ballroom dancing.
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