CHURCH STAFF

SUE BROWN

PROJECT COORDINATOR

253.272.2184 x3

Sue Brown

Hello! I’m Sue Brown, Project Coordinator and Sunday morning Program Administrator. I’m blessed that God has chosen to allow me to serve at Urban Grace in this capacity. Before retiring and moving to Tacoma the fall of 2016, I spent the last 15 years of my career as a facility manager for a large corporation in California. Being a transplant, I’ve enjoyed making new friends and discovering all that Tacoma and this area has to offer and learning what it’s like to be partially retired. I enjoy reading, watching movies, knitting, cooking, baking and of course eating! Oh, and one of my favorite past times - hanging out with my four grandkids!

TARA CHUGH

MUSIC & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

253.272.2184 x7

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Tara Chugh

Hi! I’m Tara and I’ve been playing music since before I knew how to pronounce my ‘r’s. Born in Oakland, my Dad retired from the Navy and we settled in Tacoma, WA in the late 80’s. It was there that my parents bought me my first upright piano and the rest is history. I grew up singing in the church choir on JBLM, and then went on to start a band with my two sisters. We were also pretty immersed in the arts as performers for various Filipino dance and music ensembles.

After I graduated high school, I moved to Arizona for college and work. That’s where I met my hubby Ankit and my dogs Bailey and (the late) Baxter. We got married and two weeks later I finished my Master’s Degree in Business (I actually had finals during my wedding - bad choice looking back haha). I taught voice and piano at the School of Rock but we wanted to be closer to family. After about a decade in the sun, we decided we needed the rain. We moved to Washington where we welcomed our amazing daughter to the world, Gabriella Sahana!

Throughout the years, I played piano and backing vocals for different worship teams. During the start of the pandemic, I decided that I was going to find a church that really aligned with my values. I stumbled across Urban Grace and started watching online; I knew this is exactly where I belonged. I am so happy to call Urban Grace my home!

JENNIFER DEAN

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

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Jennifer Dean

Hello! I'm Jennifer Dean and I've lived and served in the Tacoma area for over 25 years. I grew up on the Oregon Coast and came to Tacoma for college at the University of Puget Sound. After two years in college ministry post undergrad, I went back to school at Fuller Seminary (Northwest) and received my Masters of Arts in Theology. I've worked with churches for most of my professional life and have been at Urban Grace since 2008. I love the variety of behind the scenes and administrative work that I get to do but I especially believe in the vision of Urban Grace to be a welcoming community for all.

My husband, Sean, and I were married in 2004 and we have three sons. Our family loves to eat and play well, watch good movies (sometimes with superheroes), and enjoy our friends and family. My best days involve walking my dog, reading, interesting conversation, and dessert.

REV. BIANCA LUNA

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

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Bianca Luna

Hey there! Church has always been a huge part of my life. My grandpa raised me to be a good little Catholic girl, and I cannot remember missing mass or Sunday school as a child. Once I was old enough to branch out more, I explored different denominations until I eventually got ordained in the American Baptist in 2019. My understanding of God and all the various ways I connect to our Creator is from my various church backgrounds, which I’m so grateful to have experienced.

I felt the call to ministry at a very young age. As a freshman in high school, I was the Sunday school teacher for K-2, served in the nursery, and on the puppeteer team! Throughout my life I have always been in ministry in some capacity from various children and youth ministries, church planting, camp ministry and other non-profits. Most recently after graduating with my MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2017, I was the Associate Pastor of Campus Ministry at Grace Baptist Church in San Jose, CA.

I’m a huge extrovert. I love being with people! I am all for those long, real, and deep conversations. I think we walk away from those conversations as better people; every person we meet can teach us so much. I love to hike, ideally the hikes that take all day long not having to constantly check the time. Not only are those hikes good for our body, but also our mind and spirit. On my down time, if I am not on a hiking trail, I will be at a coffee shop or on a beach!

JONATHAN PIERRE-PUCKETT

PASTOR

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Jonathan Pierre-Puckett

I’m Jonathan, originally from Southern California, I moved to the Pacific Northwest a few years ago with my partner, Rhianna. We recently welcomed our first child, Arleta, and decided to make Tacoma our home shortly after. As we settle in, we’re excited to plant deep roots and become an active part of this vibrant community.

My faith journey is a bit unconventional, having been raised in an agnostic home. Despite that, I often found myself drawn to the Church, captivated by the loving, welcoming, and prophetic person of Jesus. As a biracial, bisexual nerd, I didn’t always feel welcomed or loved—especially in religious spaces. But that only deepened my desire to help others experience the love, welcome, and advocacy that Jesus offers. This calling led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies with a minor in Psychology, a Master of Pastoral Studies, and eventually to my ordination as an Assistant Pastor in 2015 and as a Pastor in 2018.

I’m an extrovert at heart, and I thrive on connecting with people—whether it’s over coffee, on a walk, playing games, or collaborating on meaningful projects. While life with a baby has shifted my downtime, you’ll still find me enjoying the outdoors, gardening, or spending quality time with my family and friends. I’m eager to get to know each of you and to serve this community with love, energy, and a deep sense of purpose.

FACILITIES STAFF

JASON MARLEY

MAINTENANCE & CUSTODIAL

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Jason Marley

Hi I'm Jason Marley, the Custodian at Urban Grace. I have deep roots in Tacoma, and come from a caregiving and custodial background. My previous abilities aligned with the role at Urban Grace, and allows me to ride my e-scooter to work, which is a great way to see the city and travel. One of my favorite parts of working at Urban Grace is assisting with the breakfast on Sundays. I'm happy to be of service to the Tacoma community and to folks in need. Outside of work, you could find me with family or enjoying my favorite parks, Wapato or Kandle Park.

ANGELA WESTERGREEN

EVENTS & FACILITIES MANAGER

253.272.2184 x5

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Angela Westergreen

Hello, I'm Angela Westergreen, Events and Facilities Manager at Urban Grace. My passion is connecting with the community and helping others find the spaces, services and people to support them. Originally from the Midwest, I've been lucky to call Tacoma home since 2012. Outside of my role at Urban Grace, I love to hang out with my son, photograph, cook, volunteer and read. Some of my favorite places in Tacoma are our beautiful parks, historic buildings and excellent restaurants. Happy to be supporting the team at Urban Grace!

LEADERSHIP

Church Council: Urban Grace elects 5-9 diverse leaders to represent the needs of the church particularly around vision and program. The Council meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Current members: Machelle Beilke, Abbie Brown (Moderator), Elisa Hays, Mandla Kaunda, Ben Telsey, Wambui Thuku, and Kim Warnick.

Contact: [email protected]

Board of Trustees: The Church Council appoints 5-9 skilled leaders to represent the needs of the church particularly around facilities, finance, and policy. The Trustees meet on the second Tuesday of each month. Current members: Bruce Erickson (President), Alyssa Garza (Secretary), Nils Wickman (Co-Treasurer), Cyndi Wolfer, John Woo (Vice-President), and Michael York (Co-Treasurer).

Contact: [email protected]

If you’re interested in learning more about the redevelopment of our leadership structure, listen to this sermon series:

JOB OPENINGS

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