Operations

Learn more about the leaders who help with the operations of the church and where to send requests.

Liz Pierce
Head Trustee

Pronouns: She/Her

“I am a licensed attorney and have served as the church attorney for 20 years. In 2018 I became the chair of the Trustees at Prospect Park United Methodist Church. I have been a member since 1991.”

Email: pierce@prlawoffice.net


Cathy Velasquez Eberhart
Finance Chair, Lay Member Representative

Pronouns: She/Her

Cathy Velasquez Eberhart serves as the Chair of Finance and Lay Member Representative to the Minnesota Annual Conference for Prospect Park United Methodist Church. She is also a commissioned UMC Earthkeeper, a member of the Hopeful Earthkeeper team of the MN Annual Conference and a founding member of the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement – umcreationjustice.org. Cathy lives in Saint Paul, MN with her husband Guillermo and together they run Velasquez Family Coffee, selling shade-grown coffee grown by their family in Honduras.

Email: cathy@vfamilycoffee.com
Phone: (651) 587-5356


Liz Richards
Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Chair

Pronouns: She/Her

A member of PPUMC for 40 years and beginning work as Chair of the Staff Pastor Relations Committee in 2024. Worked in anti-violence movement for more than three decades and is currently continuing that work through the Dept. of Corrections. Enjoys opportunities to cook for others and share a meal. 

Email: lizrichards360@gmail.com
Phone: (612) 379-4611 


Rebekah Richards
Congregational Care

Pronouns: She/Her

Rebekah is an independent piano teacher in St. Paul and has been a member of PPUMC since 2010. In her free time she enjoys gardening, biking, reading and spending time with her husband, Mike and their three adult children and spouses.

Email: rrichardspiano@gmail.com
Phone: (651) 468-7058


Ann DeGroot
Lay Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Email: ann.marie.degroot@gmail.com


Steve Ozanne
Tech Team Lead

Pronouns: He/Him

“I am a retired computer programmer.  My current interests include:

Technology
-Using technology to enhance church community events (worship, small groups, concerts, theater, etc.)
-Part of the tech team, supporting Sunday worship and other events

Music
-Concert series organizer
-Singing in the choir
-A member of First Saturday Folk ensemble (all are welcome to join us – usually at 1pm on the first Saturday of each month, in the church).”

Email: steve.ozanne@gmail.com
Phone: (612) 986-4975


Marilee Johnson
Church Historian, Worship Team

Pronouns: She/Her

“I became a member of PPUMC 46 years ago and have served on numerous committees since then. Currently I serve on the Worship Team in the area of ‘visual arts’ and on the Staff Pastor Parish Committee. I help support other ministries within the church as needed. Probably my favorite contributions are musical (Brass ensemble, euphonium solos for worship) and singing in the choir.”

Email: marileejane@gmail.com


Tom Smith
Treasurer

Pronouns: He/Him

Tom graduated from the University of Michigan 1963 with Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering). He worked as Senior Engineer for the Cadillac Division of General Motors for 10 years. He has 5 sons, 10 grandkids and 1 great grandson.

Email: tom_e_smith@msn.com