Meet Our Staff

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Rev. Sherry Budke
Pastor Rev. Sherry Budke
Sherry Budke began her ministry here in May 2005. A native Californian, she received a BS from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, an MA in Theology from Fuller Seminary and Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Prior to moving to Ukiah Sherry served at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church as Interim Pastor of Congregational Care and Children's Director for 18 years. Sherry is married to Bob and they have 2 adult children, a grandbaby, Elyse, a German Shorthair Pointer named Kiah and a rescue cat, Mr. Lucky. She loves spending time with family, friends and appreciates the great hospitality of Ukiah. Reading is a passion and gardening is becoming her new hobby.

Kelsey Ingalls
Family Ministry
Kelsey Ingalls
I was born and raised in Kelseyville, CA. Yes, it is not a misprint, I am truly Kelsey from Kelseyville. It was there that I first began my spiritual journey. My family and I began attending Kelseyville Presbyterian Church when I was in elementary school. I left Kelseyville upon graduating high school and attended the University of California, Davis. After four years, I received my BA in Religious Studies. While in college I worked at Westminster Woods Camp and Conference Center for four summers. Working at the camp implanted in me a passion for teaching and sharing the gospel with youth, and also provided a future husband who is equally as passionate. While still attending Davis, I took a position as a youth intern at a church in Sacramento. That internship turned into a full-time youth director position. I was a youth director for two and a half more years before I felt the call to seminary. I attended the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. I graduated from seminary in 2009 and took the position as director of family ministries at First Presbyterian Church here in Ukiah. Our first son was born in Iowa, and son number two came in the winter of 2010 while we were in Ukiah. My family and I are excited about following God's call in this community and sharing the Good News of the Resurrection and life that God offers.

Denise Beckler
Music DirectorDenise Beckler
Denise believes that music helps us prepare ourselves to feel God's presence and for hearing the Word of God through scripture and sermon. She works closely with the pastors to include a variety of hymns and contemporary worship songs that so people of all ages can join in praise and singing. She also directs the Choir and Worship Team and encourages open participation from the congregation.

Originally from Nebraska, Denise is a long-time resident of Ukiah and also works full-time as a computer technician for the Mendocino County Office of Education. She is involved in the college Masterworks Chorale, local symphony, has played piano for many musicals and other community events. She enjoys scrapbooking, quilting, and cross-stitching. Denise is married to Randy, and has two adult children, Perrine and Zach, and a grandson, Bryce.

Meet Our Leaders

Perry Crowley
Resource CouncilPerry Crowley - Class of 2013
Perry was born in Pasadena, California and has lived with his wife Caroline in Ukiah since 1996. He transferred membership from Sierra Vista Presbyterian Church in Oakhurst, CA shortly after moving to Ukiah. He has served as an elder for 20 years, chairing the Finance, Adult Ministries and Personnel committees. Perry married Caroline over 25 years ago and they have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He believes he has grown in faith through his active participation in church activities as well as serving as Treasurer for the Ukiah/Willits Gideon's.

Gayle DeVries
Community Life CouncilGayle DeVries - Class of 2012
Gayle began her relationship with Jesus at a very young age and has always been involved in a church. Gayle and her husband, Bruce, have been members of First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah for 32 years. They raised their family in this church. Their oldest son now is a pastor in Sacramento, and their two other children and their families worship at FPCU as well. Gayle's main goal is to serve the Lord with gladness and to help others come to know the love and joy of knowing the Lord.

Chris Gordon
Family CouncilChris Gordon - Class of 2011
Chris and husband Rich have three children and four grandchildren. They have lived in the Ukiah area for 43 years. She has been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah for 26 years. Chris has served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and now elder in Christian education and Young Families Ministry. Chris has been blessed with a heart for children and her prayer is that all of the children at FPCU and in the Ukiah valley will come to know the Love of God and claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Janet Noe
Resource CouncilJanet Noe - Class of 2011
Janet feels blessed to serve the church and use her gifts as elder for finance. Besides serving as elder, Janet sings in the church choir and helps with the worship music. Janet is married with 2 grown daughters. She is active with several local vocal groups and the theatre department at Mendocino College.

Kitty Sanders
Outreach CouncilKitty Sanders - Class of 2013
Kitty began her participation with the church in 2000. Looking to commit her services to the Lord she joined the choir. As her two children became involved with the Jr. High Youth Group, and because of her love for children, Kitty became a youth leader and still continues to support that area today. As Kitty's commitment to her Lord evolved so did her commitment to the church. She became a member and served as a deacon. Kitty is looking forward to the new challenge her Lord has put forth to her in the position of elder.

Molly Schultz
Community Life CouncilMolly Schultz - Class of 2011
A long time resident of Ukiah, Molly and her husband, Bob, have been members of FPCU for over 30 years. Molly is retired and enjoys time with her 2 children and 3 grandchildren. She also sings with the "Sweet Adelines," a women's barbershop quartet organization. Molly has served on various committees with our regional governing body. She believes that God has a plan for her and for our church.

Ron Tysseling
Outreach CouncilRon Tysseling - Class of 2012
Ron joined this church 25 years ago with his wife and raised his children in this church. He is glad now to see his grandchildren growing up in this church. Ron is serving with the worship committee to help nurture and develop our congregation's worship to care for our current members and reach out to new people and young adults.

Staff Phone Numbers

Sherry Budke, Pastor - 391-0022
Kelsey Ingalls, Family Ministry - 391-0021
Michele Young, Office Mgr. - 468-9235 x201

Staff E-Mail Directory

Rev. Sherry Budke, Pastor:
sherry@fpcukiah.org

Kelsey Ingalls, Family Ministry:
kelsey@fpcukiah.org

Denise Beckler, Music Director:
denise@fpcukiah.org

Michele Young, Office Manager:
michele@fpcukiah.org

Newsletter Submissions:
newsletter@fpcukiah.org