Our Leadership




The Pastoral Team



Rev. Grace Kaori Suzuki, Pastor

Pastor Grace began her ministry at CUPC in May, 2004. Having lived in both Japan and the U.S. when growing up, she is bilingual and bicultural. Pastor Grace Kaori is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary and also has a background in classical piano teaching and performance. She currently lives in San Francisco with her husband and two daughters.

E-mail: pastor@cupc.org



Hiroko Suzuki, Commissioned Lay Pastor for Japanese-Speaking Ministries 

A native from Japan, Pastor Hiroko has been working with the Japanese-speaking congregation as a Commissioned Lay Pastor since 2009. She holds degrees from San Francisco State University, Golden Gate Baptist Seminary, and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. She is currently working toward her ordination with the PC(USA).

E-mail: ohchanhiroko@aol.com

 
Jackie Kwan, Commissioned Lay Pastor for Pastoral Care

Pastor Jackie began her journey with CUPC when she became a member of the church in 1987. Over the years, she has served as a Deacon, Elder and chair the Mission and Outreach Committee. She has also assisted with the coordination of monthly Nursing Home Ministry visits to the California Convalescent Hospital.

In 2009, Pastor Jackie became a Commissioned Lay Pastor. Her responsibilities include an emphasis on care for the senior members of CUPC, and ministry with with frail elders who live in nearby facilities such as the Kimochi Home, Kokoro Assisted Living and The Sequoias. Her previous work experience as a gerontological nurse practitioner has been a gift she uses everyday in her ministry.

E-mail: church1700@earthlink.net



Other Staff


Arman Hirose-Afshari,
Director of Ministries for Families and Youth

 
Arman is a native of San Francisco, CA and has been attending CUPC since he was a child. He has earned a B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society from University of California, Irvine with minors in Conflict Resolution and Civic and Community Engagement.

Growing up at CUPC as a child and grateful for his experiences, Arman is humbled and honored to currently serve as the Director of Family and Youth Ministries. He oversees the Summer Camp program, middle and high school fellowships, and family programming.

E-mail: arman@cupc.org


Kaori Nakano, Organist/Choir Director

A native of Japan, Kaori Nakano holds a Master of Music (voice) from the SF Conservatory of Music. She plays the piano and organ for our weekly worship services, and directs the CUPC chancel choir. She also directs the Kirakiraboshi Japanese Children's Choir, and is an accompanist for the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

E-mail: church1700@earthlink.net



Session and Board of Deacons

Session

The session consists of the Pastor and members of the church who are elected by the congregation and ordained as elders. Session is responsible for the governance of the church and for keeping us focused on our mission. It is the duty of the elders, individually and jointly, to strengthen and nurture the faith of the congregation committed to their charge.

E-mail: church1700@earthlink.net

Board of Deacons

Members of the Board of Deacons are elected by the congregation and ordained. They minister to those in need, the sick, the friendless, and to anyone who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith. The Deacons host the coffee fellowship after the worship service, as well as our annual Thanksgiving Dinner in collaboration with other church committees.

E-mail: church1700@earthlink.net

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