Meet the UCF Staff
Rev. Beth DuBois
Pastor
The Rev. Beth DuBois began her service as our Intentional Interim pastor on February 1, 2024. Rev. DuBois has served as an ordained pastor in the PCUSA for 34 years. Prior to being called to UCF, she was a Pastoral Associate with University United Methodist Church. She focused on work with the Interfaith Community Co-Op @324, one of the largest emergency food distribution sites in Syracuse, and supported a congregational assessment, adult education, and regular pastoral responsibilities. She served as the pastor of South Valley Presbyterian Church for 25 years and has a broad range of ecumenical and interfaith experience in the Syracuse area. This includes working with L’Arche Syracuse, Atonement Lutheran Church, Plymouth Congregational Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the Spiritual Renewal Center, Interfaith Works, the Poor People’s Campaign, the Syracuse Peace Council/Peace Action and Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse (ACTS). Rev. DuBois is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall University and received her Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Rev. DuBois’ partner, the Rev. Dr. Kathleen Waters, is an honorably retired PCUSA pastor who previously served as an Interim Pastor for UCF. They have two adopted adult daughters, Katya and Ana, three grandsons, and a dog, Sam.
Rev. Du Bois will support the UCF congregation in identifying its mission and purpose as the body of Christ during this time of transition and into the future.
Charles A. Johnson, Jr.
Director of Music
Charles A. Johnson comes to us from Philadelphia, via Drexel University and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. He is enrolled in the Masters of Music in Organ Performance/Literature at Setnor School of Music, Syracuse University. He has a BA in Music, with an emphasis in Choral Education, and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership. His musical experience includes serving in Baptist and Presbyterian Churches since his childhood, with work as a music director, an accompanist, an instructor and a recitalist. “I appreciate and respect the traditional hymns, anthems, and chants of each denomination I have served; coupled with the versatility of rendering music from other Christian faith traditions in worship.… I am versatile in playing, singing, and conducting any genre of Sacred Music.”
Mary Karen Stark
Office Manager
Mary Karen Stark was born and raised in Buffalo, N.Y., where she earned her mortuary science degree and became a licensed funeral director. She attended Canisius College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Mary Karen moved to Syracuse, where she and her husband raised three children. She also worked as a licensed stockbroker at Tuttle Securities and as a Senior Analyst at National Grid. She enjoys going out to lunch with friends and is an enthusiastic Buffalo Bills fan!