Staff & leadership
Here's some of the faces you'll see around Hope United Methodist Church community. If you have any questions, or would like to speak with a staff member or leader, please call the church office or send us an email!
Richard Fuss
lead pastor
Rev. Richard Fuss joined our church in the summer of 2023 after serving congregations in Georgia, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Rich has a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and a degree in Anthropology. A former collegiate soccer player, Rich likes to coach youth soccer and will happily accept any invitation to watch a game at any time. He has a fondness for coffee mugs, minor league baseball hats, and always roots for the underdog. He was a zookeeper before becoming a pastor and loves all things furred, feathered, and scaled. Rich has devoted his career to helping churches and individuals discover a sense of joy and passion and stubbornly believes that our best days are ahead of us.
Karen Ouimet
office administrator
Karen joined our church in August 2022. She has 4 adult children and 3 adorable grandsons. Karen is an amateur gardener and loves puttering around in her yard. She likes cooking, reading and spending time with her family and grandsons.
Becky Kane
tenant manager
Becky is the single event and long-term rental tenant manager. For any questions on renting space, email the front office for more information. On our main navigation menu, visit our "facility rental" page to be redirected to Bellevue First UMC's facility request form.
Marie Vieth
bookkeeper
Though I have a degree in Anthropology, I have fallen into the accounting world. I worked at the University Bookstore, Stitch n’ Time, Harris & Harris Auctions, Bellevue High School, Aldersgate UMC, and First UMC. I think I have the best job – I get to work with people and numbers!
Joshua Graves
a/v tech
I am the sound technician for Hope UMC. I started working for the church at the end of 2022, but it feels like yesterday. I enjoy working with computers and the great outdoors.
Our church council
Since we believe that the church is made up of people with diverse gifts and skills, we make decisions for our future and administration through a church council. This team meets once a month to pray, dream, and help lead our church. Anyone is able to serve on this team, so if you are interested in joining, just send us an email.