CONTACT
University Heights UMC is here for you.
Please contact us with questions,
prayers and concerns.
Our office is open Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 3 pm.
You are welcome to contact us
at (317) 787-5347 or at uhumc@uhumc.com.
Staff Bios
Lead Pastor: Rev. Tracey Leslie
pastor@uhumc.com
Rev. Tracey Leslie has been in ministry for nearly 30 years, serving in senior and associate pastor positions and in urban and suburban contexts. She is a native of south central Pennsylvania and her ministry began in the Western Pennsylvania Conference.
She is a certified spiritual director, a life coach, and author of the spiritual formation resource Companions on the Journey: Foundational Spiritual Practices. She serves part-time on the staff of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church as Associate Director of Innovation, Engagement and Development where her work focuses on welcoming those who have been wounded by religion and the church.
She is married to Rev. Britt Leslie, PhD. Britt is also an ordained clergy, Bible professor and Dean of the Course of Study for Indiana Conference. She and Britt have a rescue dog, Mr. Wiggles. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, hiking with Mr. Wiggles and solving Wordles.
Director of Music: Luke Garriguslukegarrigus@uhumc.com
UHUMC Music Director, Luke Garrigus holds a Master's of Music Composition from Butler University, where he studied with Michael Schelle & Frank Felice, and holds a BA in voice, piano, and composition at the University of Indianapolis where he studied composition with John Berners.
A well rounded and enthusiastic performer, Luke is an active musician in the greater Indianapolis area. He participates in Classical Music Indy’s Random Acts of Music as a composer, pianist, and singer and can be heard in numerous other gigs throughout the city and surrounding areas.
In addition, Luke is the Director of Music at University Heights Methodist Church in Indianapolis and the President of Sound Ecologies. Luke is a composer, and has had works performed and commissioned by Ronen Chamber Ensemble, JCA Composers Orchestra, Sound Ecologies Orchestra, Circle City Orchestra. His works have been performed both locally and in Oxford and Falmouth England as part of an international music festival.
Luke enjoys conducting, writing music, professional wrestling, choral singing, spending time in coffee shops, searching for bugs and other wildlife in local parks, keeping aquariums, running with his pups, and spending time with his wonderful wife, Charissa.
Administrative Asst: Judy Whitneyuhumc@uhumc.com
Judy comes to UHUMC after 18 years at Conner Prairie Museum where she started as a volunteer and eventually became office staff. She has also worked at Consolidated Freightways, Lieutenant Governor Office, Indiana Supreme Court Division of State Court Administration, and JP Morgan Chase Student Loans Department.
Judy's family is her priority in life. Her family includes her daughter Tricia, who is the Senior Pastor at Parker City UMC and her son Mason who is a 7th grader; daughter Alison and son-in-law Bernie, both of whom work in the technology field, and their daughter Alexandria who is a freshman attending Butler University
Judy is a lifelong Methodist Church member. She has been on a mission trip to Guatemala in October 2011. She looks forward to serving God's Kingdom in her position as church secretary.
Organist: Charissa Garrigus
Pianist Charissa Garrigus began studying the instrument at age 4. Her musical journey has taken her through all sorts of genres from playing clarinet in orchestras, small ensembles, and symphonic and marching bands, to jazz piano, accompanying, and (of course) classical piano. She studied piano, music education, and literary studies at the University of Indianapolis, and has numerous years of experience teaching PreK-8th grade general music, band, and choir.
Currently, Charissa also performs with Classical Music Indy’s Random Acts of Music, and holds the positions of Organist and Choral Accompanist at University Heights United Methodist Church and Choir Accompanist at Franklin Community High School. Charissa keeps up an active performance schedule, featuring often in concert with Sound Ecologies, an Indy-based arts non-profit she runs with her husband Luke Garrigus.
As a performer and recitalist, Charissa has been honored to premiere both solo and collaborative works of local composers including songs, piano solos, instrumental ensembles, and a piano concerto in which she was the featured soloist. She has appeared on recordings for Classical Music Indy and Sound Ecologies as well.
Charissa is working towards a Masters in Musicology at Butler University, and is committed to a lifelong pursuit of her craft. When she’s not working on musical pursuits, Charissa loves to read, drink tea, listen to spooky podcasts, play games, and spend time with her splendid husband, incredible family, pernicious puppies, and lovely friends.
Business Admin: Sharon Cesnikscesnik@uhumc.com
Sharon is a lifelong member of University Heights, as well as on the church staff. She
graduated from Indiana Central College (now the University of Indianapolis), with a business
degree in 1970.
After college, she was Secretary to the V.P. of Administrative Services at Meridian Mutual Insurance Company, until leaving after seven years to start her family.
Sharon has a son and a daughter, and two grandsons; the oldest a Junior at Center Grove High
School, while the younger grandson is a fifth grader at North Grove Elementary School in
Center Grove. She recently adopted a three year old tortoise shell cat, named Butterscotch.
In addition to attending activities for her two grandchildren, Sharon enjoys traveling, spending
time with friends and being outdoors.