Staff

Jeff Vanderhoff, Pastor

I’ve been blessed to serve here at Trinity since 2016, and enjoy living in Peters Township with my wife Karen. We have 4 children and 4 grandchildren, and we love spending time with them. I am a magician and am active in a magic club in the Pittsburgh area. I also like riding my bike on the Montour Trail, reading (especially Harry Potter!), and traveling. I’m a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and am happy to live close to Pittsburgh. I’m a Penn State grad, and worked as an assistant manager for Wal*Mart before God called me to serve as a pastor. I earned my M. Div from Ashland Theological Seminary, and have been serving Jesus as a pastor since 1998.

Eileen Glass, Administrative Assistant

I have been blessed to be a part of Trinity UMC’s staff as Church Secretary since June of 2000.
As secretary of Trinity, I have the opportunity to support the church through its people and its many programs and services. My interests are family, church, and serving others. Hobbies include crafts, and maintaining property outside as well as flower planting & care during spring-fall months. My husband Mel and I live in a country setting, blessed with three children and 6 grandchildren. We began attending Trinity about 1980. Living about a mile from the church made it possible to get 1 infant and 6 & 11 year old children to church on time. Many changes since that time, but Trinity has made a difference in our family’s lives from the very beginning.

Dan Lutes, Music Director 

I love anything outdoors, especially gardening and biking. Having grown up on a 30-acre farm in Peters Twp. and another 100-acre farm also in the family, I love the country and am an admirer of all animals, including fish and birds. I do have a city appreciation too. I work in downtown Pittsburgh and absolutely love to dine at Chinatown Inn and attend Market Square events. Of course there is music, not only playing but listening as a fan. I love it all from PSO to Van Halen.

Carol Anderson, Financial Secretary

I moved to Peters with my husband, Dan, and our baby son, almost 40 years ago. We started to attend Trinity after our daughter was born and our kids started attending preschool at TWS. I had earned a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from Penn State and had worked in research for U.S.Steel until the steel industry declined. I then moved into the young field of computer systems services and was employed as a Research Systems Engineer until I retired in 2016. Now my time is spent enjoying my grandchildren and several hobbies, including golfing and walking my dog. I also continue to provide the visuals for the worship services at Trinity.

I was recruited to be the Financial Secretary over 20 years ago when the position became vacant. Our pastor probably thought of me because I had been assisting him with computer matters and providing slides for the Sunday sermons, even though I have no background in accounting. I was privileged to hold the position for 3 years at that time, then I took it over again twelve years ago. I am honored to be entrusted with the contributions given so faithfully and enjoy the chance to connect with everyone this way.

Robert Agnew, Choir Director

I have been a Church member and choir member since the early seventies.

I still remember helping to tear down the old farm house where first services were held. I got hit on my head by a 2×4 while working in the attic.

In the mid eighties I served as treasurer for three years. No computers in those days. Thirty years ago in January 1994 I volunteered to be Chancel Choir Director. I enjoy preparing special music services for the Christmas season and Maundy Thursday, and I sing with the Praise Team at the 9:30 service and occasionally fill in on piano and organ.

I am currently serving on the Finance Committee and the Washington District Committee on Ministry. I worked 43 years at Union Electric Steel Corporation in Carnegie primarily in accounting. After I retired I continued for ten additional years as a full time consultant. My hobbies include photography and travel. 

Kathie Knouse, Jubilee Bell Ringers Director

I joined Trinity with my family (parents & younger brother) in December 1969 when Conway Keibler was Pastor. I grew up very active in the church, and I joined The Bells of Trinity in 8th grade under Maggie Wood’s direction. Under Maggie’s and later, Nancy Vaughan’s direction, I was encouraged to explore new techniques. My two younger kids, AJ and Liz, spent many morning rehearsals in a playpen so I could ring handbells. When Nancy left, I directed the bell choir for about three years before transferring to Canonsburg First United Methodist Church.

While at First Church, I assisted with fundraising to purchase a two-octave set of bells, recruited ringers for a bell choir, and directed the new bell choir for a few years.

My kids and I started returning to activities with Trinity when my oldest, Amanda, joined the ASP trip in 2003. We transferred our membership back to Trinity and dear Peggy McNamee snatched me up after a worship service saying, “I hear you ring handbells!” If you knew Peggy, you know she did not take “NO” for an answer. I was sucked (happily) back into the handbell choir and the Praise Team. 

I’ve been directing The Jubilee Ringers since we lost Peggy in 2012. Every person who has rung with us shows fierce dedication and determination to keep The Bells of Trinity ringing on a regular basis. I love all forms of music and enjoy playing the piano and singing. There is, however, no greater music love than hearing the handbells ringing God’s glory.

Patty Ziacik, Nursery Director 

Hello! I have been with TUMC in this position since June of 2023. I came to the church because I am a PreK teacher with Trinity Weekday School, and have been working at the school since 2019. I am a mother of two, to Lucy age 12 and Jonah age 9. I live in Canonsburg/Cecil area with my husband Dave! Our kids keep us very busy with sports and activities, but when I have time to myself I like to walk on the trail, go shopping, or read! Feel free to say hello or reach out to me! 

Megan Small, Youth Director

I am excited to be Trinity United Methodist Church’s Youth Director. My family and I have been attending Trinity since 2007.  I am married to Jeremy and we have two sons, Jake and Ben, and one daughter, Sammie. Our family dog is Wyatt, a barky lovable beagle mix. I love hanging out with my family and friends, travelling, reading (I am in two book clubs!) and trying new restaurants. At home, you can find me baking and cooking. I am a graduate of Purdue University where I studied chemical engineering and met Jeremy. I spent over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry and now work part-time for my sister at her law firm as an office manager. I have been involved with the children ministries at Trinity, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and planning children events. Please reach out to me anytime!