Associate Pastor in Residence

Born and raised in California, Rev. Don Lee graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Arts and began his career as a professional musician, piano technician, and music retailer. He served as Music Director at First United Methodist Church in Redding, California for 25 years before being called to ordained ministry. Rev. Lee graduated from the Pacific School of Religion and served Sierra Pines UMC for 11 years and Sacramento First UMC for six years, before retiring in 2016. Rev. Lee’s ministry involvements include serving on boards of the Human Rights Council in Redding, Hospitality House ministry to the homeless, Habitat for Humanity, and Family Promise. In addition, he and his wife, Rev. Tana McDonald, have led many mission trips to Palestine and Mexico, as well disaster relief teams in the US.

During the pandemic lockdown, he helped create a co-op grocery market in the neighborhood. He also picked up his tenor sax again (after several decades), and enjoyed playing on the street corner for free. Don and Tana have three sons and are looking forward to becoming a part of the ACP congregation.