OUR STAFF
Memorial Lutheran has a dedicated staff whose mission is to walk along side you as you grow in your journey of life. Following are brief backgrounds of our staff so you can get to know us better:
the Rev. Dr. Chris Hagen, Interim Pastor
Along with preaching and worship, my ministry areas are leading visioning, day-to-day managing of the congregation, and conducting the interim process.
I grew up attending Sunday school and worship. The Holy Spirit guided me through confirmation, summer Bible camps and college toward ministry as pastor. I have served congregations in Minnesota, Chicago, Baltimore, Delaware and Pennsylvania. I served as lay missionary to Senegal, West Africa, volunteered with seafarers' ministries and state prisons, and went on two mission trips to Haiti.
John 15 is my guiding scripture. God determines how and where we serve. We do not to decide for God what ministries we want to do. Anything I do that is helpful or good is only by the Holy Spirit working through me.
My wife, Dr. Ann Brearley, is a biostatistician at the University of Minnesota. We have two daughters, Rachel and Hannah. My outside interests are bicycling, reading and grilling.
NANCY JANDRO, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hi. My name is Nancy and I am Memorial Lutheran Church's Administrative Assistant. I am the person who will answer your telephone calls and greet you when you come into the church office. I compose the weekly church bulletins and also "Love Notes," our monthly newsletter. I also work at coordinating volunteers.
I have been a member of Memorial Lutheran Church since 3rd grade, attended Sunday School, was confirmed and married at Memorial Lutheran. I have 2 terrific daughters. I am also the proud grandmother of a toddler granddaughter and also a set of twins (girl & boy) which keeps me busy, but I love every minute of it!
NICHOLAS BANNON, DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION
Hi! My name is Nicholas Bannon. I was excited to begin my call as director of faith formation here at Memorial in September of 2010. My wife, Katie, and I joined as members and were married here in March.
At Memorial we have faith opportunities for all youth and children, including traditional Sunday School and Confirmation classes, as well as other opportunities such as fellowship events and celebrations, mission trips, service opportunities, choirs, instrumental ensembles, and intergenerational activities. We just recently returned from our youth mission trip to North Carolina where our youth did a lot of good work for people who really appreciated and needed the help.
Prior to joining Memorial, I moved to St. Paul in 2006 after graduating from Luther College in Decorah, IA. I attended Luther Seminary and completed the Master of Arts Degree in the concentration of congregational mission and leadership in 2008.
I am blessed to serve here with the youth, children and families, as we witness the Spirit of Christ taking root and continuing to grow in each others’ lives. One of my favorite experiences is being able to stand alongside youth as they explore their faith through worship, study and service--with a healthy dose of fellowship mixed in.
MARTIN WINDOLZ, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC and CHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR
KATHY HARDY, CHILDREN'S CHOIR DIRECTOR/ HANDBELL CHOIR DIRECTOR
My name is Kathy Hardy. I am the Children's Choir and Handbell Choir director here at Memorial Lutheran Church. My family and I have been members of Memorial since 1999. I have always considered music to be an important part of my life and I'm happy to be a part of the music ministry at Memorial.
SCOTT PRUNTY, FINANCIAL SECRETARY
I have been a member of Memorial with my wife, Sarah, for 12 years. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people and programs Memorial has available to its members. My son and daughter love going to Sunday School and taking part in the numerous children's activities. We feel very fortunate and blessed to call Memorial our church home.
If you have a question about your giving statement, offering envelopes or other bookkeeping questions, let me know. I'd be happy to assist you!
MARY SCHULTZ, ORGANIST
CLARISSA CLYMER, CUSTODIAN
JOHN BOYUM, CUSTODIAN