πŸŽ„Celebrate the Christmas Season with Meetinghouse

Christmas Events

Ministerial Team.

Rev. Meghan DeJong

Senior Minister

952-224-9516

Mark Patrick

Care Pastor

952-224-9527

Rev. Paul Bauch

Pastor of Spiritual Formation

Dr. Stina Busman Jost

Interim Associate Minister

Church Staff.

Lissah Beglinger

Administration Associate

Lissah Beglinger

I support the business operations of the church. I love working at a church because of the genuine care and community that comes with the territory.

I graduated from Waldorf College with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities.Β 

My husband, Matt, and I were married in 2005 and have three amazing daughters – Lelah, Linden, and Layne. I was born and raised in central Iowa but fell in love with the Twin Cities when we relocated for my husband’s job back in 2010. After 12 years away from the Twin Cities, we decided it was time to return.

I love spending time with my family and our dog, Cali, taking in the arts and culture around the cities, and all the wonderful outdoor scenery and activities the great state of Minnesota has to offer.

Steve Bjorlin

Co-Director of Worship and Events

Sam Davis

AV Tech

Brian Faeth

Finance Director

Jamie Fornum

Facilities Staff

Jamie Fornum

I work part time keeping the Berry Patch wing clean and ready for classes.Β  I really enjoy the kids and teachers because they keep me inspired and mystified all the time.

I graduated from the University of Kansas, after attending Luther College for 3 years where I played football as a wide receiver and baseball as a left fielder.Β  I have a double B.A. degree in American and Russian History.Β  While at Kansas, I was trained by the head piano technician for 2 Β½ years and made that my permanent career.

I lived in Madison, Wisconsin for 2 years as the in house piano tuner for the Dane County ColiseumΒ  where I tuned for the concerts of the musical acts there.

I have played the drums since 8th grade and played in bands my whole life, and enjoy playing in 2 bands here in the Twin Cities.Β  In my off time I like to travel and enjoy many trips on my motorcycle.

I have a brother living in Iowa where I grew up, and my last serious relationship was with the singer (Melody) in our band.Β  She passed away from cancer last year.Β  I miss her dearly.Β  She was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame last year.

Sam Fronek

Emerging Generations Associate - Youth and Family

Peyton Gould

AV Tech

Daniel Greco

Co-Director of Worship and Chorale

952-224-9517

Barb Halvorson

Administrative Assistant

952-224-9524

Barb Halvorson

I have been the Administrative Assistant for Worship, Music and Arts at Meetinghouse Church since 2013.Β  Besides singing in the Chorale and Giving Voice Crosstown Chorus, I love working with all the other members of the Chorale and Chorus and the congregation in other duties for my job.

Β I graduated from South High School in Minneapolis 50 years ago (1974) and started working for the City of Minneapolis in 1976 and retired 33 years later in 2009.Β  Besides working part-time at Meetinghouse Church, I currently work in Guest Services at Target Field for the Minnesota Twins….Win TwinsΒ 

I grew up in South Minneapolis and have 3 sisters and 1 brother.Β  My husband, Hans, and I have been married since 1980 and we have one son, Kris….and he and our daughter-in-law, Jessica, and 15 month old (adorable) grandson, Aiden, live in Red Wing, MN.Β  Hans and I live in South Minneapolis with our two cats, Elsie and Elliot.Β 

I love music and besides singing in choirs, I play clarinet in the Minneapolis Police Band and the Senior Synod Concert Band.Β  I also love lighthouses and covered bridges.Β  I love to travel and enjoy getting together with friends for lunch and other fun activities.

Eric Hansen

Facilities Manager

952-224-9535

Eric Hansen

I am the manager of the beautiful facility and grounds of Meetinghouse Church. My greatest satisfaction comes from preparing and maintaining this property for all of the amazing things God does here and the people that make it happen.

Both my wife and I grew up in Edina and raised our two sons here. They are both married to Edina grads and live here as well with our 5 awesome grandchildren.

I love to travel, live music, sports and, of course, spending as much time as possible with those awesome grandchildren, their activities and families.

Violet Harrell

Facilities Staff

Elaine Heltne

Missions Coordinator

Elaine Heltne

I am the Missions Coordinator and chair of the Missions Team. I work with the Team, other staff members, and our Mission Partners to advance the missional engagement of Meetinghouse. Missional work has been a passion of mine since 9th grade when I planned to be a medical missionary.

Β I went to Northwestern College in St. Paul and worked for U.S. Bank for 33 years. I retired in 2018 as VP of Human Resources Risk and Compliance.

My husband Rick and I have two wonderful sons and daughter-in-laws and 5 darling grandchildren. To keep us entertained at home, we have a Goldendoodle named Cooper.

I love spending time with my husband and our family, working in the garden, and sharing a meal or cup of coffee with friends.

Kate Hudson

AV Tech

Casey Hunter

Digital Ministry Manager and Emerging Generations Associate - Youth

Casey Hunter

As an Audio/Visual Technician and a musician at Meetinghouse, I help enhance the worship experience by ensuring that all audio and visual components are functioning seamlessly. I am passionate about using my technical skills and musical talents to create an atmosphere where people can connect in a meaningful way.

I graduated from Minneapolis College with an Associates in Arts: Music Emphasis.Β 

I’m blessed to have wonderful parents along with my two younger brothers. We grew up coming to Meetinghouse and it makes me so happy to be back and working with this community.Β 

When I’m not working, I love to write, play, and listen to music, go on adventures with my friends, hike, cook, go to concerts, travel… pretty much anything fun and adventurous that you can think of.

James Hunter

AV Tech

Randy Lofgren

Facilities Staff

Randy Lofgren

I am the custodian at Meetinghouse, which entails just about everything from cleaning to repairs to assisting members and volunteers. I enjoy seeing the results of setups for gatherings and meetings.

I am a retired printing pressman and this September 2024, I will have 20 years working in churches full and part time, with 5 years as the building manager at St. Luke Presbyterian.

I recently obtained a special class boiler license from the State of MN to help manage the boilers at Meetinghouse.

My wife Bonnie and I just celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary on August 6, 2024. We have 2 grown daughters with 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. We’ve lived in St. Louis Park for 40 years.

I love to work out in the yard and play with our dog. We also entertain the grandchildren and great grandchildren in our home and when vacationing, which is always enjoyable.

Michelle Lussky

Social Media Manager

Michelle Lussky

I serve at Meetinghouse Church by providing social media management and photography. I believe the power of social media is an important tool in this day and age to share thoughts and ideas, stay updated, and connect people.Β 

Most recently, I graduated with a Master of Science degree in project management from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Prior to that, I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology. In addition, I have my own photography business in which I mainly photograph dogs, couples/families, and events.Β 

I live in Golden Valley with my dog Lucy who is a mixed breed. In my free time, I enjoy photography, traveling, hiking with my dog, and hanging out with friends and family!

Micah Maeda

A/V Technician

Micah Maeda

I am on the Audio/Visual team and primarily run sound on Sunday mornings. I’ve always loved technology and have been serving churches on the tech team since I was in 6th grade. I came to Meetinghouse because I deeply value inclusivity, and love being able to provide high quality services that bring people into a relationship with God and their community.Β 

My wife Carly and I have been married for 3 years and have a 2 year old pup named Mochi (who’s my best friend) and had our first kid Enoch in January of 2024! In my free time I love hiking, going up to the North Shore, playing video games, and watching the Minnesota Twins lose in the postseason. I also love cooking and will talk to anyone about anything nerd related (Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Marvel/DC, etc).

Elise Morton

Emerging Generations Associate - Youth and Family

Troy Odom

Facilities Staff

Colleen Olson

Emerging Generations Leader (Children & Family)

952-224-9534

Colleen Olson

I’m passionate about creating engaging and immersive experiences where children and families can connect with God, deepen their faith, and build authentic community. My goal is to foster a welcoming environment where every child feels encouraged to be themselves and is supported in their spiritual and personal growth.

I graduated from Bethel University with a degree in K-12 Art Education. The perfect combination of faith, education, and art has inspired me to dedicate over twenty years to children and youth ministry. In addition to teaching art and working in faith formation, I’ve also worked in early childhood education and written curriculum for Sparkhouse.

My spouse, Thom, and I have two wonderful daughters: Charlotte, a student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and Esme, a busy middle school gymnast. We also share our home with Emmylou, our sweet mini Goldendoodle.

I’m blessed with a close-knit extended family, and we love supporting each other at plays, gymnastics meets, soccer games, orchestra concerts, and whatever passions we pursue!

Alex Ralston

Director of Youth

Ben Riter

AV Tech

Greta Riter

AV Tech

Maggie Roth

Church Administrator

952-224-9530

Maggie Roth

I manage the day-to-day business functions and operations of Meetinghouse. I am passionate about working in a church because it allows me the opportunity to form relationships with the congregation while performing the detailed work I really enjoy. It’s the best of both worlds!

I love taking long walks while listening to audiobooks, spending time with my nieces and nephews, bingeing true crime shows, traveling to Lake Superior, enjoying a home-cooked meal with my parents, and of course, cheering on my MN Vikings (SKOL!)

Carol Voelker

Pastoral Care

952-224-9518

Carol Voelker

I enjoy coming alongside people in this chaotic life with a listening ear and a heart of prayer. It is my joy to work on the pastoral care team at Meetinghouse.Β  I often find myself working behind the scenes to check in on people, schedule visits, plan memorials, encourage prayer and watch for dropped balls. Previously, I was on staff at Upper Room for 10 years in the kid’s ministry and then Prayer and Care.

Teaching young children was my first passion with a goal-of-a-lifetime job at Riley Crossing opening an Early Education Center in a Senior Living Center. Seniors and preschoolers together is magic. I left teaching 2 years ago to join the Meetinghouse staff.

Carl and I have been married since 1982.Β  His pastoral calls took us to Iowa and South Dakota.Β  We have 4 children and 2 grandchildren who live in Oregon, Florida and Minnesota. Best part of my life.

Β I love walking the lakes, reading actual books, time together in deep conversation with one friend at a time, hanging with my family and the occasional cigar on the deck with twinkle lights.

Peter Voelker

Facilities Staff

Courtney VanderTop

AV Tech

Council.

Erin Watson

Moderator

Term: 2024-2026

Jason Phillips

Vice-Moderator

Term: 2025-2027

Ted Stark

Treasurer

Term: 2023-2026

Kelly Bergmann

Term: 2024-2027

Kevin Eide

Term: 2024-2026

Jenna Hobbs

Term: 2025-2028

Rachel Lucius

Term: 2024-2026

Pat Mahin

Term: 2025-2028

Chris Marshall

Term: 2025-2028

Vivian McKewin

Term: 2024-2027

Tim Wells

Term: 2025-2028

Elected Committees.

Finance Committee

– Dick Primuth, Chair, 2025-2028
– Kim Groomes, 2025-2028
– Jim Lindsey, 2021-2026
– John Seaberg, 2025-2028

Nominating Committee

– Elgin Manhard, Chair 2023-2026
– Jim Eaton, 2025-2028
– Susan Eaton, 2025-2028
– Barb Halvorson, 2024-2027
– Sally Manhard, 2023-2026

Human Resources Committee

– Kimpa Moss, Chair, 2023-2026
– Paige Didora, 2024-2027
– Susan Lussky, 2025-2028
– Colleen Moore, 2023-2026
– Paul Seminari, 2025-2028

Meetinghouse Foundation

– Annette Anderson, President, 2024-2027
– Barry Naugle, Treasurer, 2022-2026
– Bill Alldredge, 2025-2028
– Hugh Cameron, 2025-2028
– Paul Cavanor, 2024-2027
– Deborah Eckland, 2025-2028
– Michelle Moser, 2025-2028

Deacons.

Senior Deacons

– Mary Fisher, 2022-2026
– Debby Treece, 2025-2026

Deacons

– Jenny Bakke, 2022-2026
– Tom Cooner, 2025-2028
– Dara Deal, 2025-2027
– Nancy Fox 2025-2028
– Rick Groomes, 2024-2027
– Jane Harris, 2023-2026
– Larry Harris, 2023-2026
– Janet Havens, 2025-2027
– Jinny Jensen, 2025-2028
– Lisa Johnson, 2022-2026
– Alice Loddigs, 2025-2027
– Chris Marshall, 2024-2027
– Carolyn Meyer, 2022-2026
– Chuck Meyer, 2022-2026
– Judy Oathout, 2025-2027
– Steve Thatcher, 2025-2028