LIVING CONNECTED TO GOD & OUR NEIGHBOR
MEET OUR STAFF
Safe, Welcoming, Faith-Filled
First Lutheran Staff are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and faith-filled community through servant leadership modeled by Jesus Christ.
Pastor Bonnie
Pastor Bonnie is a second-career pastor who worked in health care administration for many years. She is a graduate of Luther Seminary in St. Paul and continues to be active in supporting those preparing for public ministry. She began at FLC in August 2017 and is looking forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit is leading this community!
Pastor Jill
Pastor Jill double majored in environmental studies and religion at Gustavus Adolphus College and immediately went to Luther Seminary for her Master of Divinity. As the Associate Pastor at First, she has a variety of responsibilities but especially enjoys promoting spiritual growth through drama and financial stewardship. You might see her around running errands with her husband, running to catch up with her three daughters, or just running for her own sanity.
Jeffrey Patry
Director of Music Ministry
Jeffrey A. Patry is the Director of Music Ministry and Organist at First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights, MN. In addition, he is on the music staff of Normandale Community College as the staff accompanist and is also the accompanist of the Con Brio, Con Spirito, Vivace and Concert Choirs of Angelica Cantanti Youth Choirs of Bloomington, MN, The Edina Chorale of Edina, MN, and Bella Lumina Women’s Ensemble of St. Louis Park, MN. A native of Hutchinson, KS, Jeffrey graduated from St. Olaf College with a B.M. in Organ Performance studying under Dr. John Ferguson and Mr. Douglas Cleveland. In 1998, he won second prize in the American Guild of Organists Regional Competition held in Wichita, KS. Jeffrey is frequently an organist/pianist for events in the Twin Cities and has recorded with MorningStar Music Publishers. He is a member of the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Guild of Organists where he serves as the Chair of the Professional Development Committee and Placement Coordinator. He also serves as the secretary for the Association of Liturgical Ministers and is the treasurer for the Twin Cities Chapter of Chorister’s Guild.
Jane Bugbee
RN, BSN, PHN—Faith Community Nurse
Jane has a Bachelor's degree and Public Health Nurse license from Augsburg University. Certification in Faith Community Nursing from Concordia College. With over 40 years as a hospital registered nurse in critical care and gastroenterology, Jane has a broad experience in nursing that has prepared her for the Faith Community Nurse role. Jane also enjoys cooking, skills she uses to prepare meals for the After School program, the Gathering, and supporting Mission Jamaica. In her spare time, Jane enjoys going to the YMCA, bicycling with her husband and caring for her grandson!
Nathan Roberts
Director of Community Engagement
Nathan has a Master’s of Divinity from Luther Seminary and specialized in Global Cultures. At First Lutheran he loves learning about Jesus in Sunday School, shooting hoops at After School, and driving the church bus around the neighborhood! When he isn’t at church he’s working on his next book, hanging out with his wife – who is an amazing tattoo artist! – and serving a school he co-founded in Kenya called Daylight.
Rachel James
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Rachel has a Master’s in Community Ministry Leadership from Bethel Seminary, specializing in urban and youth ministries. At First Lutheran, Rachel wonders with the confirmation students, shares highs and lows with the youth group and shows the love of Jesus through local and international mission trips. Rachel and her husband Leo have 2 daughters and can often be found hiking in a state park or at Silverwood.
Vivian Johnson
After School Staff
Vivian has a heart for helping people. She is engaged in her community as an After School staff member. She has served as a nursing assistant for elderly and patients in recovery. She has 4 amazing daughters.
Alexis Huesby
Children, Youth and Family Ministry Associate
Alexis Huesby is attending Luther Seminary as an M.Div student with an emphasis in CYF ministry. She is a graduate of Concordia, where she earned a B.A. in Religion and Communication studies. She has worked at Hope Lutheran in Fargo in children’s ministry and confirmation. Alexis is a musician and worship leader and has also served at YouthWorks as the Kids Club leader.
Shanequa Cook
After School Staff
Shanequa has a background in education and community development. Shanequa is a cherished staff at After School and loves to play pool and hear all about the kids’ day. She is also an educator at Prodeo Academy. Shanequa has three children and lives in North Minneapolis.
Debbie Grisco
After School Staff
Debbie is a long time community member who has a passion for helping youth in our community. She enjoys helping the After School Program and driving the church bus. She is a proud mother and grandmother.
Dave Reilly
Business Administrator
Dave has a BBA in Finance from Western Connecticut and has applied his finance and information technology skills in both large and small corporate environments for the past thirty years. At First Lutheran Church, Dave works in the business office ensuring the church is properly supported in the accounting and building services areas. Dave and his wife Amy have two sons and spend as much time as possible enjoying Minnesota’s great outdoors.
Joyce Weaver
Administrative Assistant
Joyce serves as the initial contact to First Lutheran managing church-wide communications and scheduling facility use. Joyce has a passion for serving others. In addition to local and state-wide missions, she served as a mentor of youth and adults for over 25 years. In her spare time, Joyce takes great pleasure in her lively role as “Nana.”
Joe Stinson
Security Guard
Joe serves as the security guard and provides help at the welcome desk. He served in the US Army starting in 1960 and then worked in the printing industry. Joe and his wife joined first Lutheran in 1959 and have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.