I’ve been pastor of St. Matthew since 2003. Previously I served churches in Princeton, MN and North Canton, OH. I’m married to Brenda and have three boys, Christopher (Katie), Ben (Sydney) and Will and one grandson, Luke.

Before becoming a pastor, I spent 10 years in the graphic arts industry. I enjoy fishing, kayaking, biking, hiking and tying trout flies.

My favorite Bible verse at the moment is Romans 12:2. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

My name is Julie Allen and I work as the Office Manager. I have been at St. Matthew since 2020. I live in Columbia Heights and have 2 adult daughters that are great blessings to me. I enjoy spending time with my family – we like to play games and cards, watch movies, and travel together. I also greatly enjoy working on home projects and remodeling, volunteering at my church, crocheting, and quilting.

Favorite Bible Passage: Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; He makes my feet like the deer’s; He makes me tread on my high places. Habakkuk 3:17-19

I was raised on a century+ farm near Fulda, MN, graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education/school music minor, and have taught around the U.S., with a smattering of other jobs in between teaching positions. I came on board as the part-time Children’s Ministries Coordinator at St. Matthew in 2006. I am married to Bill Hugo. We have three sons and our family is growing! Christopher, Katie, and Luke; Ben and Sydney; and our youngest Will is in college. We also have a dog, Theo. I enjoy the 500 card game, board games, whatever Luke wants to do, watching Will’s sporting events, walking/hiking, leisurely bike riding, kayaking, reading books, and agate hunting/polishing.

One of my favorite Bible passages is my confirmation verse, Proverbs 30:5. “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”

Sarai has been attending St. Matthew since 2008 when she moved to Minnesota with her husband, Casey. They now have two wonderful kids, Ben and Patti, that are involved in the youth and children’s ministries at St. Matthew. When she isn’t working, Sarai likes reading, hiking, camping with the BSA Scouts, and photography.

Favorite verse: Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am the Director of Teen Ministry and also a Special Education teacher in the Columbia Heights school district. I am married to my husband Chris and have two children, Sean and Aubree. We have three cats and I love to run outside!

My favorite Bible verse is: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Julie Started working at DCLC in August of 2005 as a toddler teacher. She then became the Director of DCLC in November of 2011. Julie grew up in Columbia Heights and graduated from Columbia Heights High School. She is married to her husband Bill. They have 3 sons Justin, Brandon & Alec. They also have 3 grandchildren KayLee, Jaxson & Kaleb. In Julie’s spare time she enjoys crafting, shopping and spending time with her family.

Julie’s one of many favorite bible verses is Philippians 4:13
I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me

Kathy has been Parish Nurse at St Matthew for the past 23 years and has been an RN for a total of 36 years, previously working as an RN at Abbott Northwestern Hospital/Sister Kenny Institute for 20 years. During her Parish Nurse years, Kathy also worked for Presbyterian Homes as a Wellness nurse. Kathy also serves on the National Board of BeFriender Ministry and is actively involved in the Faith Community Nurse Network of the Twin Cities.

Kathy is happily married to Douglas Rosenberg for the past 35 years and they have two married boys Kyle (married to Madeline and father to Liam) and Michael (married to Sydney).

Kathy’s hobbies include spending time with friends and her large extended family, caring for her grandson and for her 91 year old mother. She loves time outdoors, running with her run club, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, walking, hiking, biking and enjoying time at the family cabin; also playing music on the piano and ukulele, making earrings and greeting cards, gardening, baking, cooking, reading.

Favorite Bible Passages:
“This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.” Psalm 118:24
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
“With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Hi, I’m Anna Gruen. I grew up in the Chicago area, but my parents currently live in Wisconsin and my 6 siblings are spread around the midwest and east coast. That makes me the only member of my family that lives in Minnesota, but I love it here in the Twin Cities! In my free time, I enjoy biking, kayaking, hiking, reading, writing, playing and listening to music, traveling, and being with people! I lived in Taiwan for 3.5 years and love learning about Chinese culture and language.

My favorite Bible passage recently is the first part of John chapter 1. What an inconceivable, incredible reality: that the logos that created the universe became a body of flesh and walked among us so that we, too, can become children born of God.