Our Team
Hi, I’m Rod Wiese, Director of Youth and Music Ministry. My wife, Heidi and I live down in Iowa. When I am not at the church, I enjoy running, hiking, golfing, playing Pickleball, playing guitar, and visiting the many local wineries and breweries. My favorite Bible verse is John 8: 32 – “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” This is my confirmation verse, and each time I think about it, there is more clarity for life. The truth is that we all are precious children of God, no matter what anyone may say to the contrary. This will always be our identity. This truth makes it safe to be who we are created to be. In simply living in this reality, every moment of every day, we respond to this truth in how we live our lives.
Are you our next sheep dog?
We are entering into the season of transition. The call process for our next Senior Pastor will begin soon. Please see the SE MN Synod website for further information about this congregation and being called to serve in Austin, MN.
https://semnsynod.org/programs/job-openings
I’m Krista Wald Kennedy, serving as Director of Communications and Missions. I grew up in Austin. I left for college and spent much of my younger adult years in Illinois or in the Twin Cities, working in healthcare. I moved back to Austin with my daughter, Alayna, our golden retriever, Honey, and our kitten, Figaro, in 2018. When I’m not at the church I may be found gardening, experiencing theatre/music/art, at the pool watching diving, or exploring a new country. Through trials faced in the past years, I found it so difficult to find words to express myself to God. How does one pray to Him? Confront Him? Get angry with Him? Thank Him? Then I found Psalm 139: 3-4, “You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins!” Psalm 16:11, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” He doesn’t just tell us which way to go, he shows us the path.
Hi, I’m Deb Johnson. I serve as the Office Administrator. I’m married to Brian, have one grown son, Ethan, and a wonderful pup, Sadie. When I am not at the church I may be found gardening or traveling the world after my son! My go-to Bible verse for inspiration and hope is: Matthew 6: 34, “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
Bob - The custodian and maintenance person! A picture is coming soon.