Atonement Lutheran Church Staff

I am Associate Pastor at Atonement since 2000. My greatest joy is seeing families of all ages thrive and grow in faith in the body of Christ. I love that I see this happen every day at Atonement. I think there’s nothing better than to have little ones come running to hug my knees and share their joy because they are in a safe place where they know they are loved. When I’m not hugging little ones, you will often see me as a worship leader on Sunday’s mornings. I also lead, various small group Bible Studies, Women’s ministry, and our retired members group, the Fireside Club. In the past several years I have discovered a new passion in mission travel, as I have had numerous opportunities to travel to both Eastern Europe and Peru. If you want me to talk your ear off …just ask me about the little ones in Chimbote, Peru, who also know how to hug knees.

I share my home with my 2 dogs. I totally enjoy travel, listening to all genre of music, viewing most any sport (no WWF please), and trying any crossword (ink only) or word game you want to throw at me.

I am an RN and a parish nurse. As the parish nurse, I visit members in their homes, hospitals and long term care facilities; assist members in obtaining necessary medical services; counsel members on spiritual, emotional and physical issues and make appropriate referrals; encourage healthy lifestyle choices for parishioners through health education and promotion.

My husband, Jeff and I have been members of Atonement since 1988. We have two daughters and a son-in-law; Lisa & Derek Johnson and Rachel. I enjoy reading, gardening, walking and riding bike.

One of my greatest joys in life is helping people discover and experience their full potential in Christ. As a counselor on staff at Atonement, I integrate Biblical principles with the training I received in graduate school at NDSU. I joined the staff in 2007 serving alongside Barb Hanson, Parish Nurse. Since 2001 I have served as associate chaplain at Elim Rehab and Care Center and also as a clinician in private practice.

My husband Gary, is Network Engineer for KFNW Radio. We will celebrate our 32nd anniversary in 2008. Three of our four children are married, Daniel, Andrew and Matthew and we have 4 precious grandchildren! Our daughter, Kristin is completing her education in Minneapolis.

I enjoy reading, entertaining, and hiking with family. I love being in nature and also am an avid sports fan.

I came to Atonement in 2000 to be the “Music guy”. My background is probably not the usual—after teaching music for a couple years, I farmed the family farm in central ND for 22 years (probably one of the few farmers with a synthesizer mounted in my tractor). It is there that my wife, Judy, and I raised our three amazing daughters. Through all these years worship music—leading, joining, writing and arranging—has been my passion. We serve an awesome God, and I can’t help but join the Psalmist in saying, “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” Ps 100:2

I see Sunday morning worship as an extremely important time as we praise, honor, and listen to our God with our fellow believers, and I do all I can to make that time a time that glorifies God, but it is only a part of our worship: our worship continues throughout every day of our lives as we seek to follow God’s will.

I enjoy the different types of worship we have here—from the more traditional to the more contemporary. God is not bound by our understanding, but we each find our longing for God’s presence fulfilled in different ways. I also enjoy the many opportunities I have to work with children in “Kid’s Church” & “Praise Time” and our summer children’s musical as well as the creative times in “Potter’s Wheel” and “Faith Factor”.

Ever since I attended my first high school Bible study, small group ministries have been an integral part of my own spiritual formation. As the Director of Small Group Ministries, it is my goal to assist others in developing relationships with people of similar interests so that they may also grow in their walk with Christ. Since joining Atonement, I am continually amazed at how deeply our church members care for each other. This is especially true when needs arise within the various small groups that have been formed here. In addition to small group ministry, I also organize the ushers, greeters and communion servers for our many worship services.

I grew up on a farm between Galesburg and Hope, North Dakota. After pursuing a 10 year career in youth ministry, I finally found myself back in North Dakota where my family still lived. It was through one of Atonements small groups that God ultimately blessed me with my wonderful wife Wendy. It took a lot of persuading from those friends for two set-in-their-way Norwegians to finally discover our love for each other. Since our marriage in 2005, we have been blessed with two wonderful daughters Alyssa, our oldest and Anna. When I am not spending time with my family or working, you might find me watering and caring for plants around the church. I also love to spend time singing and acting in various productions at church.

As Director of Children’s Ministry, my responsibilities include administering our Sunday morning kids program, Faith Factory, to children ages 3 years old through 5th grade. In addition, I enjoy organizing family friendly events and kid events to promote family time and build community with young ones.

I’ve enjoyed being a teacher and creative large group leader since 1998. I recently expanded my role as director in August 2007. It’s amazing to me to see how God has used my past work experiences to prepare me for this job.

The best part of Children’s Ministry is I have the privilege of teaching children about the love and grace of Jesus Christ. And, at Atonement, we teach the truth found in the Scriptures in a fun, creative and exciting way! Skits, game shows, puppets and creative storytelling are just a few of the ways we bring the Bible stories to life and make learning fun for the children.

My husband, Andy and I have been married since 1996 and we have 3 young children. In my spare time, I like to scrapbook, rollerblade, run, teach aerobics, and spend time at the lake. However, my favorite pastime is living large and laughing with my family.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1b

I have directed JC Clubhouse, the Wednesday night children’s program, since it began in 2002. It is such a joy to teach kids about Jesus and His love for them. If we can impact lives at this young age, just think about the influence we might have on the rest of their lives!! As part of JC Clubhouse, we have a “teaching time” during the opening which is typically a skit or puppets or game show. Along with a team of very creative folks, I help to develop this teaching time as well as the rest of the kid’s activities. I also help with some creative Sunday morning planning and the Faith Factor Bible School week. Another part of my job is co-directing the summer children’s musical with Jarl. We have done this since 2002, and have even started to write our own musicals!!!

During my spare time, I work as a speech pathologist in the Fargo area!! I participate in the bell group at Atonement as well as a contemporary music group. I am married to Dale and we have two children, Andrew and Sarah. I enjoy reading and creating scrapbooks when I have time.

I am the Director of Children’s Weekday Ministries here at Atonement and am very excited to be a part of such a wonderful program.

I began working at Atonement in the preschool area in November 2008. I have enjoyed being able to share my spirituality with children and families and have grown tremendously in my faith. Every day is a new learning opportunity and I thrive on each and every one. In my new role as Director, I have a strong desire to maintain the quality of care that families have become accustomed to. It is a blessing to be able to provide quality early childhood and school age programs for such amazing children and to teach them about God’s wonderful message.

When I am not at Atonement, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful family. My dad, Craig, resides in Wheaton, MN (my home town) where he farms with my younger brother Adam. Our farm has been in our family for over 100 years and is my favorite place to be when I am not in Fargo. My mom resides in Goodyear, AZ where she is finishing up a new degree and hoping to move back to the area in the next year. My younger sister, Jade, lives in St. Paul, MN where she works for a Christian adoption agency and will be starting grad school this fall. I also enjoy long walks with my loving two-year-old yellow lab, Duke. He is definitely a large part of my life!

As a Youth Director at Atonement, I am blessed to work with an awesome Youth Team. Together, we develop, plan and organize ministry opportunities for our 6 - 12 graders. I enjoy teaching, developing curriculum and reaching out to kids and their families through the Web, Blogs, Social Networks and Music. I also hope to create opportunities for parents and youth to connect and grow together in Christ.

I love working with youth and sharing my faith journey with teens. I believe that God has a special plan for each of us and that His grace, love and mercy are enough! My goal is to help our youth build their relationships with Christ and develop a life-long, unwavering faith in His plan. I also enjoy challenging kids and talking about tough issues. It is through our understanding of the world around us that we can learn how to share the message of Jesus Christ in the world!

When not working with the youth, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Jeff, and our three children. Our family loves to be outside, travel, relax at the lake and spend time with our extended families. We are both from the FM area, and are so blessed to have all of our family here! I also enjoy cooking, baking, shopping, running and studying History and Politics.

I am the Youth and Young Adult Director here at Atonement Lutheran Church. I started in January 2009 in this position and I love every minute of it. Jesus Christ has transformed my life in so many ways and it is my passion to see Him glorified and letting my light shine before all! We are covered in such immense grace and the Father is deeply passionate for all of us. He wants to know of His great and unfathomable love. His intensity for us is rich and intense. Because of my knowledge of our Father, “I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.” (Psalm 119:162)

I work with the Youth and help them to develop their relationship with Jesus Christ. Along with teaching in large group settings for all the kids, I am passionate about leading young men and I have a small group that meets together during the week where we hang out and share our lives. I also lead a Bible Study for young adults and we enjoy great conversation. Jesus has called to share our lives together—not to single ourselves out. The body is meant to work together and I encourage connection throughout it. Every month we also host a meal for college age students and young adults who visit the church. It is another great opportunity for everyone to get involved!

I grew up in a small town called Estelline, SD. I also graduated last May from NDSU with a degree in Biological Sciences. My parents, Kevin and Patty, still continue to farm outside of Estelline, and I also have two siblings—Anne and Alex. I also live with two outstanding men of God in North Fargo, Scott and James, and we always enjoy the company of our big, slobber-mouthed, black lab Kelly. In my free time, I love to run. I also very much enjoy reading, listening to music, and coffee.

Hey everyone! My name is Josh Svaleson. I am a leader in our contemporary worship and an Associate Youth Minister. I am married to the most wonderful woman in the world (no offense to you other wonderful ladies)! My passion is to lead people in worship of our Lord and help people that love Jesus follow him more. Praise God for who is, what he's done, and what he is going to do!

I am responsible are for the daily operations of the church, management of the office staff and master calendar schedule.

I have worked as the Administrator/office manager of Atonement Lutheran Church since 1998. My responsibility ranges from payroll, budgeting, and keeping an overall eye on the financial picture to keeping the calendar and room assignments straight for all of the many groups/events happening at the church. I also function as the executive assistant to the Senior Pastor.

My husband, Scott, & I have been members of Atonement since 1990. We have two grown children, Jennifer and Tyler.

Hey Everyone!! I work full-time as the secretary where my duties include producing the weekly bulletins, receptionist duties, periodical newsletters and maintaining the church memberships by inputting data on members and completing transfers into and out of Atonement. I also get to do whatever duties that may come day to day!

My husband Josh and I got married June 26th, 2009. We reside in West Fargo, and have 3 pet fish! I love Jesus with all my heart, and hope to spread his wonderful truth to those around me! Feel free to contact me if you need anything!

I enjoy working part time as an office assistant. My duties include being in charge of the duplication of all bulletins, newsletters, and brochures of Atonement Lutheran.

My husband Gene of 40 years and I are the parents of 3 grown married children, who have blessed us with 6 grandchildren.

I work part-time as the church bookkeeper. I am responsible for all the financial details for the church. I take care of all of the deposits, transfers and accounts payable for all of the various church funds as well as Children’s Weekday Ministries.

I started at Atonement in November of 2007. And I truly enjoy the challenge of working in a church environment. It keeps me on my toes!

I live in Moorhead with my wonderful husband Jason and three beautiful step-children, Jennifer (13), Kara (11), and Theodore (more commonly known as TJ, 7), and our lovable (and very ACTIVE) Mini-Schnauzer, Dixie. I enjoy spending time with my family, whether we are watching movies, doing arts and crafts, playing board games (something we LOVE to do!), or hunting (our oldest got her first deer this year- Yay Jenn!) My family is a great source of pride and joy for me and I truly enjoy every minute I have with them!

I work part-time as the adminstrative assistant where I input donations, send monthly statements, and whatever other duties assigned to me. I am also incharge of the nursery schedule.

My husband, James and I have been members of Atonement since May of 2004. We have three children.

I have been employed at Atonement since the Fall of 2008. I work in a few different areas at Atonement; Family Ministry Director, Volunteer Scheduler and I coordinate our "Wine and Design" ministry.

Our Family Ministry coordinates exciting family events throughout the year. We also offer a teaching time for parents Wednesday evenings, with the main focus of this class on how to stay involved in your child's journey in becoming a life long disciple of Jesus Christ. My volunteer scheduling includes maintaining the schedules for 6 different volunteer ministries. These ministries are the Atonement Coffee House, Connection Center, Lectors, Van Drivers, Bread Delivery, and Sunday Plus. The "Wine and Design" ministry is responsible for setting up communion and decorating.

We have been members of Atonement since 2002. My husband Brad works for IBM in Fargo, and we have been blessed with two children, Andrew and Kaitlynn. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, cooking and every year I look forward to spending time outside in the Fall.

I have been the Physical Plant Manager since 2004. My responsibilities include supervising custodial staff, maintenance of building and grounds, and providing support and tech for the regular and special groups using the church’s facilities. I enjoy leading the Friends of the Carpenter with various projects around the church, participating in Lenten Dramas, singing in choir, meeting with the B-W small group ministry, and cooking for special events with a great bunch of volunteers.

My wife Jan and I have been members of Atonement since 1985. We have two children, Haakon a college senior and Katelin a high school senior. I enjoy pre-1840 historic reenactments, hunting, golfing, and camping with my family.

Hi! Welcome to Atonement! I have been blessed to be a custodian at Atonement since 2007. I am inspired daily by the incredible staff and faith community that surrounds me here! My goals include helping provide a clean, safe, and comfortable atmosphere from which our ministries can flourish and grow, and to provide logistical and moral support for our talented team and our step-out-in-faith congregation.

My wife, Lois, and I have been members of Atonement since 1996 and know we are fortunate to be part of this wonderful, supportive family. Lois and I enjoy bonding with our dog, Sadie, the sheltie, and our vocal cat, Nikki, along with puttering in our garden and yard, reading mystery novels, completing crossword puzzles, and gathering with good friends over coffee. Yes, I spend way too much time on the internet and watching TV, and not enough time pursuing my other joys: hiking, biking, fishing, and writing.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite YOU to come on over to Atonement some day soon. There are lots of important relationships here that just may change your life . . . .