Atonement Lutheran Church Staff

I have been the Senior Pastor of Atonement since 1994 and am the main teacher on Sunday mornings. I have a passion for teaching the Bible in a way that connects with people's daily life. I believe that God has a plan for everyone and that God desires that we know Him personally. The goal of my teaching is to introduce people to God and help them know what it means to follow Jesus.

I am married to Beth who serves on the staff part time in Atonement's drama and children's ministry. Beth is also a speech pathologist in Fargo. We have two children, Andrew and Sarah.

I love to run and read and am an avid sports fan. Don't ask me why, but my favorite team is the University of Michigan. Go blue!!!

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 and the main teacher at our Wednesday evening Potter’s Wheel worship. 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 over 90 something mom Helen, and my dog Megan. I feel it is a gift from God that I am able to give back to my mom for the nurturing she has given me my whole life. 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 our awesome daughter Alyssa. 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 Potter’s Kids, 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 Potter’s Kids, we have a “teaching time” during the opening Potter’s Wheel worship service 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.

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 have directed the Youth Ministry at Atonement since 2003. My primary responsibilities include designing curriculum for our 6-12 grade ministries, overseeing the Confirmation Ministry and the Sr. High Ministry, planning summer trips, organizing events, and mentoring teen girls. It is a great joy to walk with teenagers through the crazy stage of life they are in! My greatest joy in youth ministry is to see teenagers come to grasp the truth that God loves them so deeply that He sent His Son Jesus to die for them. I love to teach the Bible and make it come alive for teenagers…to help them see that the Bible truly is alive and active and completely relevant to their lives as teenagers today. Another passion of mine is to teach sexual purity and integrity to teens and to help them understand God’s plans and intentions for sexuality in marriage.

I am married to Paul, who is a firefighter with the City of Fargo. We have one beautiful young daughter, Evelyn. My favorite way to spend my time is being with my family. I love to cook, do most anything outdoors, run, take long walks, bike, play in the sandbox with Evelyn, watch movies with Paul, and on occasion I’ll read a book, flip through cook books for new recipes, or work on my quilting projects.

I am one of the youth ministers here at Atonement; however, I am probably better known as “That Guy” or “That Crazy Dude” or “The Chugga-Chugga Guy” that just seems to be almost everywhere! I started working here at Atonement September of 2006. I love teaching kids about Jesus and helping them grow in and with Him…I don’t think it gets much better than that!

I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people, so if you see me, give me a, “Hey!” I absolutely love life and tend to be a fairly jovial dude; I have fun doing just about anything. I am definitely a big sports fan, especially football and basketball … GO VIKES!!

I have two wonderful parents, Jay and Darcy, and a pretty cool sister, Kirsten, but I would never tell her that, I don’t want her to get a big head. Oh, and of course, one of the cutest dogs in the world!

Anyway, now you know a little bit about me, this guy called Josh; and I would love to know more about you! And more importantly, I would love to share our indescribable God, our amazing Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ, the God that is far greater than anyone or anything, with you. Praise the Lord!!

Jesus Christ’s most ridiculous love to you this day and every day to follow.

I came on staff in January of 2006 to work with youth and young adults, and in the fall of 2007 I began leading with the worship band at the Aflame service.

On the youth team I have the pleasure of working alongside of Rebecca and Josh, where I teach, mentor and plan activities for 6-12 grade students. One of my joys is being able to goof around with the guys – that’s just a part of who I am. I also have the opportunity to lead students into worship through music.

In addition to working with youth I have the privilege of walking with college students and young adults on their faith journeys. My wife Lisa and I host a small group at our house on Tuesday nights that also attends worship together on Sunday mornings. I firmly believe that life is best lived in community, and that’s what we are committed to doing.

In June of 2007 I started an MDiv program through Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Through all of this I am supported and loved by my wife, Lisa, whom I’ve been married to since June of 2007. Together we enjoy cooking, watching movies, hanging at the lake and spending time with our wonderful friends.

My responsibles 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.

I work part-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. And whatever duties that may come day to day!

My husband John and I have been members of Atonement since 2001. We have two grown children and one grandchild.

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 4, soon to be 5, 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 and keep the website current.

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

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.

I have been employed at Atonement since the fall of 2007. My duties include 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.

My husband, Jason, is a software engineer. We have been members at Atonement since 2002. We have two sons. When not working at Atonement, I am a stay at home mom to our boys. I love spending time with my family and friends, reading, cooking and Bison Football.

I am the hands-on director of the child care component of Atonement's Children's Weekday Ministries.

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it”. Psalm 118:24

I find joy every day while working at Atonement, I love being in an environment where teachers can share faith with children. It is very powerful to see children learning about Jesus Christ and then sharing their own faith with family and friends.

I have worked in childcare since 1992, and have been the director of Atonement’s Children’s Weekday Ministries since 2001. I am currently the president of the Area Preschool Advocates of Fargo/Moorhead and also a member of the North Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children.

My husband, John works for US Bank. We have a son, Jack and a daughter, Kate.