Reverend Tyler Christiansen
Tyler grew up in the Southwest Minneapolis area, graduating from Edina High School. He received his B.A. in History and Education from Luther College in 2000, and his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2003.
Tyler served Central United Methodist Church in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ from 2003 to 2007, and was appointed to LHUMC as of July 1, 2007.
Tyler and his wife Eleanor have a daughter Greta and a son Wes. His hobbies include music, movies, downhill skiing, and golf.
Email Reverend Tyler ChristiansenPat Ruppel
Pat has been a Church Office Administrator for twenty-six years. She is also our Sanctuary Choir Director and an accomplished organist.
Born in Sioux Falls, she graduated from Bemidji State University with a B.A. in Music. She and Kurt have two children, Sonja and Ian. Her hobbies include reading, crocheting and embroidery.
Email Pat RuppelKathy Webb
Kathy has been a Director of Music in several churches after graduating form Carleton college with a degree in music.
Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin she now resides in Minneapolis with her husband Tony. They have three children, Evie, Nora and Tom. In her spare time she directs musical theatre, runs, and bikes.
Email Kathy WebbEleanor Christiansen
Eleanor was born and raised in Alabama. Upon completing her BA in English/Lit at Birmingham-Southern College, she moved to Chicago to pursue a MDiv at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. There she fell in love with the Old Testament and a certain young seminarian (see the listing for Pastor). After marrying Tyler and spending more time studying the Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, Eleanor moved to Minnesota (brrrr) and joined the staff at LHUMC.
Eleanor enjoys being a mom to Greta and now to baby Wes. She is thrilled to be working so closely with the children of Lake Harriet UMC and all the wonderful people who volunteer their time to share God’s love with these kids. In her free time, Eleanor enjoys reading, singing, gardening and cooking (note: cleaning did not make the cut).
Kim Schmidt
Kim has been involved in youth ministry for fifteen years, starting as a Boundary Waters canoe guide at Camp Vermilion.
He enjoys snowboarding, fly-fishing, whitewater kayaking, bicycling and mission trips. Above all, Kim's faith and relational approach to youth ministry make him a great fit for LHUMC.
Ellen Thorson
Ellen Thorson serves as Business Manager, joining the staff in August, 2007. She is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict. Ellen lives in Eagan with her husband Scott and daughter Kate. Son Eric is away at college.
Heidi Caskey and Nicolle Rockhold
Heidi started as our Assistant Preschool Director in 1996. She is currently serving as Preschool Co-Director. She received her Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota.Nicolle Rockhold serves as Co-Director, and also teaches one of the classrooms.
Email the PreschoolPreschool Teachers
- Kate Ottinger
- Sue Jordan
- Andrea Kist
- Suzy Schubloom