Welcome

Welcome to Lake Harriet United Methodist Church!

Please read below for information about our clergy and staff. Feel free to contact them with any questions you may have.

For more information about anything you see on this website, please contact the church office.

9:30 am - Lively Traditional Worship

11:00 am - Informal Contemporary Worship

4901 Chowen Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55410

Phone: 612.926.7645

Fax: 612.926.7646

Email: church@lakeharrietumc.org

Reverend Lyndy Zabel
	Lyndy was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Grand Rapids, MN. In 1979 he received a B.A. in Humanities from Moorhead State University. After a short career as a musician he entered and graduated from United Theological Seminary in 1985 with a Master of Divinity. In 1999 he was appointed co-pastor at Lake Harriet UMC after previously serving churches in Rosemount, Lino Lakes and Woodbury. He and his wife, Judy, have three children: Elizabeth, Brian and Ben. Lyndy currently serves as the Volunteer-in-Missions Coordinator and the Chair of O.C. Ministries for the Minnesota Annual Conference. In his spare time he likes to play with the Jumpin' Jehosafats, a Dixieland/Gospel group and Revised Standard Version, playing contemporary Christian music. Send me an email.

Reverend Tyler Christiansen
	Tyler grew up in the Southwest Minneapolis area, graduating from Edina High School. He received his B.A. in History/Education from Luther College in 2000, and his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2003. He 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 an infant daughter Greta. His hobbies include music, movies, downhill skiing, and golf. Send me an email.

Pat Ruppel
	Pat has been a Church Office Administrator for twenty-four 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. Send me an email.

Kathy 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. Send me an email.

Kathy Meyer
	Our Director of Children and Family Ministries received a B.A. in Education from Huron University and an M.A. in Human Development from St. Mary's University. She is a National Trainer for Godly Play. She and husband Jim have two grown children. Send me an email.

Lisa Schensted
	Lisa grew up in Houston, TX, where she worked at youth summer and day camps both as a counselor and as camp director. Since her move to Minnesota with her husband and Luther Seminary MDiv student Andrew in 2005, she has embraced and fallen in love with the Minnesota culture, weather, and life. Lisa joined the Lake Harriet staff in September of 05, and is passionate about youth ministry. She has a desire to guide and equip the youth to serve God by serving others, loving Jesus Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit in their lives. She is constantly excited and inspired by the challenges and insights the youth bring daily. Lisa loves reading, knitting, hanging out with friends, and watching movies. Her favorite author is C.S. Lewis, and she is a Harry Potter enthusiast. Send me an email.

Mary Woolever Shaffer
	Our Director of Theatre Ministries hails from Des Moines, Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Drake University. She and her husband Steve have two children: Andy and Scott.

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.

Pre-School Teachers
	Kate Nalezny, Sue Jordan, Andrea Kist, and Suzy Schubloom. *All have a Bachelors or Masters degree in their field.