IMMANUEL - Key Persons


Aaron Gilbert

Job Titles:
  • Custodial Staff Member
  • Sunday Custodian

Belle Greep

Job Titles:
  • Nursery Coordinator

Christina Orton

Job Titles:
  • Music & Worship Support Staff

Daniel A. Nelson

Job Titles:
  • Associate Pastor
Dan is married to Dorisa (they met at camp in 2005) and they have two kids Oskar and Elena. Dan loves stories of all kinds found in books, movies, TV shows, music, etc. He likes to run, golf, play music, listen to music and podcasts, drink coffee, go to concerts and sporting events (mostly basketball games). He is especially devoted to the Minnesota Timberwolves even though they have done almost nothing to warrant this level of loyalty, but he is sure this is the year they really turn things around…

Darrell Fusaro

Job Titles:
  • Custodial Staff Member
  • Head Custodian

Dave Paul

Job Titles:
  • Worship Media Specialist

FUN FACT

Job Titles:
  • Pastor
FUN FACT: Pastor Paul Nelson & Pastor Dan Nelson are NOT related. Deacon Savannah decided not to go through the trouble of changing her last name to Nelson after her recent wedding (one name change was enough)!

Grace Porter

Job Titles:
  • Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
If you're ever looking for Grace, follow the young people! You will always find her with the next generation; singing, laughing, learning, and having fun! Grace runs Sunday School and God Squad on Sunday mornings (with the help of some incredible volunteers), and Holy Commotion and Confirmation on Wednesday nights (along with Paul E). Grace started working at Immanuel as our Childen's Ministry Associate since 2019, as our Children's Ministry Interim Director in the summer of '21, and now loves her position as the Director of Children, Youth, and Family ministries!

Joan Meyer

Job Titles:
  • Evening Organist / Support Staff

John Retterath

Job Titles:
  • Technology Manager
John is the overseer of all things technology, and audio/visual, making sure everyone can see and hear all the wonderful things shared with the community. On Sundays he controls the soundboard for both worship services. He also is a fill in musician for Servant Song and Holy Commotion. FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Making music, playing disc golf, playing baseball, eating Taco Bell

Kari Totall

Job Titles:
  • Nurse
  • Parish Nurse
After a decade of volunteering as Immanuel's Parish Nurse, Kari officially assumed the title and added her name to the staff roster. In that role, she does what comes naturally to her - compassionately support our seniors and those who are facing a health care crisis or end-of-life issue. In addition to sharing her professional expertise, she connects those she serves to helpful community resources. She also works to educate our congregation about health and wellness and occasionally coordinates some fun activities, like yoga classes.

Kelly Meyers

Job Titles:
  • Church Administrator
Kelly is the guardian of our financial records and physical facilities, ensuring that we are good stewards of our assets. She also manages human resources and oversees Immanuel's communications program. Her critical behind-the-scenes work ensures our congregation has the resources it needs to fully live out its mission. Kelly and her husband have three daughters, two son-in-laws, three granddaughters and two kitties. FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Singing, travel, and watching football, NASCAR & hockey

Kyung Ko

Job Titles:
  • Minister of Music
Kyung oversees Immanuel's many music and worship ministries and staff. He leads the Reformation Choir, band and instrumental players and the bell ringers. He believes the congregation's singing at worship is a powerful message which reflects our identity as the children of God in all circumstances. Kyung and his wife Jiwhi met when both were directing different music ensembles for the same church. They have two children, both in elementary school. FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: Running, swimming and finding good local coffee shops. HAPPY PLACE: His living room, when he and his family gather around the piano to make music, lift their voices in song, and dance.

MaryKay Copp

Job Titles:
  • Administrative Assistant to Pastors

Parish Nurse

Job Titles:
  • Nurse

Paul A. Nelson

Job Titles:
  • Senior Pastor
Paul leads Immanuel's staff and congregation with love and warmth, welcoming all. He is dedicated to helping people of all ages live out their faith and share Jesus' love in their daily lives. He particularly likes helping men find ways to support one another in faith. It was even the subject of his doctoral thesis! Paul loves family time and cherishes his wife, Karen, their two adult daughters and two young granddaughters and grandson. He is happiest when participating in family celebrations, gatherings, game nights, traveling, Granddaughter Mondays and time with grandson, Theo. He is an avid reader and loves to hear about what you're reading too. A good run, an invigorating hike, an evening of curling or a camping trip rank high on his list of leisure activities.

Paul Erdmann

Job Titles:
  • Minister of Youth & Family
Paul helps our middle and high school students grow in faith, learn leadership skills and gain confidence through experiencing God's love and forgiveness. By engaging both students and their families in our dynamic Confirmation program, mission trips, backpacking and skiing adventures, service projects and all sorts of other fun activities, he helps families develop healthy Christian relationships and explore the role faith plays in their daily lives. Paul loves the outdoors and is especially fond of sailing, camping, and traveling. Paul and his wife, Abby, have 5 children in their blended family, ranging from kindergarten to a senior in high school-every day is an adventure!

Savannah Olaphson

Job Titles:
  • Deacon
Savannah helps Immanuel live out its vision of care and service while exploring the relationship between faith and justice. She also preaches once/month, assists in worship leadership and and champions our Care Team. Before moving here in 2022, she lived and attended school in Montana and Washington. It's no surprise that she loves mountains and water, especially Flathead Valley and Glacier National Park in Montana. She also loves to travel to unfamiliar places where she can walk on new ground, build new relationships, discover new foods and immerse herself in new cultures. Savannah got married in June 2022. Their pet cockatiel, Tuna, couldn't be happier. FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: hiking, backpacking, skiing, boating, cross-stitching, reading, running and playing board games.

Terrie Falkenstein

Job Titles:
  • Church Secretary
Terrie's is often the first face you see or the first voice you hear when you stop by or call our office on weekdays. She loves to welcome you, help you feel comfortable and make sure you find the person or information you are looking for. In addition to being our friendly receptionist, she prepares our worship service bulletins and monthly member newsletters - just a couple of more ways to help you feel welcome and in the know. Terrie treasures time with her two adult children -- Brent living in Colorado with his spouse, Misty and Laura who is in the Army and currently stationed in Tacoma, Washington. She relaxes by reading historical fiction and mystery novels, playing computer word games and spending time on or near the water, preferably with the company of good friends.