Our staff, members and friends collaboratively lead the ministries of our church.
Clare Gromoll, Pastor
Pastor Clare supports the people of our church as we grow and develop vital partnerships in our wider community. Previously in outdoor ministry and bilingual public education (in TX and WI), she felt called to ordained ministry and graduated from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. In 2021,Pastor Clare came to us after nine years with a church in St. Paul. She enjoys time with her children (Sam and Jonah), aerobic exercise, reading, music, decluttering, and visiting family in northern Wisconsin. Pastor Clare describes herself as optimistic, curious, assertive, appreciative, flexible and open-minded. She believes that Christian faith calls us to dismantle oppressive systems and honor the inherent dignity of every member of creation.
Please reach out to learn more about our congregation ([email protected], 651-600-6409). Pastor Clare's in-person office hours are Tues-Thurs, 10:30-4:00 and Sundays, 12-1pm. She is also available by phone or Zoom any day of the week (other than Mondays).
Cassandra Telae, Youth and Local Outreach Director
Telae joined our staff in 2024. Since 2014, she has worked with young people through after-school programs and teaching music in public school classrooms. Telae has a heart for youth, seeing it as a privilege to be a part of their journey in development and personal growth. Born and raised in Cambridge, MN, she also lived in Chicago, and has called the Twin Cities home for the past 20 years. Telae is the proud mother of two sons, Kai(18) and Uriah(17). She values community and believes that love is both our most powerful energy and our clearest representation of God. Telae strives to lead with love, build lasting relationships, and inspire young people on their path to be the best versions of themselves. Please reach out to learn about our Youth and Local Outreach ministries ([email protected]).
Megan Adams, Office Coordinator
Megan joins the office staff with over 15 years experience working in churches as a Youth and Outreach Director. She also currently owns her own Health and Life Coaching business, called Ignite Joy Coaching. Her love of helping others live their best lives is a passion that has run through all of her various roles and careers. She's excited to bring these gifts, as well as her organizational talents, to St. Croix United Church!
Michael Bjork, Choir Director
Michael has been a part of our church for a number of years and feels deeply blessed by the opportunity to work with friends and colleagues in the congregation to weave new threads of meaning and richness into our tapestry of worship through music and the arts. Michael and his wife, Claire, have enjoyed making music together and performing in worship settings and at weddings and other events through the years. They’ve been married since 2014 and now delight in sharing life and music with their two beautiful children, Kaarin Lys (Kaari) and William Shea (Wilkie), as they take up residence with Claire’s parents, Jenni and Dale, in Stillwater. Professionally, Michael has taught vocal and general music at the elementary and middle school levels in Wisconsin and Minnesota since 2012. He is a proud teacher at Webster Elementary School in the North Saint Paul-Maplewood school district.
Sharon Neuenfeldt, Worship Accompanist
Sharon plays the organ, piano and clavinova for Sunday worship services. Sharon describes herself as dedicated, sensitive, musical, caring, honest and dependable. “The things I like about our church include the staff, congregation, choir, Sunday services and the instruments.”
Lisa Culbertson, Childcare Provider
Lisa joined our team in spring 2022. As Childcare Provider, she offers consistent nurturing care for infants and toddlers during Sunday 9:30am worship services and occasionally supervises multi-age childcare during after-worship adult forums. On weekdays, Lisa is a Pre-K teacher assistant at Stonebridge Elementary. When caring for young children, she enjoys watching their eyes light up with amazement when they discover something new and seeing their pride when they do things they thought they couldn't. Best of all is hearing the sound of children laughing - nothing brightens Lisa's day more than a belly laugh! In her free time, she enjoys family (including eight grandchildren and her best friend and sweetheart, Ted), traveling to new places, theater, ballet, museums, Twins and Wild games, and anything about history.
Nat Graf, 2024 Leadership Council Moderator
Nat is the State Director for a large human services agency, that provides community support for people with disabilities. Nat and her wife have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. She enjoys gardening, the outdoors and time with family.
"As a newly merged church under our new name as St Croix United we have a lot of new and exciting things ahead of us this year. We are excited to begin our journey as we expand upon the opportunities that this new beginning brings."