Our Leadership

In a spirit of shared leadership, our staff collaborate with members and friends to lead the ministries of our church.

Clare Gromoll, Pastor

Jonah, Clare & Sam

Pastor Clare collaborates with the people of our church as we support one another and develop vital partnerships in our wider community. Previously in outdoor ministry and bilingual public education in Texas and Wisconsin, she experienced a call to ordained ministry and graduated from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Pastor Clare came to us in 2021 after nine years with St. Paul’s UCC in St. Paul. She enjoys time with her children (Sam and Jonah), aerobic exercise for physical and mental wellbeing, reading, live folk music, decluttering, and visiting family in northern Wisconsin. Valuing simplicity and artistry; Pastor Clare describes herself as optimistic, curious, assertive, appreciative, flexible and
open-minded. She believes Christian faith calls us to dismantle oppressive systems and honor the inherent dignity and experiences 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).

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