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 an open-minded optimist - leading with hope, appreciation, and curiosity. 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 (pastor@stcroixunitedchurch.org, 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!Megan and her husband, Mike, have two kids: Sawyer and Ruby. Their favorite ways to spend time together include road trips, camping, swimming, snuggled up watching movies and reading books, planning their next trip to the North Shore, and playing with their puppy, Trudee.
Eli'jah Carroll, Youth Director
Eli'jah joins St. Croix United Church in worship of God and standing for the values of connecting, growing, and loving one another on our Christian journeys together. As our Youth Coordinator, he hopes to meet young ones where they are at in their walks of faith and have a lot of fun along the way!
Eli'jah brings over 14 years of experience working with children and youth in various UCC churches in California and Minnesota. His first position, at Sycamore UCC in El Cerrito, California occurred just two months into his seminary journey at Pacific School of Religion.
Most recently, Eli'jah served St. Paul's UCC as their Associate Minister of faith formation and belonging & community for four years. Currently, he is a paraprofessional at a middle school in Apple Valley. He loves to spend time with his Boston terrier, Archie, when not at school. He also loves cooking, playing video games, and laughing with his wife, Leah!
Heather Kennedy-Bordeaux, Choir Director
Heather Kennedy-Bordeaux is an attorney whose love of music runs deep. She originally attended college to become a music teacher before changing course and has sung in choirs since childhood, including at St. Croix United since joining the congregation. Music has always been an important part of her life, and she looks forward to choir practice each week. As choir director, Heather hopes to welcome more members into the choir and introduce a wider variety of musical styles that enrich worship and community life. Heather lives with her husband, Chris Bordeaux, and is stepmom to his three children—Jake, Gunnar, and Ellen. She loves living in Bayport and is excited to make even more beautiful music with members of St. Croix United Church.
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.”
Nat Graf, 2025 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."