About Us
Interim Pastor Mark Holman
Thank you Pastor Mark for providing pastoral care while we transitioned to a new, permanent pastor. We were blessed to have you with us. Pastor Mark has moved on now to a new assignment. For pastoral care concerns now through June 15, 2026, please contact Pastor Kris Garey 218-213-8599
Meet Our Staff
Hannah Weishaar
Administrative Support and Custodian
Hannah is our Administrative Support person. Her email is office.krlc@gmail.com and she takes care of all administrative church matters including the bulletins, newsletters, and various databases as well as 100 other things. She also serves as the Church Custodian. We have her to thank for how beautiful the church always seems to look, no matter how busy it gets and how well things are run behind the scenes!
Music Leaders
Patti Stoddard
Karen Johnson
Carol Carlson
Lawrence Burkhard
Church Leadership
The church is led by the Church Council. Members are elected to the Council each year at the Annual Congregational Meeting. Numerous committees oversee various aspects of the church operation and report to the Council.
Council
The Council is chaired by Helene Hedlund (shown attending this meeting by Zoom).
Committees
Worship
The worship committee guides the conduct of worship. It attempts to utilize the gifts of the congregation in preaching, music, technology and design to facilitate meaningful worship each week.
Building and Property
The Building and Property Committee is charged with the upkeep and maintenance of the physical facilities of the church to make it safe, sound and accessible for all. It also oversees the grounds of the church and it's structure. The Columbarium, Garden and church building fall under its jurisdiction.
Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee oversees the budget, led by church Vice-President David Grong. The Treasurer and bookkeeper work to handle and report on income and expenses. Church members have shown tremendous generosity and support for church ministries. An Audit Committee examines the books annually to insure financial integrity.
Endowment
The Endowment Committee administers a designated fund that promotes the outreach mission of the church. Lawrence Burkhard leads the committee. Only the interest on its investments can be spent. It supports young people and special projects (as approved by council).
Christian Education
The Christian Education Committee defines and implements the youth program for the church. Lawrence Burhard has led the committee for many years.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild works within the context of the Worship Committee, and is co-led by Delores Jackson and Mary von Gertz. They keep our worship space beautifully decorated with flowers, banners, lit candles, and liturgical colors. They also set up the elements for Communion and healing services.
Opportunities for Service
Volunteer Coordinator
Melanie McMillion
Volunteer Coordinator
Melanie will help you get connected to most any volunteer activity. There are lots of ways you can serve others, your church and your community that she can help guide you toward.
Ushers and Lectors
Greeters and ushers are needed for worship each week. The ushers hand out bulletins before church, ring the bell at the start of services, receive the offerings, and handle communion traffic. Lectors do scripture readings. If you are interested, you can sign up on the church Kiosk, contact Melanie McMillion.
Sunday School Teachers
Sunday school classes are held at 9:15 on Sundays during the worship service. Children's Church classes are held for K-3rd graders and Kid's Connect classes are held for 4-6 grade. Volunteers are always welcome to assist (held in the lower level). Contact Lawrence Burkhard if you are interested.
Communion Assistants
Communion Assistants help the Pastor distribute communion during that portion of the service. If you are interested please contact Melanie McMillion.
Tech Team
Volunteers are needed each Sunday, especially in summer months, to set up mics, and run the livestreaming software. When the service is held outside, additional assistance setting up chairs before church is appreciated. Contact Scott Shelerud if you are interested.
Offering Counters
At least two offering counters are required every Sunday to secure the offerings and tally up the offering totals for the bank and church records. If you are interested please contact Melanie McMillion.
Website and Social Media
If you are interested in helping to administer this website or the church YouTube channel please contact Jim Allert. In addition, the church has a Facebook page. Contact Anne-Lu Hovis if you are interested in working with social media.
Knife River Lutheran Church
158 Church Road, Knife River, MN 55609
218-834-5172
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