Prince of Peace

9:00 am Traditional Worship & Sunday School
10:30 am Contemporary Worship & Sunday School

Staff

No two are the same. They all come with different gifts and a willingness to use them to the glory of God the Father. They also share a passion for the Word and delight in sharing worship, music, devotions and all things Christian – the laser-like focus on Jesus Christ. Meet the Prince of Peace staff.

  • Pastor Chad Brekke —Lead Pastor

    Returning home to Minnesota after serving 21 years in the vast mission field known as Pennsylvania. Hook, line and sinker sold on the unmerited, unwarranted, unexpected, undeserved grace of God revealed through Christ Jesus. Husband to Lori, my better half (much nicer, remembers everyone’s name, caring, kind, great baker…really, she’s just better) Father to Lydia and Clara. Tennis player, golfer, all sports really, competitive to a fault. Psyched and humbled to have my face added to those you see in this list of staff serving POP. We’re gonna run like we’re trying to win (Philippians 3:14)…you should join us!

  • Pastor Jim Carlson —Associate Pastor

    Takes joy in being a husband and father of three daughters – three sons-in-law – grandfather of three (one not yet born) – likes to camp, hike, fish and read – passionate about visiting with people and being helpful – appreciates a sense of humor and a good laugh!

  • Charlie Olson —Operations & Finance

    Helping spirit – enjoys lawn mowing – wife and daughter are the light of his life – puppy dog, Lena, is a joy and always a “good girl.” Enjoys suspense and action TV and movies – Big fan of the Minnesota Twins – Luke 6:31

  • Lynell Keller —Office Administration

    Wife, mother of three, Gramma Nell to two and one on the way. I love spending time with family (especially Anders and Amelia) and friends. I like to knit and will usually have something with me to knit, of late it’s been baby booties. Favorite quote: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”         — “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint Exupery

  • Natalia Terfa —Director of Youth Ministry

    Wife, mother of three (one human, two feline) – lover of city life in South Minneapolis – the mid-town farmers’ market – running – yoga – cooking – eating – singing & leading worship – dancing around the living room – changing seasons – mother, sister, counselor, teacher and event planner to 200 youth. Alias’s at Prince of Peace: Mom, Momma, & Mother Earth

  • Katie Rykal —Director of Children & Family Ministry

    Lutheran Bible Camp Brat – wife, mother, auntie – children are the present and the future – I love kids – major Green Bay Packer fan – camping and camp fires – POPpers events – Sunday School organizer, cheerleader and enthusiast – Matthew 18, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

  • Nikki Bauernschmidt —Nursery Coordinator

    Wife of sincere Green Bay Packers’ fan – mother of two girls and a boy on the way – outgoing red-head – “Yes I can” attitude with a “Let’s do it” philosophy – hopeful gardener – enjoys scrapbooking and crafts – baker (limited cook by choice) – loves good times with family and friends – active member of Community Life team and other church activities – enjoys children’s creativity through simplicity.

  • John Myszkowski —Director, Senior & Bell Choirs

    Married for 29 years to wife Lin; three children –Olivia and twins Samuel & Sophia.
    Choir Director & Music Department Head at St. Louis Park Junior & Senior High Schools.
    Loves spending time with family, cooking, travel, running, swimming, and walking Elvis his Smooth Collie.

  • Judy Blomgren —Organist

    Orchestra director Champlin Park HS – Anoka Hennepin District TOP 20 teacher 2000 – Minnesota Teacher of the year finalist 2004 – Evergreen Club – owner of a wonderful kitty cat - avid Twins and Vikings fan – loves to play the King of Instruments for the King of Kings. “I play the notes as they are written, but it is GOD who makes the music.”

  • Norton Lawellin —Sonrise worship Team leader

    Husband, father of 3 grown children — writer, speaker and musician — recording and sound specialist. Loves worship, Bible teaching, church leadership. Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are! 1 John 5:11-12

  • Katie Hines —Children's Choir Director

    (a.k.a. “Mary Katherine”)  Wife – mother of two very busy girls (dance, karate, Twin Cities Youth Chorale) – full time Target HQ team member who creates training – director of the “Spots” (Target HQ Choir) – a sister to my best girlfriend. I love to play in the garden – cook with my husband – fall asleep on the couch, hike, camp, read, entertain and enjoy a calm lake in the summertime while listening the the call of loons. Someday I would like to have a lake cabin – own a dog – work only a few days a week – have time to take a breath!

  • Nikk VanLiew —Lead Media Coordinator

    Student at Osseo Sr. Highschool – I love pretty much anything to do with technology, I enjoy running(parkour), videogames, eating, working, and sleeping. – Hopefully I will go to a good Christian College and go into ministry. – Revelations 21:6 — I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely…

  • Terry Gronli —Volunteer Coordinator of Music

    Married for 25+ years – mother of three: two in college, one in high school – loves to scrapbook – sings in the choir – employed by Bakers Square for 31+ years – son getting married in July 2011 – has a dog and many beloved friends, expecially at Prince of Peace – enjoys all seasons, especially spring!