LEADERSHIP
Deacon Wendy Hjelmberg
Wendy has been a part of the community at Hope all her life, and began working at Hope in 2000 as the youth director. In 2007, she completed her Associate of Ministry degree, specializing in youth and families, and accepted a call to Hope Lutheran as the Director of Family Ministries. Wendy has an infectious energy and is not afraid to tackle anything, including many things at one time! She has a great rapport with youth and parents, and is involved with the community, giving leadership to many programs addressing teen and family issues. She is active in grief support and nurturing every step of life's journey. From playing outside with preschoolers to leading worship to baking cinnamon rolls for fundraisers, Wendy shares her gifts and love of Christ in all she does.
Pastor Brenda Wicklund
Greetings!
I am Pastor Brenda Wicklund and am thrilled to be your support Pastor at Hope in Moose Lake. A little bit about me before we get to know one another seems appropriate. I have been serving in the Ministry of Jesus Christ since I was a little girl. As I grew up in life and in faith, being in service was just the natural thing to do. I am what you call a second career Pastor. I worked for 35 years as a server and then manager at Tobies restaurant in Hinckley MN. As my kids began to grow, I went back to get my undergraduate at Northwestern College and then my Masters of Divinity at Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 2007 and ordained in 2008. I have served at Grace Lutheran Church in Mora MN and at First Lutheran Church, Hinckley MN where the first of the year I retired. I have been filling in and doing pulpit supply when I am able. My husband, Kent Wicklund and I have been married for 47 years and live in Hinckley, MN. We have four adult daughters, three son-in-laws, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. I love to hang out with my family, gardening and canning, walking, reading and just enjoying life. We are truly blessed. I look forward to getting to know you in ministry as we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ together.
See you at Hope!
Andrew Burn, Youth Minister
Andrew started here at Hope as one of our youths, he has since spread his wings and became a camp counselor at Camp Hiawatha for their summer program. He is now back with us as our Youth Minister. He brings so much energy and passion to our church.
Stephanie Rhodes, Office Manager
Stephanie is the glue to the team at Hope Lutheran. She works in many areas helping things run smoothly, look beautiful, and adds color to all areas of her work. She has two energetic boys who love to help out whenever they can, and recently added a baby girl to their family. Steph has a welcoming soul and will be there to greet you with a smile and a helping hand should you stop by the office. Hope wouldn't be nearly as organized or color-filled without her!
Lee Mogen, Organist
Since 1981, Lee has provided wonderful organ and piano music for church services every Sunday, as well as for special services such as funerals and weddings. She also schedules special music for the church, enhancing the music ministry of Hope. Lee has incredible talent that she so graciously shares with us each week, including piano, organ, and leading the "Bells of Hope." When Lee isn't creating music, she is an avid gardener and enjoys her beautiful home on a lake.
Sylvia Ketchum, Building Manager
Sylvia has been on the staff of Hope since 1996. She takes care of all parts of our building from roof to basement. Her responsibilities also include scheduling and set-up for all building use, including weddings, events and use of the building by outside agencies in the community and surrounding area. Sylvia will tackle any care and maintenance job that comes her way. She is also a loving a mother, grandmother, and godmother, taking care of much more than that building of Hope, but the people inside. Hope is so lucky to have her caring for all she does!