Meet Our New Members

Elizabeth Albers

Elizabeth Albers is from Montevideo, MN. Her parents are Brian and Janice and she has a younger brother Donovan. She moved to the twin cities in 2020 after her first job in Greenbush, MN., a small town 40 miles from the Canadian border. She is a graduate of Bemidgi State University and works as a print production lead at a print company that specializes in vinyl wraps. She lives in New Brighton near her work and joined Resurrection last fall. She enjoys singing and traveling with her family.

Michelle Friesen-Carper

Michelle Friesen-Carper: Michelle is a retired educator. She taught German, middle school language arts, was an elementary school principal, and director of fieldwork at Valparaiso University. She loves to sew, garden, read and play with her grand kids. 

Audrey Wagner

Audrey’s childhood was spent on the family farm south of Minnewaukin, N.D. She attended Sunday school at the Prespbyterian church. In 1970 she moved to the twin citiess with her husband and four children. They joined Roseville Lutheran Church because many of the children’s new school friends went there. She started visiting The Lutheran Church of the Resurrection with Wayne Griesel in 2016 after both of their spouses had passed away. She transferred her membership to Resurrection in the fall of 2022.

Bobbi and Hank French

Hank and Bobbi French moved to Shoreview from Little Falls around the start of the pandemic. They moved to be closer to 3 of their 4 children and 5 of their 7 grandchildren. Hank is a PHD theologian who taught at a Lutheran Seminary in Tokyo and later at Luther Seminary. His field of study is Christian Mission and World Religions. Bobbi has also worked in the church in various capacities including church administration, education and music. She is a violinist who has had a private studio. They appreciate the sense of community, as well as the service and music at Resurrection. They both enjoy reading and walking. Hank also enjoys writing and Bobbi enjoys cooking.

The Grenier Family

Chris, Melissa, Caden & Emma Grenier live a few blocks North of Lake Josephine, only one mile away. They spend their time chasing their kids to various wrestling and cheer activities and also enjoy boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. Their dad Chris is a Director of Project Management at KO Construction and also enjoys landscaping & tree work. His wife Melissa works as an Office Administrator at Land O'Lakes. Chris is excited to join the church because of the values that were instilled upon him as a kid while growing up and wants his kids to experience a similar structure. His motto to live by is: "Be humble and count your blessings." He appreciates the many good people that he's met in this church and he knows there's quite a few more so please introduce yourself if you haven't met him. 

Judy and Steve Kaatz

Judy grew up in Missouri. She was encouraged to travel starting with a Walther League trip to the New York World's Fair when she was 13. Travel has continued to be a part of her life.

She met Steve when he became a coworker at a Lutheran agency in the Chicago area.

Judy and Steve have a daughter (Texas - six grandchildren) and a son (Minnetonka) and have had 11 different residences in four states and overseas.

Judy reads, sews, knits, volunteers and takes care of things.

Steve, like Judy is a cradle Lutheran - from Wisconsin.

Steve has always been in education, including 2 1/2 years in Japan and 3 years in Hong Kong. Most recently at Bethel University training special education teachers. He is enjoying retirement. Is interested in travel, history, reading, book clubs and museums.

Steve and Judy were drawn to Resurrection by the liturgical service. Also love the music and the friendly congregation.

The Tengwall Friesen-Carper Family

Andrew Tengwall: Andrew is an ELCA pastor currently serving as interim pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom, MN. He’s married to Pastor Sarah Friesen-Carper. He enjoys announcing Roller Derby under the name Reverend Killjoy.

Micah Friesen-Carper: Micah is currently a sixth-grade student at Capitol Hill Middle School. He is a member of the Minnesota Boy Choir and enjoys reading and playing computer games.

Stellan Friesen-Carper: Stellan is currently in first grade at Cornerstone Montessori. He loves to read Dogman books and play with Legos. 

Wait...aren't there a few more?

Yes! Tune in next time (which we promise will be soon) to meet more of our new members!