Our Staff

Rev. Sarah Rohde

Lead Pastor (she/her)

s.rohde@graceofav.org

I began my ministry at Grace in October 2022. What drew me to Grace was the passion I found here for meaningful worship, caring community, and expansive welcome. I grew up in Sioux Falls, SD and New Ulm, MN; I did my undergraduate studies at Concordia College and my seminary formation at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Prior to arriving at Grace, I served as pastor in St. Charles, IL for ten years. I share life with my husband, Andrew, and our two sons, Benjamin and Owen. Alongside pastoring and parenting, I find great joy in hammock naps (especially on Sunday afternoons!), sourdough bread, hand-written cards, and meals shared with others.

Rev. Reed Fowler

Associate Pastor (he/they)

r.fowler@graceofav.org

I have been the Associate Pastor at Grace since October 2023. Prior to serving in this community, I attended seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, a few years after completing my undergraduate theater degree at NYU Abu Dhabi. It is such a gift to grow in faith alongside this congregation and the wider community, as we journey together in moments of joy, grief, and change. My spouse and I (plus our cats and dog) live in an LGBTQIA+ centered housing cooperative in St. Paul. I love to garden, create textile art, and read.

Lisa Sampson

Director of Faith Formation (she/her)

l.sampson@graceofav.org

I was called to Grace in August of 2021 after serving several congregations across the Twin Cities for the past 25 years. I grew up in Duluth and attended UMD with an education degree and recently earned a Master of Arts in Leadership and Innovation from Luther Seminary. I am a curriculum writer and trainer/presenter for GenOn Ministries, and serve on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Synod CYF Leadership Team. My partner, Mike and I live in Ramsey, MN. Between us we have five adult children and two grandchildren. In my free time I love to travel, read novels, make quilts, and I do Wordle every day!

  • Lisa Wolf

    Director of Church Operations (she/her)
    l.wolf@graceofav.org

    I began my role as Director of Church Operations in October 2023 but Grace is not new to me as I have been a member since 1996. Through the years I have served on several committees and have become especially involved in the Guatemala ministry. I grew up in New Ulm, MN and moved to the Twin Cities area after graduating from college at Mankato State. I now live in Farmington. My family includes two grown daughters. During the winter months, I spend time reading and crocheting but once the weather warms up I like to be outside in my flower gardens and take my dogs for a walk.

  • Payton Henderson

    Custodian (he/him)

    p.henderson@graceofav.org

    Prior to working at Grace, I worked as a custodian for the Farmington school district. I grew up in Apple Valley, but currently live in Inver Grove Heights. I am a student at Inver Hills Community College finishing up my generals, then will pursue a degree in Human Resource Development. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, reading books, and playing with my baby niece, Parker.

  • Mary Culbertson

    Office Administrator (she/her)

    m.culbertson@graceofav.org

    For a number of years, I have worked in the communications, marketing and customer service fields. The best part of all of my jobs has been the chance to help others. My husband Robert and I live in Eagan. We have a cabin in Danbury, WI, and enjoy hosting family and friends on the weekends. I am an avid reader and love spending time with my nieces and nephew. I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the staff at Grace Lutheran Church! Everyone I have met so far has been so warm and welcoming and I look forward to meeting you all. Please stop by and introduce yourself!

  • Sheryl Vande Kamp

    Organist (she/her)

    Sheryl has lived in Minnesota for over 20 years and has been an active musician in the south metro community. She lives in Lakeville with her husband. Her son Logan lives in Ortonville, Minnesota, and her daughter Bronwyn attends Bethel University in Arden Hills. In her free time Sheryl loves walking at many of the State and regional parks. Her family also enjoys an annual trip to the cabin near Ottertail.

  • Steve Boehlke

    Music Director (he/him)

    I began working with the music program at Grace in the fall of 1985. During that time, I was also the Director of Choral Activities at Rosemount High School. I retired from ISD 196 in 2000, having taught choral music for 35 years. Since my retirement, I formed and serve as the Artistic Director of the Minnesota Valley Men’s Chorale, a community men’s choir in the south metro area. I enjoy golf and fishing, whenever possible. I enjoy the people of Grace and the support I have found here.

  • Eric Rasmus

    Building & Grounds, Audio/Tech (he/him)

Meet our Church Council here!