August 7, 2026
Dear church,
I am very excited to share with you that we have hired a new Music Ministry Co-Director! His name is Noah Stremmel and he will be joining us at Grace in late August. Noah is a pianist, composer, and choral director. He also plays saxophone and guitar. He grew up in a Lutheran church in South Dakota; his mother was a church musician, so from a very young age, Noah has experienced the power of participating in music ministry. As a search team, we were drawn to Noah’s warmth, maturity, and musical ability. We are also excited for the way Noah’s gifts for composing and arranging will serve our vision of continuing to expand musical participation in worship. Noah demonstrates an eagerness to learn and grow among us, in faith and in leadership, and that excites us, too.
I’m very grateful for the faithful and hard work of the search team, for their generous contributions of time, thought, and discernment: Judy Dehnel, Lee Hallstrom, Erik Shinker, Marit Appeldoorn, Stesha Dunker, and Sheryl Vande Kamp. Please thank them when you see them!
Below you can see the note that Noah has sent the congregation, along with a photo. He is very excited to join us in music-making and in ministry!
With gratitude for what has been, and hope for what is yet to be,
Pastor Sarah
Greetings, Grace Lutheran! I am so excited to join this church community and support the congregation through music ministry. I am originally from Brookings, SD, but recently graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where I studied music composition and computer science. In college, I played saxophone in the St. Olaf Band, participated in chamber ensembles, and worked as a collaborative pianist. Over the past few years, I’ve developed a passion for musical theater and have enjoyed directing music and conducting pit orchestras for theater organizations around the Midwest. Outside of my musical endeavors, I enjoy spending time outdoors and reading and writing poetry. I look forward to meeting all of you, making music together, and growing in faith.
~ Noah Stremmel