Staff

Pastor Christoph Schmidt

pastor@gracehermantown.org

Pastor Christoph was called to serve Grace Lutheran in 2021. He loves being part of a warm, welcoming congregation that values good worship, faith development, hospitality, mission, and service. He also loves serving a congregation that hosts community meals and eats together.

Previously, Pastor Christoph served in a two-point parish in the oil patch of western North Dakota, and as a campus pastor for Lutheran Campus Ministry. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, the University of Washington, and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

When not pastoring, Pastor Christoph enjoys woodworking, exercise, music, and spending time with his wife, Taryn, and their four delightfully rambunctious children - Maggie, Rhoda, Peter, & Roland.

Office Administrator: Sue Boder

admin@gracehermantown.org


Sue joined Grace Lutheran’s staff in 2022. As Office Administrator she overseas all aspects of the parish. If you need anything or have any questions, please email admin@gracehermantown.org, call (218) 729-9054, or just stop by the office to say hello!

Sue’s office hours are Monday-Thursday, 9am-3pm.

Deacon Alex Theship-Rosales

deacon@gracehermantown.org


Deacon Alex joined the ministry at Grace in the summer of 2025. He sees hospitality, good humor, and sincere discipleship as defining characteristics of the congregation. As a Deacon, Alex feels especially called to ministry through service—connecting Grace’s children, youth, families, and adult congregants with ministry opportunities and relationships outside of the church building. Alex defines his call as one of serving creation; human and more-than-human together. He strives to promote environmental and climate justice through ministry.

You may see Deacon Alex cross country running, skiing, or biking round’ Hermantown—shopping at Duluth’s co-ops, exploring lakes and forests, or cooking a plant-based meal.

Congregation Council

Congregation Council

Executive Director: Ken McMillan

Vice Executive Director: Mark Munger

Secretary: Peggy Lipinski

Treasurer: Bob Lund, Jr.