Mark Vinge, Senior Pastor
Gretchen Rode, Associate Pastor
After growing up in Northfield Minnesota, I left the land of Cows, Colleges, and Contentment for Vassar College in upstate New York. After graduation, with a degree in biology and Latin American studies, I traveled to Concepcion, Chile with an organization called WorldTeach. When I returned to the States, I pursued my love of teaching at two KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) charter schools in California, teaching 6th and 7th graders about the wonders of plate tectonics as well as the structure of DNA. I became very involved in University Lutheran Chapel of Berkeley and with that congregation, I led a delegation to our sister synod of El Salvador where I fell in love with church, advocacy, and the deep relationships that are grown through faith. I returned to the Bay Area to study at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and received my Master’s in Divinity in 2014. Along the way, I met my wife while we were both working as chaplains at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital and, subsequently, was the Vicar at Trinity Lutheran Church on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I love salsa dancing, watching cooking competitions shows, reading young adult fiction, and going on long road trips. My wife, Jill, is a pastor at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul and we live happily with our pup, Petunia, in Minneapolis.
George Brooke, Director of Music
From the Quad Cities to the Twin Cities. George Brooke comes to us from Bettendorf, Iowa. He started out his career as a church musician in Rock Island,Illinois as he settled into the Quad Cities area. In his last church position he was organist, director of choirs and handbells and will be assuming those responsibilities with us as well. He was in that congregation for almost twenty years. He was also a teacher in the public school system in Moline during that tenure. George received his Bachelor of Music Education from Augustana College, Rock Island, with and emphasis in keyboard performance and church music. He also has a Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado and has also pursued advanced studies at other schools including Drake University. We are glad to have George and his wife, Linda, with us sharing life and faith and music.
Gorden C. Aune Jr., Administrative Assistant
I was born on the other side of the pond, England, while my Dad was serving in the Air Force. By the time I was two years old, we were residing in Inver Grove Heights. I grew up in the St. Paul area. In the early 90s, I migrated across the river to Minneapolis. I have been married for over 20 years and have three grown children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.After graduating from Inver Hills Community College, I have used my Accounting Degree in a variety of positions throughout the years as mainly an Office Manager. Primarily as a payroll/office manager with the automotive industry. When I am not volunteering for the city of Brooklyn Park or volunteering as Secretary/Treasurer of the Masonic Motorcycle Club Minnesota Chapter #24, my lovely wife, Marie and I enjoy exploring the State of Minnesota on our Harley.