Staff

I was born and raised in Galesburg, Illinois, about 150 miles southwest of Chicago. After finishing high school, I graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois with a double major in Psychology/Sociology. I then moved to Minnesota where I spent the next three years doing youth ministry, first in a congregation in Sacred Heart, and then at Green Lake Bible Camp in Spicer. After graduating from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, I served congregations in North Dakota, Illinois, and western Minnesota. My most recent call was at Trinity Lutheran Church in Watertown, on the western edge of the Twin Cities, where I served for the past ten years.I currently live in St. Paul with my wife, Susan, who is also a Lutheran pastor. My son and his wife live in Robbinsdale with their two children, ages 10 and 7. My daughter lives in San Diego with her husband and their two children, ages 6 and 4. In my spare time I enjoy exploring local neighborhoods, going for walks with my wife, and playing upright bass with my bluegrass band.As I look to the days ahead and consider the work of the council, staff, Transition Team, and congregation as a whole, I think of this passage from Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” I don’t know exactly what lies ahead for us, but I do know that we love God, that we have been called according toGod’s purpose, and that God will work everything together for good.

Bruce Hudson served in organist positions at congregations in the Los Angeles, California and Cleveland, Ohio areas. He is a full-time horn player with the Minnesota Orchestra, joining the orchestra in the 2011-2012 season. Previously, he was a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 2000-2011. A native of northeastern Ohio, he has performed and toured with the Cleveland Orchestra, and has been a member of several regional orchestras including the Toledo Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Akron Symphony, and Erie Philharmonic. He earned both Bachelor and Master’s degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and Case Western Reserve University and has been adjunct horn faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Case Western Reserve University, and at La Sierra University in Riverside, California.

I have been a member of Peace for the last 4 years. During that time, I have taught Sunday school, led the children’s music program and served on the Service and Mission Committee. I am pleased to expand my role at Peace as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator - we will learn, laugh and show God’s love in the coming months. I was born and raised as a Lutheran here in Minnesota, South Minneapolis to be exact. After attending Carthage College, the Lutheran college in Wisconsin; I continued to move East. My next stop was Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio for a Master’s in Museum Education - a shout out to John Sandness and Bruce Hudson, also alumni of that university. I ended up in coastal New Jersey when I married my husband, Jim. We lived in New Jersey for 40 years working and raising our 3 children, Sarah, Catherine and Andrew. I was busy in Nj raising our children while my husband traveled the world for his career. I was active in our local Lutheran Church -teaching, singing in choir, serving on church council and general all-around church member. I served on the Synod Council for New Jersey, chaired the Fiscal Management/Property Committee for the Synod and acted as the treasurer of Camp Crossroads, the camping ministry of the New Jersey Synod and the Diocese of the Episcopal Church of Newark. Ten years ago, we decided to move to Minneapolis in retirement. My parents, Bob and Ruth Carlson and my sister Marilyn Carlson were active members at Peace throughout their lives. My brother and sister-in-law, Mike Carlson and Tammy Divine along with myself are pleased to continue our family’s involvement.

I was born a Norwegian-Minnesotan and raised in the ELCA church.  After our marriage, my husband Jim and I lived in Arizona for 5 years and then moved back…once a Minnesotan, always a Minnesotan!I attended The College of St. Catherine for my undergraduate and the University of Phoenix for my MBA.  After working in the Healthcare industry for years, I began working at Peace in 2001. Peace is an outstanding community of people and I am very thankful to be here! Our family joined the Peace community in 1993.  My two adult children were baptized and confirmed at Peace.When not working, I enjoy travel, camping, reading, woodworking, sewing and my grandson!   Lori can be reached by calling the church office 952-944-6510,by using the phone icon below, or by email with the mail icon below.

My husband, son, and I joined Peace in 2009. My son was baptized at Peace and is now preparing to be confirmed. In the summer of 2014, I joined the staff at Peace when God's hand presented me with this perfect opportunity to apply my talents and serve Him and the members of Peace.I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College then embarked on 20+ years in the “Mad Men” world of Minneapolis advertising agencies.  In 2006, I changed gears and handled advertising sales for Midwest Home, a sister magazine to Minnesota Monthly.  A few years later, I  became an independent advertising professional with several small-business clients. In my spare time, I enjoy book club reading, travel, walking and hiking, cooking, spending weekends at our family cabin, and being a mom. Daina can be reached by calling the church office 952-944-6510,by using the phone icon below, or by email with the mail icon below.