Name:Grant

Position:Director of Youth Ministries

E-Mail:grant@firstlutheranchurch.com

About:This Crazy Cat: Grant’s my name, youth group and confirmation (and LOTS more, too…) is my game! Wow, that was cheesy… I am the youth director here at FLC, and let me tell you, there’s nothing that I love more than hanging with you guys and gals, eating some ‘Za (that’s what we call pizza now… ya heard?!), and talking about faith in Christ. We’ve always got a ton of activities going on here; everything from movie nights, Bible studies, Breakfast Club, and TGIF, to weekly Confirmation, retreats, lock-ins (or outs!), dinners, and Earl’s Espresso!

Vision for First Lutheran Youth: My vision for the youth here at FLC is summed up in the hymn “May the Mind of Christ My Savior”:

May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day, By His love and power controlling all I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour, So that all may see I triumph only through his power.

May the peace of God my Father rule my life in everything, That I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me as the waters fill the sea; Him exalting, self abasing, this is victory.

May His beauty rest upon me as I seek the lost to win, And may they forget the channel, seeing only Him.

Grant in a nutshell: I like to read, watch movies (many, many movies…), hang at the lake, sing, whistle, chop wood, work on my lawn (my goal is to win a lawn contest, or something, someday…), watch football, hang out with Petra (my lovely wife-to-be), and in general have a hoppin’ good time!

Name:Beth

Position:Director of KidsFirst Preschool

E-Mail:bethg@firstlutheranchurch.com

About:Beth Gailfus is the director and teacher of the KidsFirst Preschool program that resides within First Lutheran Church. Beth coordinates the nine month program which includes daily lesson planning and direct teaching of preschool children. Under Beth’s leadership, KidsFirst has grown and expanded to provide a variety of learning experiences for up to 56 children each year.

The vision she has for the preschool program is to be able to touch many different families in the community and to provide quality early education that many parents are looking for.

Beth enjoys playing golf, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.

Name:Mary T

Position:Custodian

E-Mail:mary@firstlutheranchurch.com

About:

Name:Carol

Position:Parish Nurse

E-Mail:carol@firstlutheranchurch.com

About:

Name:Pastor Dave

Position:Worship and Administration

E-Mail:pastordave@firstlutheranchurch.com

About:Pastor Dave Peterson came to First Lutheran in 1993. Under Pastor Dave’s leadership First Lutheran has become a church that lives out its mission to "Open Doors to Life in Christ" by encouraging, supporting, leading, directing, and coaching those who have been given the vision and passion for each of the ministries we do in the name of Jesus. Prior to moving to Detroit Lakes in 1993, he served Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd, Minnesota for 9+ years.

"I’m excited about what God is doing in the hearts and lives of God’s people on an everyday basis. It is my hope and prayer that every person who comes to First Lutheran will experience the joy and peace that only Jesus can give. It is my vision that, as a church, every follower of Jesus will find their purpose and meaning in life as a servant of Jesus Christ. If you have an idea for a ministry that God has placed on your heart, I welcome the chance to visit, to pray, to discern, and to encourage as God leads us together."

In addition to leading the ministry of First Lutheran, Pastor Dave enjoys being with his family, playing the tuba, scuba diving, golf, biking, camping, woodworking...and the like!!

Name:Joy

Position:Director of Children’s Ministry

E-Mail:joy@firstlutheranchurch.com

About:Joy Peterson directs all of the children’s ministries at First Lutheran: Sunday School, Faith Friends, Vacation Bible School, Nursery care, FaithFriends and more. Children’s Ministries include all young ages through 5th grade.

Her Vision for Children’s Ministry at First Lutheran is to always be inviting and welcoming children and families in to the church. Also, teaching God’s Word through programs, activities and opportunities that are interactive, meaningful and fun. And, helping children grow in their relationship with Jesus and in their service to others.

Name:Judy

Position:Business Manager

E-Mail:judy@firstlutheranchurch.com

About:Judy Halbakken has been on staff at First Lutheran Church since October of 2001 and is currently serving as the Business Manager. Judy oversees the office, financial operations as along with the building and grounds.

Her vision is to maintain a warm, inviting and caring atmosphere at FLC by supporting and encouraging members and visitors as they grow in their own faith and reach out to others within our church family and those in our community.