Senior Pastor - Eric Luedtke
eluedtke@hoplc.org (612)-8471 ext. 2
I’m a Minnesota native who has served congregations in California, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Minnesota since graduating from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California in 2010. In each of these settings, I’ve sought to connect the congregations I serve with the community they are located in. Before my call to ordination, I traveled with Music Ministry teams throughout the United States, Australia and New Zealand and worked in a variety of industries including radio broadcasting, customer service, event planning, and infomercial logistics - all of which have helped prepare me for the daily diversity of life as a pastor. With a love of learning and experiencing different cultures through travel, I stay grounded doing odd jobs around his house, creating meals for my family - wife Stephanie, children Kai and Elena - and watching hockey any chance I get.
Minister of Congregational Care
Pastor Korla Masters
kmasters@hoplc.org 612-866-8471, ext. 5
I'm a child of Minneapolis, formed by communities here as well as in St. Louis, Detroit, and a small community in El Salvador that have been my home over the years. My roots are in Eastern Tennessee and Northwestern Minnesota. Here in town I've served both in the distant exurbs and in a congregation about twelve feet outside downtown.
I have worked in church in some form or fashion for a decade, with political work sprinkled here and there throughout my life. I believe that our faith shapes how we show up in public places and in the private moments of our shared lives.
When I'm not visiting HOP folks, I share in leading worship, bible study, and nurturing the community relationships that foster a sense of belonging within the wider Richfield community. I'm dedicated to journeying with you in your life of faith and curiosity.
And when I'm not at work, I am probably reading, walking near water, under a pile of dogs, or (in the summer) losing at sand volleyball and having a blast doing so.
Director of Administration -
Cara Wright
cwright@hoplc.org (612) 866-8471 ext. 3
I'm a planner and an organizer... and am very blessed to be able to put my skills to good use in this energetic, welcoming, and faith-filled community! I grew up at House of Prayer and have held leadership roles in the congregation. I find that every day at HOP brings new challenges, opportunities, and relationships. My husband, Scott and I met at Gustavus Adolphus College where we both majored in Business Management. We have two awesome daughters, Chloe (& wife Samantha) and Caity (& fiancé James). I worked in Finance and Human Resources at Northwest/Delta Airlines and General Mills managing Retirement Plans before coming to HOP. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering (HOP / American Swedish Institute / Gustavus Adolphus College), travel, essential oils, and being a Segway tour guide for HumanOnAStick, (historical tours of Mpls / St. Paul).
Director of Liturgical Worship -
Dr. Roselyn Hanson Weber
rhansonweber@hoplc.org (612) 866-8471 ext. 7
I am excited to be a part of the Worship Ministry team at House of Prayer, serving as Director of Liturgical Worship and leading the Adult and Handbell Choirs. I have had the privilege to serve several congregations over the years, including positions in Connecticut, Texas, Norway, and the Twin Cities area. I love to share and lead both vocal and instrumental music, and to integrate our rich body of hymnody, liturgy, and supplemental music in creating meaningful, praise-filled worship. My husband, Phil, and I are blessed with three wonderful children, two of whom are now married. Our youngest daughter and our family pets keep us busy and active with high school activities and lots of time outdoors in nature, my favorite place to be. Being a native Minnesotan, I learned to enjoy and continue to pursue skiing, ice skating, and winter hiking. I also enjoy teaching piano and voice lessons, baking, cooking, gardening, playing tennis, hiking, and biking. As a family, we enjoy keeping up with our friends in Scandinavia and try to maintain our Norwegian language skills, after having the privilege of living, working, and raising our kids in Telemark, Norway from 2007-2012.
ReFuel Worship Leader -
Josh Countryman
My name is Josh Countryman, and I am excited to be House of Prayer's ReFuel worship leader. I and my wife Amy are proud parents of 3 kids and a puppy. I’ve been a music teacher for more than 20 years, and I’m currently teaching at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights. In addition to teaching, I am also a performing musician, singing in a local band and in the choral ensemble Kantorei. Previously I was part of the music ministry every Sunday at Richfield United Methodist Church and am glad to have found the opportunity to take a more active role in worship. Music is how I pray and connect to God, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to make music with the members of House of Prayer. God bless!
Interim RALY Director
(Richfield Area Lutheran Youth)
Pastor Neal Cannon
ncannon@woodlakechurch.org (612) 866-8449 ext. 7
Open Position - Click Here for the Position Description and details to apply.
I'm thrilled to be serving as Interim RALY Director for House of Prayer and Woodlake Lutheran Church. From 2006-2012 I worked as a middle school youth director at Roseville Lutheran Church in Roseville, MN at which point I began to feel a call towards ordained ministry. From there, I attended Luther Seminary, received a pastoral call at Christ Lutheran Church in Rockford Illinois, and have since come to Woodlake & House of Prayer with a call in youth ministry. My wife, Mary, and I have three boys, Noah, Miles, and Lucas who love sports, wrestling, reading, and tackling their dad when he comes home from work! When we have “free time” we love to watch the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, be in nature, and relax with a good show.
Financial Administrator - Patti Benson
pbenson@hoplc.org (612) 866-8471, ext. 4
I am really excited to be part of HOP's team! I've worked with several other non-profits and small businesses in finance and administrative roles, and enjoy using my finance degree background. Though my roots are in South Dakota, I became a Minnesotan transplant after attending MSU, Moorhead and moving to the Twin Cities. My husband Steve and I met at our first job, and we've raised two amazing boys, Eric and Ryan. Filling my leisure time are walks with my quirky dog, Trever, playing guitar, binge-watching Netflix, and finding stealthy ways to get my family to eat nutritious, difficult-to-pronounce grains (hello, quinoa!). We also travel up to Lake Superior every chance we get. It’s my favorite place - I love that the lake feels like the ocean, and I’m so conveniently close to goodies at Betty’s Pies (any pie = good day).
Administrative Assistant -
Mary Weaver
mweaver@hoplc.org (612) 866-8471, ext 1
I am excited to be part of House of Prayer’s team! I work as the Administrative Assistant in the front office during the week. I grew up in Bloomington, and after raising my kids in the Apple Valley/Rosemount area, I moved to Forest Lake, where I spent 12 years, before returning to the southern metro area and landing back in Bloomington in August of 2021. I have a son who lives not far from here in Richfield. He is married and has 2 children, my granddaughters Ellie and Evie. My daughter is an over-the-road truck driver and lives in North Carolina.
Organist Emeritus - Jon Kietzer
Steve Pierson - Maintenance Engineer
stevepierson56@hotmail.com 612-508-6085
I’ve been a member of HOP since 1988. I taught Sunday School, worked with youth in the youth programs (whether it was mentoring; driving for events like Moonlight Madness and mission trips or Habitat for Humanity). I’ve also been heavily involved with scouts both at Diamond Lake Lutheran and then later at HOP. I work as a toolmaker and am busy remodeling my house in Minneapolis. I just bought a 21’ travel trailer and have started taking my two grandkids to see all the National and State parks across the U.S. I started working as a hotel houseman when I was a teenager and cleaned professionally for my uncle and now, ironically, in retirement will be cleaning and repairing stuff at HOP. Life is strange sometimes. I’m looking forward to helping out.
Director of Preschool - Nicole Olson
nolson@hoplc.org 612-866-8471, ext 6
I’m thrilled to be at HoPP as Director and Lead Teacher! I’ve been in the education world for over 17 years now and earned my B.A. from the University of Minnesota in Elementary Education and my M.Ed. from Loyola University. I also hold a Minnesota State teaching license for grades K-8 and an advanced AMI Montessori diploma for ages 2.5-6+ years. I’ve worked in several settings, including administration and Montessori classrooms for ages 6 weeks up to 15 years, as well as public school elementary classrooms. I live in Richfield with my daughter Audrey, my son Myer, my husband Zack, my dog Elvis, and our crested gecko Prince.
Office Assistant - Jill Larson
volunteer01@hoplc.org 612-866-8471
Our family joined House of Prayer in 1983, and I am blessed to be part of this wonderful and welcoming congregation. When asked if I would consider helping the staff as an Office Assistant, I jumped at the chance. Over the years I have been active at HOP; in the choir for 36 years, as Congregational President, Simple Supper Coordinator, Music School teacher, as well as serving currently on the HOP Foundation. I have office/computer skills that I acquired during my many years in the workforce that make me a good fit to work in the Office. Plus it is fun! I have 2 adult children and 5 grandkids that I love spending time with. I’m never at a loss for watching them playing hockey, baseball, softball, volleyball and basketball. I’m blessed in so many ways!
Part-time Organist - Tim Buendorf
I’m Tim Buendorf and have been an active church musician in the Twin Cities for over 30 years. Prior to my time in Minnesota, I served congregations in Florida, Connecticut, and Illinois. I studied organ and liturgy at Gustavus Adolphus College and Yale University. In addition to music, I work full-time in technology. For many years I was a software engineer at Exact Software and am currently a software development manager with SPS Commerce. I live in Minnetonka with my wife, Stephanie, and son, Max.
Custodial Services - Rosemary Kusnier
My name is Rosemary Kusnier and I am the Custodial Assistant. House of Prayer is a community I have found myself returning to often. I grew up at HOP attending Scout meetings, dancing with Just For Kix, and participating in VBS and the youth group. I now hope to help maintain cleanliness throughout the building. I enjoy the outdoors, animals, and making art in many forms. I look forward to meeting you, please say hello!
Whitney Keller - Aide (morning)
I have two kids Zoey and Charlie who attended HoPP for three years. We live in Richfield and love being outdoors and like to spend our summers camping, at the cabin or at Richfield Pool. I grew up in Burnsville and attended Concordia University St. Paul where I played soccer. I am currently also working with CSC Sports as the soccer coordinator and am beginning to dive into the world of teaching. I love working with children!
Audio Technician - Ethan Alberg
ethanalberg@gmail.com 612-866-8471
I’m Ethan Alberg. I have a degree in Music Technology from Capital University in Columbus, OH, and have experience in AV software, recording studios, and sound engineering. I will be at the sound boards in the sanctuary and Parish Hall on Sunday mornings for both the liturgical and ReFuel worship services. I’ll be around for special services and events as my schedule permits.
Building Engineer - Tom Flood
tflood@hoplc.org 612-866-8471
My name is Tom Flood. I was the Facilities Manager at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Richfield from November 2013 until my retirement in April 2020. I have over 20 years of facility management expertise, previously working at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church and United Theological Seminary. I served as chair of the Richfield Public School Board and helped with the reconfiguration of the Richfield public schools. I graduated from Moorhead State University and spent 13 years teaching and coaching in private K-12 schools. My wife, Pam, and I have three adult children Garret, Bryan, and Shannon. We are avid walkers and fitness enthusiasts who enjoy history and travel. We reside in Richfield and have been members of St. Richard's Catholic Church for over 30 years.
Custodial Services - Alex Detourniel-Garay
I’m Alex and I work on weekends at House of Prayer keeping things clean. I’m here late at night when everything is quiet and peaceful. It’s a great place to work and I really enjoy my job.