Senior Pastor - Eric Luedtke
eluedtke@hoplc.org (612) 866-8471 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).
Interim Director of Liturgical Worship / Organist - Tim Buendorf
music@hoplc.org 612-866-8471 ext. 7
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. 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.
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!
RALY Director
(Richfield Area Lutheran Youth)
Rachel Larson
rlarson@hoplc.org (612) 866-8449 ext. 6
My name is Rachel (she/her) and I am delighted to join this community as the RALY Director.
I grew up in Eagan and attended Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul for most of my life. I sang in choir, played handbells, and helped with Sunday School which all filled my heart. I went to Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter and studied Communication Studies, Music, and Religion while serving in chapel ministry, choir, and The Gustavus Academy for Faith, Science, and Ethics. The Academy still inspires my love for youth ministry and how we explore and explain our faith in dialogue with the world.
I spent a year in Baltimore, Maryland, working at Healthcare for the Homeless through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, where I discerned the call to go to seminary. I returned home and got my Master of Arts from Luther Seminary with a concentration in justice and reconciliation. My thesis was a case study of The Last of Us Part II and how it represents organized religion's reactions to crises, especially LGBTQ+ people's faith adaptation with and without discrimination. I spent a year with National Lutheran Communities and Services, where I learned about grant writing and fundraising, before being drawn back to the church and finding Woodlake and House of Prayer.
In my free time, I will probably be playing cribbage with my family, crocheting, or camping. I've lived in South Minneapolis the past 4 years with my cat, Sammy.
Financial Administrator - Sara Barnaby
accounting@hoplc.org (612) 866-8471 ext. 4
I have been around House of Prayer since 2018, at first just worship, then the Pastor’s Tuesday Bible study then in 2022 joining with my husband. I generally go to the 11:00 worship service, but I need a traditional worship fix now and again. I have been involved (usually with my husband) with serving coffee after 11:00 worship, the Fall Festival book sale, maintaining the little libraries outside and in the basement, washing dishes for funerals and an assortment of other small activities. I am the most current past Treasurer for House of Prayer. For 25 plus years I have provided accounting services to small business, non-profits and churches. In 2021, I attempted to retire from that life to make and sell games. It did not work. I look forward to helping transition to a unified church of House of Prayer and Woodlake. See you at coffee on Sunday!
Mary Weaver - Administrative Assistant
mweaver@hoplc.org 612-866-8471
I’m pleased to be in my position at House of Prayer. I’ve been here for a little more than 4 years now, and have experienced the annual traditions of the church life, as well as many changes that continue today, with the intent being to strengthen our relationships with the community, and an increased focus on the unification of House of Prayer and Woodlake.
During my free time, I spend time with my dog, Bella, and I have 2 young grandchildren that I’m watching grow into fabulous little girls. They belong to my son and his wife, while my daughter is driving a semi around the North Carolina area of the U.S.
Building Engineer - Tom Flood
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.
Financial Administrator - Patti Benson
accounting@hoplc.org 612-866-8471 ext. 4
I enjoy working with the House of Prayer community and helping to share insights behind the numbers. My background includes financial management for small businesses, nonprofits, and experience with larger organizations including Target and a federal regulatory agency. These roles have helped me build a strong foundation in financial stewardship. My husband Steve and I call Chanhassen home, and we have two sons who we love to visit in their home cities of Rochester, MN and Portland, OR. On weekends, you’ll usually find us up on the north shore—hiking, watching the waves roll in, checking out new foodie spots and hanging out at our favorite breweries. It’s one of our much-loved ways to relax and recharge.
Director HOP Brass - Nathan Orcutt
I grew up in Bloomington where I attended Jefferson High School, and it was through the Bloomington music programs that I learned I wanted to spend the rest of my life leading ensembles and inspiring musicians young and old. Here at House of Prayer I spend my time working with the Brass ensemble and Wind Ensemble, and will occasionally be seen on the organ. Members of my family (The Roots) have been members of house of prayer since the 1960s, and my grandma Loretta participated in both the Handbell and Vocal Choirs. I am Grateful to my House of Prayer connections and mentors who have brought me back to this space as a performer.
Outside of HOP I am a music Education student at the University of Minnesota. There I am on the Drumline, and play percussion in the University Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, and have been featured by the bands as both a Vocalist and Accordion player. When I'm not doing music related things, I try to stay outside and active on my bike, kayak, or feet.
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.
Office/Finance Assistant - Jill Larson
volunteer@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!
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.