Meet Our Staff

Program Ministry Staff:

Norma Rae Hunt, Lead Minister

Rev. Norma Rae Hunt began ministry with St. Paul's UCC in December 2007. Previously she served several UCC congregations as well as briefly in campus ministry at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College. Norma Rae also served in conference staff work, and seminary administration at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. At St. Paul's UCC, Norma Rae loves the intergenerational mix of the congregation (newborns to 102!) and she also appreciates the supportive energy of members as we offer greater variety in worship, faith formation and outreach. She was recently awarded the Leysath Award for excellence in ministry given to a woman minister by the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. Beyond work and family, Norma Rae enjoys: working with clay, (wheel and hand-building), guitar-playing, meditative drumming and favors dogs!  To contact Norma Rae, please either call the church at 651-224-5809 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Clare Gromoll, Student Minister

Clare became Student Minister at St. Paul’s UCC in August of 2012. She is a student at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and served as a seminary intern at St. Paul’s UCC in 2011-2012. Prior to discerning a call to ordained ministry, Clare worked in year-round outdoor ministry and as a bilingual elementary school teacher. At St. Paul’s UCC, Clare partners with the Ministry of Faith Formation to support faith vitality for people of all ages; she partners with the Ministry of Belonging and Community to support fellowship and small group ministry; and she collaborates with the lead minister in providing pastoral leadership for worship and other aspects of the congregation’s life as an inclusive community. Beyond church and seminary studies, Clare enjoys daily walks with her dog, reading fiction, and taking in live music. To contact Clare, please either call the church at 651-224-5809 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kay Welsch, Visitation Minister.

Rev. Kay Welsch has returned to St. Paul's UCC as Visitation Minister after first serving here over 20 years ago, as a student intern and later as interim associate minister. In between then and now Kay served as an interim minister in many different settings and in different denominations, and has also done conference staff work. She says: "Returning to St. Paul's as a visitation minister has been a lot like coming home." Kay loves this ministry, connecting with parishioners from years past and getting to know new ones. In her spare time, she writes poetry, enjoys old films, tries out new recipes (some successful, some not) and still loves to play old hymns on her accordion (which she understands is making a comeback).

Judith Melander, Director of Music

Judith Melander has worked for St. Paul's UCC since 1997, first as the alto soloist for the Sanctuary Choir, and later taking the position of Director of Music in 2001. Judith directs the Sanctuary Choir, sings solos, plays the hammered dulcimer, djembe drum, and generally directs all things musical at St. Paul's UCC. She also leads the newly formed Evensong Ensemble, a group consisting of folk harp, hammered dulcimer, cello, viola, and violin. An active teacher and performer in the Twin Cities, Judith has appeared on stage with the Minnesota Opera, and as a featured soloist with both the Oratorio Society of Minnesota and the Kenwood Symphony Orchestra. Judith holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Minnesota. When she is not pursuing musical interests, Judith enjoys spending time outdoors, reading mysteries and experimenting in the kitchen.  Judith may be contacted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Geoff Olson, Organist

Geoff Olson has been the Organist at St. Paul's UCC since 1986 and previously served as organist to several other churches, Geoff has been a church organist since he was a teenager. After retiring from a career as a city planner several years ago, Geoff has gone back to school to complete a degree in organ performance at the University of Minnesota. He enjoys playing at St. Paul's church because of the UCC heritage, the friendly congregation, their appreciation for good music, a fine organ, and a beautiful worship space. Geoff noted that "I have been here long enough now that I am playing at the weddings of young people who I remember being baptized at the church." In addition to playing the organ, Geoff plays racquetball regularly and enjoys time with his wife, friends, and family.

Tija H. L. Rahoelikajina, Explorers Nursery Director

Tija joined the St Paul’s UCC staff in May of 2013. She is currently a Master of Arts student at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities with a concentration in Justice and Peace studies. Growing up in a big family in Madagascar, she enjoyed taking care of her younger siblings. After graduating with a B.A. in Marketing, Tija moved to Minnesota with her husband. While pregnant with her son, she pursued a Child Development Associate degree for infants and toddlers. Tija has worked and volunteered in various schools, early childhood centers, and church settings. Her hobbies include reading to her son, singing, crafting, translating (Malagasy, French and English), swimming, and playing tennis. To contact Tija, please e-mail her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Administration and Support Staff:

Eric Nelson, Church Office Administrator

Eric joined the staff in March 2013. Outside his day job, he is a theatre artist and teacher, working with various theatre companies and arts groups in and around the Twin Cities. From 1989-2008, he served as a minister to UCC churches in Connecticut and Minnesota before moving to London for three years of preparation in physical theatre. His favorite pastimes include cycling, going to movies, and baseball. Eric and his partner live in Southeast Minneapolis with their friendly Golden Retriever.

Roger Brown, Custodian and Church Chef

Roger Brown joined the staff of St. Paul's UCC several years ago and has supported our ministry in several ways. He has been a chef for over 30 years. "We're lucky to have Roger's culinary talents in service of our ministry programs", writes Norma Rae Hunt. She goes on "Those of us who have enjoyed Roger's artisan bread, State Fair Award winning jam and regular great food on Wednesday evenings, know a good chef when we taste his food." Prior to St. Paul's UCC, Roger worked all over the Upper Midwest and Western USA. Roger likes: working here at St. Paul's UCC with the congregation as well as the St. Paul's Childhood Center staff. He also enjoys: reading, music, biking, skiing, and hiking

Antonio Mata, Building Engineer

Antonio Mata joined the staff of St. Paul's UCC in May of 2007. He works as a building engineer helping maintain a large sanctuary, meeting space and an educational wing where the St. Paul's Childhood Center resides. The other part of his work life involves teaching music. Antonio began studying music at the age of 15 at the Modern Academy of Music in Juarez, Mexico. Antonio teaches drum lessons and plays for dances, churches and special events. This past May Antonio accompanied a choral group for a music festival at Orchestra Hall. His favorite music is jazz and he enjoys the challenge of playing symphonic music.