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!

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.

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.

John Burrell, Children's Ministry Coordinator

John Burrell joined the St. Paul UCC staff in August 2009. Before coming here, he spent four years teaching Sunday School at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Minneapolis. John's background includes two years of AmeriCorps service, one year working at an Outdoor Education Center near Houston, TX, and one summer working for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Currently he is back in school at Hamline University to earn his M.A. in education (chemistry teaching certification). John has a passion for young people. He enjoys seeing them begin to take on new roles and experiences that they'll continue to hold on to later in life. John is a voracious reader, is doing volunteer work with the Maplewood Nature Center this winter, and enjoys the Minnesota Twins.

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).

Maxine Johns, Parish Nurse

Maxine Johns joined the staff of St. Paul's UCC. in March 2009. Maxine is a registered nurse with almost three decades of experience in a variety of clinical settings including intensive care. Maxine is a licensed minister and has done local and overseas missions. She has completed study in theology as well as the Parish Nurse Certification Program. Maxine supports our ministry by serving the needs of members, offering individual and family support in coordination with the lead minister and visitation pastor. Maxine facilitates educational forums/workshops on subjects related to health and wholeness through the ministry of the Health Committee at St. Paul's UCC. Beyond work and family, Maxine enjoys reading, taking piano lessons and loves the arts, especially music and theater.

Support Staff:

Tami Heart, Administrative and Facility Coordinator

Tami Heart has been involved with administrative, marketing, and non-profits for over 25 years. She has been employed at St. Paul's UCC since 2005 and has been a realtor for over 12 years. In 2008, Tami began a non-profit called Footprints In Need, delivering shoes to people locally and beyond, particularly Jamaica. Tami loves being around others who believe in God, and enjoys working with the staff and volunteers here at St Paul's UCC. Other interests include traveling, sailing, music, volunteer work, and maintaining her dog's social calendar.

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.