Our Team
Our Pastors
Rev. Sarah Brouwer she/her
Lead Minister | sarahbrouwer@spucconsummit.org
Rev. Sarah Brouwer began her ministry with us in January 2021. Sarah is an ordained Presbyterian PC(USA) minister with dual standing in the United Church of Christ. Previous to St. Paul’s UCC, Sarah was the Associate Pastor for Congregational Life at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. Sarah has also served as Associate Pastor for Member Care at Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, MO, and as a Lake Fellow in Parish Ministry at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, IN (a validated ministry through the Lilly Endowment). A graduate of Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Sarah is the recipient of the A.E. Hanson Prize in Preaching.
During Sarah’s five-and-a-half years at Westminster, she led the communications team, developed a new worshiping community that grew with creativity and an emphasis on the arts, and served on the team that started a spinoff of the popular Westminster Town Hall Forum, called TownTalks. Sarah is passionate about racial and environmental justice, worship and the arts, inclusivity for all, and discerning God’s future for the Church.
Sarah belongs to a peer group of ministers from across the nation who provide collegial and preaching support. She is also married with two young children, enjoys running, and being with family and friends.
Rev. Eli’jah Carroll he/him
Associate Minister | elijah@spucconsummit.org
Rev. Eli’jah Carroll comes to us most recently from Mayflower Congregational Church (UCC) in Minneapolis, where he served as the Director of Faith Formation for a robust children, youth and families program. He earned a Master’s Degree of Divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA, and has a degree in Music and English from University of St. Thomas in Houston, TX. As church ministry is his second vocation, he has held a wide variety of positions from stage management in regional theatre, opera, and ballet to direction of a church handbell choir, to leading another congregation in the dramatic arts. He currently resides in Minneapolis with his two four-legged children, Bianca and Archie.
Our Staff
Melissa Birch she/her
Business & Facilities Manager | melissa@spucconsummit.org
Melissa Birch has worked as a property professional and landscape gardener in the Twin Cities for more than 20 years. She is also a mid-career performing artist, vocalist and live arts director whose work has been produced and reproduced throughout the Twin Cities, New York, and other urban and virtual venues since 1993.
Jennifer Harris she/her
Communications Coordinator | jennifer@spucconsummit.org
Jennifer joined our staff in August 2021. She has over 10 years of communications experience - both at local and national non-profits and faith communities. She has more than a decade of fundraising and development experience, as well as project management and office administration. Jennifer loves gardening, art, and most things creative. She lives in South Minneapolis with her husband and two daughters. Jennifer is happy to be a part of the St. Paul’s community and the mission of welcoming all and working towards justice for all.
Judith Melander she/her
Director of Music | judith@SPUCConSummit.org
Judith Melander (she/her) has worked at 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 and djembe drum, and generally directs all things musical at St. Paul's UCC. She also leads the 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 isn't pursuing musical interests, Judith enjoys spending time outdoors, reading mysteries, and experimenting in the kitchen.
Geoff Olson he/him
Organist | golson1039@comcast.net
Geoff Olson (he/him) has been the Organist at St. Paul's UCC since 1986. He’s been a church organist since he was a teenager and has served several churches in that capacity. After retiring from a career as a city planner several years ago, Geoff went back to school to complete a degree in organ performance at the University of Minnesota. He enjoys playing at St. Paul's because of the UCC heritage, the friendly congregation, their appreciation for good music, a fine organ, and a beautiful worship space. Geoff notes that "I have been here long enough now that I'm 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.
Joan Rahlf she/her
Hospitality Steward
Joan joined staff December 2022 after retiring from Securian Financial. She was born and raised right here in St. Paul, MN - Macalester and Groveland. She grew up spending summers at camp - taught swimming and canoeing, and traveled the Boundary Waters often. She has two grown children, both boys, along with two grandchildren - a 2 year old grandson, and 14 year old granddaughter. She is happy to be here at St. Paul's UCC as our Hospitality Steward, creating community, preparing snacks for fellowship hour after worship each Sunday, and for special occasions such as funerals and weddings.
Matt Wagner he/him
Building Technician
I have been working in the building maintenance field for 20 plus years. I hold a 1st C boilers license and have my universal refrigeration license. I am always looking for ways to conserve and save money while also making a comfortable work space. In my free time enjoy spending time with my family. We go up to the cabin in Spooner Wi. Enjoy time in the woods and on the lake. I enjoy watching my youngest play hockey and baseball. I also enjoy trying new restaurants with my wife.
*Thank you Katie Koranda (Koranda Lab) for our great staff photos!