Pastor
Kris Gorden
Pastor Kris Gorden came to Olivet in 1998, and was called to be Olivet’s Senior Pastor in January, 2017. Kris is excited to participate in God’s mission at Olivet. The greatest part of his calling is interacting with all ages and all different life situations. He sits on the Worship and Witness commission, as well as the Resource and Development commission. Kris and his wife Jill have two adult children. He enjoys fishing, hunting, the outdoors, guitar, drums, and mostly, spending time with family and friends.
Pastor
Bill Boelter
Bill Boelter was called to Olivet to focus on the 50+ age group. Hosts Friday Fellowship the first Friday of every month, Men’s Morning Musings the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, leads a Bible study every Thursday morning at 10:30 and leads worship services at many retirement centers in the area. Works with 9th grade confirmation. Leads trips during the summer and fall to various entertainment venues. Is married to Jeanette, who takes most of the pictures you see at Olivet. Has three children and six grandchildren. Enjoys music, reading and spending time with grandkids.
Pastor
Tiffany Sundeen
My name is Tiffany Jeske Sundeen and I serve as one of the pastors at Olivet. I married Batman (a.k.a. Bruce Wayne Sundeen) the same month I started at Olivet and it’s been an adventure ever since! I became a stepmom at the same time to Jacob and we also have two daughters, Rachel and Abby. The Gospel embodied in preaching, teaching, travel, peace, justice and prayer give me life…along with a strong cup of “church” coffee! My call deepens as I help people make connections between loving God and loving neighbor. I look forward to seeing you at Olivet! Blessings on your day.
Parish Nurse Coordinator
Brenda Bauer
Deaconess Brenda serves as the Parish Nurse and Health Coordinator at Olivet Lutheran. Brenda is a Consecrated Deaconess, Associate in Ministry of the ELCA, Registered Nurse and specialty in Faith Community Nursing. She has served in geriatric settings, public health, Lutheran Disaster Response, Hospice, and various faith communities settings. She has training in clinical pastoral education. Brenda is married to Tim Bauer who is a pastor and also is a counselor in chemical dependency. Brenda and Tim have two grown daughters: Leah who is in Scottsdale Arizona and Anna who is in Chicago, Illinois. Brenda in her free time loves to read, putz in her small gardens, and play her flute.
Lay Minister
Grant Vanderford
Grant Vanderford joined Olivet's staff in 2012 as Director of Youth Ministries. He served in that role until 2018 when he became Pastoral Intern, and currently serves as half-time Lay Minister as he works to complete the final semester of his Master of Divinity at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Grant is married to Petra (Larson) Vanderford and they have two amazing, bright, funny daughters, Selah and Ingrid. Grant likes spend time in the soil of the garden, in the sunshine, and on the water in a kayak.
One of his favorite scripture verses is found in Isaiah 43:1-3 But now thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Children, Youth & Family Ministry Director
Michelle Elness
Working with all ages of children is a passion of Michelle's. She has 3 children of her own. She and her husband, Bob, and enjoy spending any time they can with their kids and being at the lake with family. Michelle feels so fortunate to do what she loves and partner with parents in teaching God’s Love for all.
Associate Youth Director
Tyler Wright
Tyler joined us October 2019 as an Associate Director of Youth Ministry, and works in partnership with the youth team. Tyler helps program Breakfast Club, Sunday Night Live (SNL), the youth led worship team, confirmation, and youth trips. He enjoys talking with youth about faith, and the role it plays today in our world. He is engaged to a Diana, who is a youth director as well. The wedding date is set for 10/10/2020, at Luther Crest Bible Camp. He runs on disc golf, racquetball, cooking, guitar, singing, podcasts, and you guessed it, coffee.
Youth Ministry
Kaia Hassel
Kaia became a member of Olivet in April 2013. Her background in education lead her to start volunteering with the confirmation students. In 2017, an opportunity presented itself to step into a youth ministry role and Kaia accepted the challenge. Throughout her years at Olivet, Kaia has attended countless trips, planned many activities and walked alongside the youth during the ups and downs. Her favorite part of youth ministry is watching relationships within the group form, welcoming new people with open arms and watching the kids grow in their faith throughout ALL OF IT.
"And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity." - 1 Timothy 4:12
Youth Ministry Intern
Miranda Morgan
Music Director
Marlys Herring
Director of Music: organist, director of handbells, adult choir, coordinator of all organized music groups, instrument maintenance, worship planning. A lifelong native to SE North Dakota has four grown children and enjoys yard work and garden.
Preschool Choir Director
Jenica Boelter
Cherub Music Director
Patti Hall
K-5th grade music & joy choir director
Carole Skalsky
Part-time Custodian
Noah Adler
Part-time custodian
Eli Heyer
Part-Time Custodian
Blake Schluchter
Nursery Coordinator
Kasi Adler
Sound technician
Eric Heyer