Dear Friends:
As we approach the start of the program year, I write to introduce some new members of the St. Philip the Deacon staff you’ll be seeing beginning this fall, and to share some new and expanded responsibilities for one of our long-time staff members, Norah Long.
Our new staff members include:
Molly Lange, Early Childhood Faith Creek
Molly grew up attending St. Philip the Deacon, and currently works in Community Education as a supervisor for a before and after school program at an elementary school in Chaska. She attended SDSU, where she earned a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. Molly has a passion for working with youth and families, and will be onsite on Sunday mornings to work with our Pre-K Faith Creek children.
Beth Dudycha, Digital Engagement
Beth is a former elementary educator who currently develops online and in-person curriculum for Microsoft and American Printing House for the Blind. She and her family recently moved to Plymouth from Seattle, Washington, where she served in volunteer leadership roles at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. Beth will help us to more fully develop our use of digital media and online platforms to build community and more fully integrate our online and in-person offerings.
Laurent Kuehnl, Staff Tenor
Laurent joins St. Philip the Deacon as our new Staff Tenor, serving as our Sanctuary Choir Section Leader, SPD Quartet member, and periodic soloist. Laurent has degrees from the University of Minnesota and the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, and sings regularly with the Bach Society of Minnesota. He has also held leading roles in area opera productions, and has served as a professional vocalist at St. Olaf Church and St. Paul Cathedral.
In addition to these new hires, Norah Long—who has served faithfully as SPD Quartet Director for 25 years—will be shifting out of that role this fall to take on new responsibilities, including working with our Pre-K and Elementary age Faith Creek children. Norah will spend time with each of these age groups monthly, incorporating singing and music into our existing Faith Creek curriculum. In this expanded role, Norah will continue to lead weekly Saturday night worship, will continue to serve periodically as a cantor and soloist for Sunday morning worship, and will also lead other musical classes and devotional opportunities for members of the congregation.
Please join me in welcoming and congratulating all of these individuals as they take up their new roles at St. Philip the Deacon!
Blessings,
Pastor Tim Westermeyer
Senior Pastor