First Lutheran Church Staff 

Pastor Andy Hermodson-Olsen

Pastor Andy joined the First Lutheran staff in August 2018.  He is a Minnesota boy, growing up in the communities of Cyrus, Benson, Glencoe, and Luverne and graduating from Concordia College, Moorhead.  During college, Andy spent his summers doing one of the best jobs ever - working at bible camp (Shetek Lutheran Ministries)!  After college, Pastor Andy traveled to Baltimore to serve a year in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps.  Then he was honored to attend Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio where he received his Master of Divinity.  It was during his seminary internship in Fairmont, MN that he met Rosine.  They married after he graduated and together moved to Frederick, SD where Pastor Andrew served his first call.  He has also served in Glenwood, MN and Brownton, MN.  

Pastor Andy and Rosine have five children and six grandchildren.  They love to travel and share time with friends and family.  They are thankful the God has called them to faith and service in the beautiful and diverse world.   Soli Deo Gloria!  (Glory to God alone)

Pastor Joy Ekstedt

Deacon Erin Kuehl

Erin has been in St. James and at First Lutheran since 2011. She is a Deacon that works with youth and education ministries.  Prior to moving to St. James she served for 10 years as an Associate in Ministry in Youth and Family at West Middleton Lutheran Church in Verona, Wisconsin. Erin is originally from Racine, Wisconsin and graduated from Winona State University.

Julie Newberg

Administrative Assistant