Staff Directory:
Pastor Lee Kantonen
Hello! Welcome to the Grace UMC website! I hope you will take an opportunity to get to know us by joining us in worship either in person or online, connecting with a study or prayer group, or just giving a phone call to chat for a bit. If you have children, bring them along to join in at one of our children or youth ministries.
At Grace, our desire is to be a community of faith where we live into and out of the grace that is found in Jesus. For that to happen, we strive to make Grace a safe place and offer opportunity for people to wrestle with the questions they may have and discern what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. We are all at different places in our walk with God and we seek to love one another where we are at as God smooths out some of the rough edges of our lives.
It also means we believe faith is revealed in action as well as word. God’s love is poured into us so it can be shared, not only with church family but as far beyond our walls as God allows our reach. As we get to know each other we hope you will find a place to tap in and use the gifts God has given you to share God’s Good News with others both.
In essence, we want to be a living example of Colossians 1:10, so that the way we live will always honor and please the Lord, and or lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, we will grow as we learn to know God better and better. We look forward to meeting you!
The Good Shepherd’s Sheepdog,
Lee Kantonen, Pastor
Education Director Missy Strande
Hello! My name is Missy Strande and I am the Christian Education Director here at Grace. I have the best job and that is overseeing all of the Kids Ministry within our church as well as lead family activities when available.
We currently have two programs that we invite all kids to be a part of. The first one is Grace Kids. On Sunday mornings, we join together during the school months for Grace Kids from 10:15-11:15 a.m. for all Prek-5th grade children. Each Sunday we hear stories from the Bible in fun and interactive ways and build on those stories through crafts, games and music. The second program I lead is Kids In Mission. This group meets on Wednesdays after school during the school months from 3:30-5:30 p.m. This group consists of 1st-5th grade kids. During our time together, we work on different mission projects that help benefit our church and community. We also continue to grow in our faith by learning more about Jesus in interactive ways.
If you have any questions about these programs or you would like to register your child/children for Grace Kids or Kids In Mission, please reach out to me. I can be contacted through email: christianedgrace@gmail.com or here at the church 218-739-2269 ext 14. God's blessings to you!
Organist, Bell & Choir Director Ann Newell
I’ve been the organist at Grace for over 40 years and have directed the Chancel Choir and Grace Bell choir almost as long. We have wonderful musicians at Grace, so I am always thankful for my position here. We always welcome new singers and ringers to our groups so if you are interested, please know we would love to have you join us! I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, taught elementary music for many years and am now retired from that position. Norm and I have been blessed by our 3 grown sons, their wives and 8 wonderful grandkids!
Praise Team Director
Staff Contact Info:
Pastor: Lee Kantonen
Education Director: Missy Strande
Youth Director: Tara Price graceyouth1100@gmail.com
Organist, Bell & Choir Director: Ann Newell
Praise Team Director: Marsha Tally
Secretary: Tracy Schmidt
Email: ffgraceumc@gmail.com
Contacts can be made to any staff member using the above email address