Waconia Show Choir

I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota in 1987 and my Masters of Divinity Degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul Minnesota in 1991.

My personal mission statement is, “To decrease suffering and increase joy in all that I meet.” I love being a pastor and feel privileged to be invited in to share with individuals and families life’s most significant experiences. My history as a recovering alcoholic and a former chemical dependency counselor continually opens up opportunities for me to share my experience, strength and hope. My life verse has been Matthew 6:31 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (King James Version). I strive to create an atmosphere in worship services where people feel free to come “as they are” and leave knowing that Jesus loves them, accepts them, understands them, forgives them and promises to walk with them every step of the
way-no matter what-forever.

I love to travel, especially to visit our children. I also enjoy staying physically fit by bicycling, practicing yoga, lifting weights, doing the elliptical machine and taking long walks. We have a family cabin up by Grand Rapids, Minnesota that was a favorite place for my parents and we now share with my siblings. I am “at the lake” whenever possible.

Pastor

Pastor Christine Ruth, Associate Pastor:
I am originally from Marshfield, Wisconsin, where I was ordained there at another Faith Lutheran Church in 2000. I served congregations in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Menomonie, Wisconsin, and Eden Prairie, Minnesota before accepting my recent call to Faith Lutheran in 2015. My husband, Greg, my son, Kellen, and my daughter, Adeline, all live with me in Chanhassen.

I received my BS in Social Work in Luther College in 1995, my M.Div. from Luther Seminary in 2000, and my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2012.

My passion in ministry is helping ordinary people discover their spiritual gifts and their unique spiritual-DNA – how God has uniquely wired them to love and serve their community...