Staff

kermitKermit Culver - Senior Pastor
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HOMETOWN:
I was born and raised at Iroquois, SD

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED / BEEN PART OF THE FAMILY AT LUMC?:
I've been the pastor of LUMC since July 1, 1996

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love empowering people to discover their unique giftedness, and then helping them find places to exercise those gifts. It's been great working with a great and gifted staff. It has been a rush to be part of the transition of FUMC in the past 13 years. I love baptizing babies, and playing part-time grandpa!

TELL A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
I've been married to Susan for 32 years. She is the joy of my life. She is an accomplished musician and teaches art at Simile Middle School. We have two sons, Adam 28, engaged to Amberly, and Jordan, 26. They both live in Nashville, and work to support their passion: making music!

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I'm not sure they are hobbies, but I'm addicted to golf, and hunting. I also love to loom bead, and watch sports on TV.



ernieErnie Hockett - Music and Membership pastor
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HOMETOWN:
Born in Madison South Dakota Graduated from Winner High School , Winner SD in 1979

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED / BEEN PART OF THE FAMILY AT LUMC?:
I have been part of Legacy Family since 2003.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love working with people and helping them become better at what they do. I love it when I can help people grow in the Lord and find what it is he is calling them to do. I love music of all kinds – to be able to do this every day….pinch me…I must be dreaming. I love working with positive, loving, understanding, Christ filled people. We really are changing the world!

TELL A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
My awesome wife is Kris – we grew up in the same home church in Winner SD. Later on fell in love and got married. We have been married for 28 years! We have three amazing children; Nate – 24 loves music and plays guitar, drums, and piano – Nick, loves music and plays guitar, and drums – Naomi also loves music and plays piano and is a wonderful vocalist. Our family has lived in Bismarck for 13 years.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I love writing and producing music, hunting, playing golf, art, and speaking to audiences.



SuzanneSuzanne Thorenson - Children's Ministry Director
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HOMETOWN:
Bismarck, ND

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED / BEEN PART OF THE FAMILY AT LUMC?:
My family has been attending LUMC for 13 years. We felt right at home the first time we came in the door. I have been on staff for just over 2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I absolutely love working with the children and volunteers. It is amazing to get to be part of building faith into little people and partnering with parents. I enjoy meeting new families and helping people find the place God created for them to serve. I love watching people grow in their faith. And I get to sing and dance and be crazy - what a great job!

TELL A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
I have been married to my best friend Sean for 13 years. Sean is a Graphic Design Instructor at BSC. We have two very busy boys. Mason is 10 and loves playing and watching sports. Chase is 6, in the first grade, and enjoys building Legos and playing games.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I really enjoy going for walks, reading, playing games, camping and watching my kids play baseball, soccer, football...



peterPeter Jones - Youth Pastor
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HOMETOWN:
Toss up between Los Angeles, CA and Bullhead City, AZ

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED / BEEN PART OF THE FAMILY AT LUMC?:
6 years as of June

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Almost everything. Teenagers are just so good at seeing the truth of things once it's pointed out and are hungering for the kind of throw-it-all-in love that God offers. It's just amazing to help them find it and help them help others find it.

TELL A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
My wife, Stephanie works in various capacities in the church. I have two boys, Severyn and Tyrus who are all at once all boy and all awesome. They can be a bit trying at times but I would rather them be hyper boys than anything else.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
Where to begin? I love to read and write...mostly theology, philosophy and fantasy fiction. Football, strategy games and randomly tackling my teens also find ways into my schedule.



Walter Schott - Visitation Pastor



stephanieStephanie Jones - Secretary; Director of Sound/Video

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HOMETOWN:
Poplar, Montana on the Fort Peck Reservation

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED/ BEEN PART OF THE FAMILY AT FUMC?:
My family has been here at the church for a little over 6 years. I’m not completely sure how long I have been working for the church. I started out filling in for Joy, when she went to Arizona for the winter, working in the office. It later became a regular part time position.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I just love it! I came home the other day, after a long day at work, and thought to myself, “Even though it was a long day, it was a good day. I love my job!” I love to create things for the screen. I enjoy the atmosphere. I love the people I work with and the people that come into the office. I’m pleased to say, I never dread going to work.

TELL A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR FAMILY:
I have a wonderful husband, Peter, who is truly my best friend. We just recently celebrated our 9th year Anniversary. God has blessed us with 2 wonderful boys, Severyn and Tyrus, ages 8 and 5. They are full of energy and personality! I always say, "Our boys had no chance at being "normal," look at their parents."

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I like to garden and play games, especially word games and pinochle. I like to cook (but not the clean up.) I enjoy the sun and love taking walks or riding my bike. I don’t think this is really a hobby, but I love being with teenagers. My heart loves them, hurts when they hurt ... they are amazing individuals!