Pastors
Peter Christ
Lead Pastor
I was called and installed as Lead Pastor in February of 2017. Returning to the Twin Cities after 20 years in Red Lodge, Montana has been a great homecoming. I used to own and operate a restaurant known for its innovative hospitality so now it’s exciting to be feeding people in altogether new ways with this remarkable faith community. I can roll my tongue and play cribbage poorly. My wife Anne is a funeral director and loves to laugh at all my jokes. Our daughter Della is studying theater at the U of MN in Duluth (if she’s not on her phone). Our son Bjorn, a senior at Roseville HS, is probably singing somewhere right now.
Betsy Hoium
Associate Pastor for Faith Formation
The congregation voted to call Pastor Betsy on August 26, 2018. She will officially begin her ministry with Prince of Peace on October 1, 2018. Pastor Betsy most recently served as the Pastor of Living Waters Lutheran in Lino Lakes, MN, concluding her call there at the end of July. She is a Twin Cities native and after an earlier career as staff attorney and assistant director for the Metropolitan Airport Commission, Betsy studied for her Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary (she was a classmate of Pastor Peter’s). From 2012-2016 she served as Associate Pastor for Faith Formation at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD, and is now happy to be back in her home in south Minneapolis.
Ruth Sorenson-Prokosch
Pastor for Visitation & Congregational Care
I am excited to be joining you as your Pastor for Visitation and Congregational Care! A little bit about me: I am a Roseville native and still live in Roseville in a three generation household (plus four pets!). Most recently I served for 12 years at St Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Paul, as their associate pastor, and before that was a chaplain resident at Fairview University Medical Center. You will see me around on most Sunday mornings for conversations with all ages, so please introduce yourself!
Program & Support Staff
Tara Emerson
Office Manager
When I moved up here from Atlanta 20 years ago, my Methodist minister said, “You’ll be up there and you’re going to become a Lutheran.” This is as close as I’ve gotten—working here for four years. Now I know a lot about the Lutherans—Prince of Peace Lutherans, and they’re a great bunch of people. I’m here during the week, to help all who come through the doors with everything from scheduling, building tours, to prayer requests.
Cori Forcey
Youth Director
Life has led me to Prince of Peace to serve the youth! My background includes an undergrad in Physical Education, seven summers as a camp counselor, two years as an Aquatics Director, and a lifetime of love for Jesus Christ! I’m currently studying for a Masters of Divinity at Luther Seminary to become an ordained pastor. In the little bit of free time that I have, I enjoy reading, camping, riding rollercoasters, and catching films at the theater! I would love to learn more about you; don’t hesitate to introduce yourself or strike up conversation!
Steve Andert
Custodian
Steve currently holds two significant titles here at Prince of Peace: “Longest-Serving Staff Member” and “Staff Member Most Likely To See The Sun Rise While Working.”
Music Leadership
Milt Warkentien
Music Coordinator & Lightshine Director
I have my BA in Music Education from St. Olaf College and further study at Luther Seminary. I love working with youth and taking canoes into the BWCA. I also work at Haas Instrument Repair as a brass technician and love to play my trumpet and euphonium whenever I can. I’ve written hymns, choral arrangements and a few band pieces. I use a variety of musical and liturgical styles to craft meaningful worship experiences, everything from traditional settings to band-led, with “big band” services being a regular favorite. I try to make use of all the talent here at Prince of Peace and from those I know in the community. Maybe you would like to play or sing with us sometime?
Cheri Sykes
Organist & Accompanist
I formally joined this staff in the summer of 2017, so I’m pretty new to this warm and welcoming community. Equipped with a Masters in Sacred Music from Emory University, I’m a church music veteran with specialties in classical organ and praise band keyboard. In my idealistic past, I indulged in pursuing the big “meaning of life” questions at Luther Seminary. These days, I enjoy tutoring in contemporary styles at my Osseo piano studio, playing solo jazz piano for special events, and leading a 5-piece gospel combo, Wild Honey and the Locusts. You can also find me biking or watching Netflix!
Kathy Tunseth
Chancel Choir & Bells of Peace Director
I have the pleasure of directing both of these wonderful ensembles at Prince of Peace. I am a graduate of Concordia College and the University of Wisconsin where I majored in vocal music and music education. Following retirement from teaching in the Roseville school district I have concentrated on my church position, teaching private voice lessons, doing freelance piano accompanying for area schools, continuing vocal study and serving as Board Chair of The Singers ~ Minnesota Choral Artists. My husband Scott and I live in Roseville and are happy to live near our three grown daughters and two grandchildren!
Melissa Burke
Joyful Noise Director
I grew up with Prince of Peace and have enjoyed being the Joyful Noise Choir Director for many years. I love watching the energy of the elementary school age children funnel into singing God’s praises and sharing his love with the congregation. I now live in White Bear Lake with my husband, Ryan, and two children, Lyla and Kieran. We love playing board games and card games together as well as exploring the many city parks nearby.