   Arlington Hills UMC 759 East County Road B
Maplewood, MN, 55117 (651) 776-1547 |
Our Church StaffYou may contact any of our staff members by calling 651.776.1547 or by using the email addresses listed below:
Meet the StaffReverend Chip Nielsen, Pastor
Pastors Chip and Lori met at seminary and were married in 1986. They have a daughter named Emily and a Labradoodle named Cody (who keeps them on their toes). Pastor Chip has served on the MN Annual Conference Board of Development, Commission on Status and Role of Women, Commission on Race and Religion, Camp Dean for Youth Camps and Fishing Camps (organizing adult fishing camps at Lake of the Woods, MN and Lac Seul, Ontario), the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, and mentoring seminary students. Hobbies include fishing, boating, volleyball, and spending time at a family lake cabin. Ministry core values include: 1) helping people experience the grace of God in Jesus Christ 2) being in mission to make a difference in people’s lives 3) hearing and faithfully responding to God’s call in our every day working, walking around, busy lives. 4) helping people discover and use their God given gifts 5) maintaining a sense of humor and joy. Reverend Lori Nielsen, Associate Pastor
Maxine Wallen, Director of Shared Ministries and EducationMaxine is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. She taught seventh and eighth grade life science at Fairview Junior High School in Roseville. She also taught pre-school for 3, 4 and 5 year olds in Tulsa, OK and New Orleans, LA. She is the co-founder of the New Hope and Robbinsdale Grief Association. She is also a driver/coordinator for Dinner at Your door in New Hope. Leah Harding, OrganistLeah is a graduate of Bethel and a member of the American Organ guild. She is an accomplished organist, pianist and teacher. Leah was recently honored by Osher Lifelong Living Institute at the University of Minnesota. Last fall Leah played our Lawrence Phelps & Associates organ for Michael Barone’s fall tour. Leah brings a wonderful spirit of joy as well as the awesome presence of God in her music. Luana Mitchell, Director of Music and Choir DirectorLuana Blake Mitchell has studied conducting with Richard Hoffland at Millikin University and Paul Steinitz of the London Bach Society. While at Millikin, Luana sand and soloed with the touring choir for four years and served as the Soprano Section Leader her senior year. While earning her graduate degree in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Illinois, she was choir director for the University Baptist Church. Upon graduation, Luana became Director of Choirs (7) at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Decatur, IL. After marriage to Carl, a geologist, she transplanted to MN where she became soloist and substitute conductor at Colonial Church in Edina. When their first child was born, they left Colonial for Brunswick UMC in Crystal, which became their family church. She later became choir director for Carol, Chapel and Chancel choirs in addition to two bell choirs. Luana and Carl have two daughters: Carolyn, formerly of St. Louis and Kay from Nashville. Yes, they sing also! Beth Thompson, Youth Director
Cindy Klomp, Administrative AssistantCindy is a graduate of Mankato State University and the University of St. Thomas. She worked as a software engineer for several years until she took an “early retirement” to raise her family. Cindy lives in Maplewood with her husband and three children. Once the kids were school age Cindy returned to the working world as a teacher’s aide and office assistant before coming to Arlington Hills. |
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Pastor Chip’s legal name is Carl Martin Nielsen III but his friends call him “Chip” -- why is one of the great mysteries of the universe! In 2010 he is in his 26th year of ministry and his 7th year at Arlington Hills Church. He has previously served in other Twin Cities suburbs and in rural Minnesota. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Moorhead State University and his Master of Divinity degree from the Iliff School of Theology at the University of Denver.