Meet our Church Council

  • Todd Walden

    Todd Walden

    President

    My wife Corrie and I have been members of Grace for 8 years. We have two sons, Ender and Nat. In the past, I served as council representative for the Stewardship team and in various other roles around the church.

    I also volunteer as a robotics coach and mentor on two Apple Valley based teams—the Apple Valley Technology Slayers and the Apple Valley High School Knights of the Valley. I like spending time with my family, cooking, playing board games and tabletop roleplaying games, and designing props and costumes.

  • Ginny Bendickson

    Vice President

    My husband Dave and I have been members of Grace since 2008. Our daughter Emma and son Tyler were both baptized here and are currently in confirmation. I was a confirmation guide for three years and worked in the nursery for several years as well. I previously served on the Children, Youth & Families commission (4years) and the Adult Ministries commission (1 year). Dave is currently on the property commission.

  • Elizabeth Lee

    Treasurer

    Grace has been my church home my entire life. I was Baptized here and grew up attending Grace Bible School, youth groups, going on mission trips and teaching Bible School. Tippy and I had our children, Elsa, Mark and Luke, baptized here at Grace. I was fortunate to be a part of the amazing Community Meals group by assisting with children’s activities during the meals and then joined the rotation of shoppers. I've enjoyed teaching Bible School, leading Bible School music, and assisting with Vacation Bible School. I look forward to serving you and continuing to make Grace a welcoming place!

  • Naomi Owen

    Secretary

    My husband, Mark and I have been members of Grace Lutheran for 44 years. We have three children and their spouses: Amanda & Ryan Wilder, Ross & Tammy Owen and Ryan & Lindsay Owen. We have five grandchildren and one grandchild in-law, ages 10 to 24. I am retired and love spending time with my family and friends. We have been fortunate to enjoy a bit of travelling and look forward to more in the future.

    In the past I have been involved in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Worship Commission, Education Commission, Church Council, Call Committee, Kitchen Committee, Coffee Coordinator, Communion Assistant, Greeter and coordinated Community Meals for 15 years. Currently, I am assisting with Altar Guild, Grace Diner and the Funeral Committee and beginning my second year on Church Council.

  • Mark Sandbo

    Member at large

    My wife Jeanne and I have been members of Grace since 2016. We have two sons, Todd and Scott (married to Sandy), and two grandkids. Both Jeanne and I serve as ushers and assist the Liturgical Arts group with decorating. I served on the Endowment Committee for four years.

  • Marie Christianson

    Member at large

    Jim and I have been attending Grace since 1980. We have four grown children and nine grandkids. We enjoy traveling, especially when it's with our family. Over the years, I have taught Sunday School, Confirmation and have been on different committees at Grace.

    For the last 15 years I have been the Liaison to Augustana (now Cassia) from Grace where I conduct devotions, visit with people, oversee arts and crafts, and put on presentations. Last year I was awarded the volunteer of the year award in District G (greater Minneapolis) at the Leading Age Conference in 2022. Listening and volunteering for elders has become my passion. I currently volunteer at The Regent in Burnsville and Apple Valley Village in Apple Valley. I also volunteer for Grace Hospice.

    In my spare time, I enjoy playing pickle ball and working on crafts.

  • Melissa Loe

    Member at large

    My husband, Brian, and I joined Grace in 1992, when we moved to Apple Valley. Although we left in the early 2000's, we returned in 2016. I have taught Sunday School and Confirmation, and served on the Outreach Ministry Team. I currently serve on the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) committee and the Guatemala partnership team.

    In 2023, I retired from a career as a professor of mathematics and director of inclusion in STEM fields, and I now love volunteering at two local high schools as a math resource.

    Brian and I have four grown daughters, but sadly, none are currently living in the Twin Cities. So we love our visits to them in St. Louis, Virginia, Seattle, and Ann Arbor. We also enjoy biking, hiking, games and puzzles, singing in the Grace choir, and spending time with extended family at the cabin in summer.

  • Ron Maye

    Member at large

    My wife Kathy and I have been members of Grace since 2007. Our daughter Erin (MN Senator) and son Austin both completed confirmation at Grace. I served as an usher for several years, on the Executive Committee for one term, and also served on a Call Committee. Kathy taught Sunday school at Grace for 2 years, and served on the Reconciling In Christ Committee for 2 years. I am currently on the Grace Racial Justice Team.

  • Bob Allen

    Member at large

    Jane and I have been married for 50 years, and members of Grace for 35. We have 3 daughters, all confirmed at Grace, 3 sons-in-law, and 7 grandchildren. Both of us are retired, and enjoy supporting our daughters’ families, spending time with the grandkids, traveling, and volunteering at church. Both of us are in music programs, including choir, handbells, and the Minnesota Valley Men’s and Women’s Chorales.

    I have served on the Worship Commission, Executive Committee, Building Committee, Organ Committee, and the Call Committee for Pastor Sarah. I look forward to serving on Council again.

Governance Documents

Our Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions guide our ministry and give it foundation and direction. These 3 sets of policies, contained in one document, are used by our staff, council, and leadership teams to live into a culture of effective ministry with vision and purpose.

Annual Report of the Congregation