The light of my life is faith and family. I love exploring Arizona with my husband who is also a pastor. We treasure our children and our grandsons.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point and earned a Master of Divinity at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
I love helping people build faithful relationships with Jesus and with each other in community. It gives me joy to lead in living out faith in daily life and discovering our gifts to love and serve all people.
I enjoy hiking, biking, historical fiction, and cooking dinner with my family followed by relaxing evenings on the patio!
Fun fact: When I lived in Green Bay, I met and chatted with Green Bay Packers' Quarterback Aaron Rodgers on two occasions; at a perfume counter at the mall and at Starbucks!
I joined Desert Cross as Associate Pastor in January of 2021. I come from a family of farmers in Northern Illinois. I graduated from Valparaiso University in 2005 and then enrolled at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where I received my Master of Divinity in 2009. My first call was as Associate Pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Reynoldsburg, Ohio for five years, and then I served at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania for six years. My wife, Laura, and I have two children, Lincoln and Everett.
I root for the Green Bay Packers in the winter and the Chicago Cubs in the summer. I like to read novels, listen to podcasts, and hike with my family in my spare time. I am passionate about creating community in the midst of an ever-fragmented culture.
Fun fact: Thanks to my fifth-grade music teacher, I can name all 50 states in alphabetical order in about 15 seconds.
Meet Our Team
Doug Bjotvedt - Director of Operations & Property
480-730-8600 ext. 103
dbjotvedt@desertcross.org
Dawn Collins - Office Manager
480-730-8600
dcollins@desertcross.org
Daniel Decker - Director of Worship & Music Ministries
480-730-8600 ext. 108
ddecker@desertcross.org
Shannon Fossett - Director of Children's Ministries
480-730-8600 ext. 115
sfossett@desertcross.org
Maegan Jennett - Communication Coordinator
mjennett@desertcross.org
Denise McClellan - Director of Adult Ministries & Missional Service
480-730-8600 ext. 116
dmcclellan@desertcross.org
Natalie Smith - Children's Ministry Assistant
nsmith@desertcross.org
Christine Soll - Worship Associate
csoll@desertcross.org
Joni Van Rossum - Director of Media Production
jvanrossum@desertcross.org
Denise Viker, RN - Parish Nurse
480-730-8600 ext. 122
dviker@desertcross.org
Katelyn Williamson - Interim Director of Youth & Family Ministries
kwilliamson@desertcross.org
Join Our Team!
Job Openings
We are currently looking to fill the permanent position of Director of Youth and Family Ministries. Please take a look at the job description below. If you are interested, please contact the church office at 480-730-8600.
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
Meet Our Council
The church council meets the third Monday of every month. If you have a question or concern and you are unable to speak with one of the representatives in person or over the phone, you can contact the council via email at council@desertcross.org.
Meet Our Chamber
The Gilbert chamber meets the second Tuesday of every month. If you have a question or concern, please contact one of the representatives.
Glen Gabrielson - Finance & Stewardship
Carolyn Perkins - Church Council Member
Adam Pfau - Church Council Member
Rosemary Schlechty - Education
Joe Weingartz - Facilities
Nancy Zine - Worship
Gilbert Chamber Minutes available here.
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Desert Cross Tempe Campus (Main Office)
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Desert Cross Gilbert Campus
Office Hours
Contact
