Carly KuntzLead Pastor
I have done many things in life I never expected to do. I never expected to be a teacher, yet I taught music in the elementary grades and coached high school basketball and track for six years. I never expected to ride a motorcycle, yet I own and ride a Vespa scooter. I never, ever expected to become a pastor, yet I love my work and am so grateful God has called me to this congregation and this work.
Things I like best about being a pastor are working with people as they discover their next steps in faith, preaching, teaching Bible studies and walking people though the best and worst times in their lives.
When I’m not at church, I go to Brewer games and my home away from home, Walt Disney World. My latest fun toys are a Segway Personal Transporter and the scooter. I love to read mysteries and go to movies that make me laugh. I look forward to getting acquainted with you.
Claudia Deede
Associate Pastor
As a person who lives life in the “fast lane” Claudia loves NASCAR and dirt track racing. At one point she participated in women’s snowmobile drag racing events. She was an early woman leader in the manufacturing community. She completed a three year Master of Divinity program in only two and one-half years. In her quieter moments, she loves to read and knit. Her dream of retirement is to follow the NASCAR circuit from beginning to end – driving from race to race in the family motor home - knitting and reading her way across the country.
“My husband and I moved our family to Menomonee Falls in 1976 to be closer to our place of business. We now have two grown children and two grandchildren. We joined Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church in 1977 and I was active in many programs of the church, and currently as a Provisional Elder serving as a full-time Associate Pastor.
When I answered God’s call on my life and began the process of becoming an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church, I was thrilled to be appointed to this congregation. I continue to be excited by the ministry opportunities both within the congregation and in the community as I seek to help lead this congregation toward its vision of “Growing a Church and Transforming a Community”.
Mark Amundsen
Pastor of Congregational Care
Mark's passion is the Church. He sees it as a family and truly enjoys the interaction between all those who make up this congregation. He was originally trained as a preaching minister receiving his Master of Divinity Degree from Lincoln Christian University. Preaching and teaching are Mark's first loves but he was also trained as a Pastoral Psychotherapist. Mark received his doctoral degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in the field.
Both Mark and his wife, Laurie, enjoy their Harley-Davidsons and the four weiner dogs they have accumulated over the years. Their son Matt is training to be a nurse and is not far from completing the program. Mark's ministry here at ECUMC is, in addition to preaching and teaching in the adult education program, to work in the area of "Health and Wellness" promoting programs that deal with a variety of concerns related to whole person health including spirit, mind and body.
Mark, Laurie and Matt moved to Menomonee Falls in 2007 to be close to Laurie's family and had the occasion to visit ECUMC. Since Mark had worked with Carly in a previous congregation, working together again seemed to make sense. Mark joined the staff in October 2009.
"I am delighted to be working with Carly, Claudia, and the Staff here in "The Falls." This congregation is so full of generous and talented people. It is a pleasure to be a part of this growing and vital family of worshipers". Mark and Laurie, in addition to having two grown children in Seattle, Washington, have two grandchildren as well.
Karen Burzinski
Director of Christian Education
Karen has been the Director of Christian Education at Emmanuel Community since 2002. At church she loves the interaction with our many volunteers and with the children. She also enjoys developing hands-on lessons which encourage children to dig in and participate in the Bible stories and lessons. Seeing a child’s face light up when they suddenly “get it” is a rewarding part of each Sunday. Even more rewarding is when new volunteers experience that same “ah ha!” moment with the children.
When not at church, Karen spends her time trying new recipes for her family, attending concerts, reading, and taking in a movie and popcorn whenever possible. Vacation time is always cherished and most often spent lakeside, skiing, and visiting family.
Karen looks forward to finding a way for each and every member of our congregation to help the children in our community grow in their faith.
Jeannie Berrall
Family Ministry Coordinator
My priorities in life are God first, family second, so taking the job of Family Ministries seems a good fit.
I am married with four children, daughter J.J. who has two little boys and a girl, daughter Kelly with two adorable little girls and a baby boy, son Casey with two precious little girls, and my youngest son Tim who is living and working in WY. He has a heart of gold so I’m excited to see what God has in mind for him.
I started working at Emmanuel Community UMC in June of 2008. Before working here at ECUMC, I was at Our Lord’s UMC as the Minister of Programming for 10 years and before that I was at Brown Deer United Methodist Church for 8 years as Education Coordinator. I have found that God has given me the gift of teaching and creativity. Some of the things I have done that I have immensely enjoyed are: taught Disciple l,ll,lll & lV, Jesus in the Gospels, Faith Quest, Companions of Christ, and many smaller Bible studies, taught Confirmation for 15 years, started a Family Night, a preschool, and taught all grade levels for kids.
I have found the more I learn about our awesome God the happier I am and the more I want to learn. I believe that our faith is not taught as much as it is caught, and that God loves a cheerful servant. In the future I plan to take a quilting class, sew, knit (I love anything that takes creativity), and spend a lot of time with my grandkids and continue to be a part of their lives. As well as (of course), be a great Family Ministries Coordinator.
Jean Kanack
Office Administrator
I have been a member of Emmanuel Community since being confirmed here and office administrator at Emmanuel Community since May 2000. My parents were married at the red brick church on the hill, I was baptized there but I never did imagine that I would be an employee at Emmanuel.
My job is to help the administrative and information parts of the church run smoothly but more importantly, to be welcoming to all who call or stop by the church with questions and concerns. If you’re new to the congregation, I want to be one of the first persons you meet. If you have a million questions, I hope to be able to answer most of them.
Why can’t I imagine being a part of any other congregation? This church is my home. I have been an active participant in the music ministry of this church my whole life and I can’t imagine any better. From the hymns of Charles Wesley to the anthems the Chancel Choir sings, the music connects us all. Emmanuel has people willing to pray for and with you, people willing to give all they have to anyone who needs it more, and people willing to sing with you whether you know the music or not. Welcome!