Pastors and Staff

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Pastor Melissa grew up in Stillwater, MN. She graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN with a double degree in Biblical & Theological Studies and Youth Ministry. After graduating she found herself working in Youth Ministry at a church in Stillwater, MN and for Young Life (a nondenominational para-church organization) for the next 10 years. 

In 2009, Melissa began her studies at Luther Seminary in St. Paul and graduated with a Masters of Divinity with a Youth and Family Studies emphasis in 2013. After serving as an associate pastor in Aitkin, MN, Pastor Melissa was called as Youth Pastor and then to Senior Pastor at Peace Lutheran. She has a passion for helping people experience faith in new and exciting ways,   working with youth and families, empowering teams to do God's work, and seeing how and where God is at work in our world. 

Pastor Melissa lives in New Richmond with her husband, Michael, and three daughters, Adelyn, Olivya and Charlye. She enjoys cooking, planning parties and events, traveling, spending time with family, creating Shutterfly books, and being outside. 

Contact Pastor Melissa: pastormelissa@plcdresser.org

 Pastor Lori grew up in Hudson, WI and graduated from the UW system with degrees in business management and education. After a first career as a church musician and launching her three adult children, she attended Luther Seminary in St Paul. Graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree in 2011, she has since served the Northwest Synod of WI as a congregational life pastor, solo and lead pastor of a 3 point parish. She is excited to be back at Peace Lutheran, her internship congregation since the spring of 2025 to serve as co-pastor specializing in Adult Ministry. She currently lives in Taylors Falls, MN with her canine companion, Mike and enjoys biking, reading, painting and making music with family and friends. 

Contact Pastor Lori: pastorlori@plcdresser.org