Our Staff

Dianne Loufman – Lead Pastor

Pastor Dianne first came to FLC in 2016 after living 30 years on the East Coast. She and her family were ready for a new adventure and some snow. Duluth was new but not completely new.

She and her husband own property in Brule, WI and have spent many summers canoeing and fishing the Brule River with friends.

Her favorite part of working at FLC is hearing people’s stories and pondering together the stories of Scripture. She also loves working with our incredibly talented and fun staff.

Pastor Dianne lives in Duluth with her husband Erik Heen, a retired professor of New Testament and Greek from the Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. They have two adult sons: Kai who is an arborist in Madison, WI with his partner Lindsey who is a tattoo artist and Per who is working on his MFA in creative writing at Iowa Writers Workshop.

Pastor Dianne brings a breadth and depth of experience in the church: she has served African-American and multicultural congregations; she has served in a small town and a Long Island suburb; she has served as solo pastor; redevelopment pastor; interim pastor and assistant to the Bishop in the Metro New York Synod. She is one of the founders of the Wissahickon Charter School, an environmentally-based curriculum school in Philly. She has been trained in community organizing and to be a spiritual gifts’ coach.

Pastor Dianne and Erik’s sons grew up in Philadelphia and attended public schools. From 5th grade on, they boarded the train a few blocks from their house, got off in Center City and walked across Benjamin Franklin Parkway (8 lanes) to get to their school. Their sons can make their way through city streets and through the rivers and lakes of the BWCA. It’s a great thing to know and love the beauty of both.

Pastor Dianne’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:28: “Finally, siblings, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Why is this her favorite verse? She hopes that when she dies this verse will describe the life she sought to live.

Interesting facts: she loves Indian food, a movie that sticks with her is “Zone of Interest,” and her favorite hobby is hiking. She has also traveled around the world with people of different faiths.

If you’d like to get to know Pastor Dianne better, ask her about eagles, not the flying creatures but the Superbowl winners or what she is currently reading or where she would like to travel to next.

Andrea Bonneville DeNaples – Associate Pastor

pastorandrea@flcduluth.org or 218-728-3668

Pastor Andrea joined FLC in November of 2025. Pastor Andrea was drawn to FLC because of the ministry happening in the community. She is energized by the worship life of the congregation and by all of the ministry opportunities to gather, serve and grow. Having grown up on the Iron Range, Duluth has been a familiar place for her. She is eager to grow roots in the area and to join in the caring for the community.

Pastor Andrea’s favorite part about working at FLC is that she is excited to be a part of the ministry, and looks forward to getting to know the community. She is eager to listen to the stories of the community, join in the brave conversations, and wonder about how God’s love and healing can be made known through each of us and the gifts we have to share.

Pastor Andrea moved to Duluth with her wife Taylor, their dog Juniper and cats, Lark and Pip.

Pastor Andrea’s favorite Bible verse is Mark 12:30-31: “You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment great than these.”

Interesting facts: she loves slow food, shared with community, her favorite movie is Disney’s Coco. Her favorite hobbies are gardening, games of all varieties, camping, following women’s basketball and Minnesota sports, and trying out a new craft or activity. She is also interested in growing her photography skills, and enjoys capturing the beauty and wonder of nature.

If you’d like to get to know Pastor Andrea better, ask her about board games she has played recently, her recently read books or a recipe she’d like to make.

Karen Hanson Sande – Director of Music

karen@flcduluth.org

Karen and her family moved to Duluth in 1998, and an FLC member called looking for a choir accompanist and substitute organist, and she gladly agreed to offer some of her time. Her commitment to FLC has gradually increased over the years, including directing elementary and youth handbell choirs, as well being the organist, choir accompanist and adult handbell director.

Karen’s favorite part about working at FLC is the great staff and the many music volunteers in the congregation.

Karen lives in Duluth with Winston, a 13 year old lab/husky mix, who is tolerating the newest member of her household, Ruby and Cavalier Spaniel who is a 3 month bundle of affection and energy. She has three adult children: Joshua who works in health care policy in St. Paul; Kristin who is a violinist and music librarian with the Duluth Superior Orchestra, freelances with other ensembles, and teaches private violin and viola lessons; and Nathan, a cardiothoracic nurse in Seattle who plans to begin nurse anesthetist degree program in a year.

Karen’s favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” This verse represents the three things that guide her way of live; work for justice for all, show compassion and kindness to all and acknowledge her own weaknesses.

Interesting facts about Karen: her favorite food is anything home cooked and home grown when possible. Her favorite movies are anything from PBS, Ken Burns, Jane Austin or mysteries. Karen’s favorite hobbies include adventures with her kids, extended family, her dogs and working in her yard. Karen also loves teaching piano and organ students, and going to hear them in their school concerts.

Would you like to get to know Karen better? Ask her about walking in the woods and identifying wildflowers and birds.

Michael Fuchs – Director of Choral Activities

michael@flcduluth.org

Micheal and his family moved to the Twin Ports in 2018 as he begin his teaching job at the University of Wisconsin Superior. He and his wife Jen attended a Concordia College Alumni Event at First Lutheran where he met Ann Beck. A few weeks later Karen Sande reached out to him and asked if he would be willing to direct the choir on an interim basis and he has been here ever since.

Michael’s favorite part about working at FLC is the wonderful and amazing people that he gets to know and make music with.

Michael lives in Duluth with his wife Jen and their two daughters Lauren and Natalie.

Michael’s favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” He likes it because it is simple, direct, and emphasizes the importance to justice and humility.

Interesting facts about Michael: his favorite movie is Lord of the Rings and he enjoys camping and traveling. He has a goal to visit every National Park in the United States.

Would you like to get to know Michael better? Ask him about choral music, camping, house projects or running marathons.

Bryan Gatten – Directory of Contemporary Worship

218-728-3668 or bjgatten@gmail.com

Bryan first started playing guitar at FLC in 2014, and officially came on staff in 2017. Originally, he was invited to play guitar on Sunday mornings, which he did for a few years and upon discussion with Pastor Dianne, he was able to expand his role at FLC. Bryan now oversees the FLC Audio-Video Team, as well as the Rising Sound and was instrumental in the hearing assist devices used by many in the sanctuary during services. Bryan’s favorite part about working at FLC is the great staff, and having the support and freedom to grow musically and spiritually.

Bryan lives in Duluth with his wife Julie (our office assistant), their daughter Cora and a pet cat named Max.

Bryan’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 9:14, “Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” Why is this his favorite verse? This verse shows how Jesus frequently turns the hierarchies of society upside down.

One interesting fact about Bryan is that he studied Shaolin Kung Fu for years (but have been out of practice for a while!)

Would you like to get to know Bryan? Ask about all genres of music, Star Wars, baseball or hiking.

Kelly Cossey – Office/Finance Manager

218-728-3668 or finance@flcduluth.org

Kelly’s typically work schedule is Tuesday through Thursday 9am to 4pm during the summer and Tuesday through Thursday 9am to 4pm & Friday 9am to 2pm the rest of the year.

Kelly started working at FLC in June of 2019 as the Finance Manager. She was looking for a second job that would work well with her other accounting job at another church. After COVID, Kelly’s job at FLC increased to a full-time position. She now handles all of the financial aspects, as well as First News our weekly e-newsletter, the Sunday announcements, website updates, and all the building use requests. She has also been known to give a sermon once and awhile. Kelly’s favorite part about working at FLC is being apart of things that mean a lot to her, like the Palestine Fundraiser, being an RIC church, and the community garden.

Kelly currently lives in Cloquet with her two amazing teenage boys, Frankie and John, as well as 2 Siamese cats, Lincoln & Luna and 4 crazy dogs, Brick, Echo, Shadow & Clover.

Kelly’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 31:25 (she even has this tattooed on her left arm). “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.” Why is this her favorite? She likes how it describes a woman who is strong and dignified, as well as someone who is secure in their faith and accomplishments to face the future with confidence and joy! She also feels this is fitting for a mom raising two boys on the Autism Spectrum.

Interesting facts about Kelly: favorite food is Thanksgiving Dinner, favorite movies are Star Wars 4, 5 & 6, favorite hobbies are Lego Sets, counted cross stitch and random home DIY projects. Kelly is a proud Army Veteran. She is also deathly afraid of birds.

Would you like to get to know Kelly better? Ask about Legos, DIY projects, Autism, her kids or pets.

Julie Gatten – Office Assistant

218-728-3668 or office@flcduluth.org

Julie’s typical work schedule is Tuesday through Thursday 9am to 2pm.

Julie started working at FLC in the Fall of 2024. She had actually thought about the office assistant job for awhile and then the position opened back up again she thought the timing might be right and the hours worked well for her family. Julie’s favorite thing about working at FLC is working with Pastor Dianne and Kelly.

Julie currently lives in Duluth, with her husband Bryan (our Directory of Contemporary Worship), their daughter Coraline and their tuxedo cat Max.

Julie’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Why is this her favorite? She heard it in Prince’s song “Dear Mr. Man” which is one of her favorite songs by Prince.

Interesting facts about Julie: favorite food mashed potatoes and most desserts, favorite movie Star Wars, favorite hobbies include hiking, crafts and coloring. She also likes to do nail art.

Would you like to get to know Julie better? Ask about Star Wars, hiking and State Parks, makeup & nail art.

Duane Sieger – Lead Custodian

218-728-3668

Duane’s typically work schedule is Tuesday through Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm.

Duane started working at FLC in 1988 and was led here by a friend at the 148^th Fighter Wing – MN National Guard.

Duane knows almost everything about the church building. His favorite thing about working at FLC is clearing snow, especially snow blowing.

Duane is married to his wife Beth and they have three kids, Josh, Ricky and Keisha. They also have dogs!!

Duane doesn’t have a favorite Bible verse, he says he loves them all.

Things to know about Duane, he LOVES junk food, the Lord of the Rings movies, his wife, his kids and his dogs.

Carl Guldner – Custodian

Carl’s typical work schedule is Monday through Thursday 7:30am to 3:30pm & Sundays 7:00am to 2:00pm.

Sam Weston – Video Team

video@flcduluth.org

Sam started working at FLC in late 2019. His job then expanded with the COVID-19 pandemic, when the FLC leadership was trying to figure out how to keep the community connected during lockdown. As the resident filmmaker, he stepped up to help build the live stream that continues today.

Sam’s favorite part about working at FLC is being able to use his skills as a filmmaker and bring what we do here at FLC and bring it to a wider community in a way that doesn’t typically happen.

Sam lives in an apartment in Duluth with his siblings. His parents are pastors easing into retirement in Grand Rapids.

Sam’s favorite Bible verse is James 5:1-6: Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth- eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you, and it will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. Listen! The wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the righteous one, who does not resist you. Why is this his favorite verse? It’s relevant to this time of rampant wealth inequality and social upheaval and gives hope that the scales will be rebalanced one day.

Interesting facts about Sam: favorite food is pasta alfredo, favorite movie is Children Who Chase Lost Voices, and favorite hobby is Dungeons & Dragons. Sam has also written multiple award-winning fantasy screenplays.

Would you like to get to know Sam better? Ask about movies, fantasy stories and local politics.

Shania Krause