What is Membership?

Membership is a covenant that enables us to partner together in more significant ways.

The word covenant means in it together.  In a covenant, two parties enter into an agreement that establishes and defines the nature of the relationship.

God is a covenant maker and keeper.  Covenants are to His people as roots are to trees.  Entering into a covenant with a specific group of believers promotes accountability, fosters life-giving relationships, and encourages personal investment.

In addition to these inherent benefits of covenant relationships, becoming a member equips you with a both a voice and a vote when it comes to decisions that affect our church family.

Already a Member?

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2025 Lay Leader Candidates

Candidates For Nominating Committee:

Prior to congregational vote, these elected representatives engage in a prayerful and careful candidate selection process.  Names of candidates are published in advance so members can familiarize themselves with the candidates and pass along concerns to the Nominating Committee prior to congregational vote.

 

Rachel Bolte

Rachel lives in Vadnais Heights with her dog, Radar. She loves a good adventure, goes to the State Fair as many times as she can every year, and is happiest when spending time with family & friends. Rachel volunteers as a weekend respite host for kids through Together For Good and helps with childcare at The Dwelling Place. She has been attending ECC since 2017 and currently serves as a sub on the Welcome Team.

 

 

 

 

 

Graham Jenich

Graham and his wife Alli live in Blaine where they are enjoying the blessings of their new marriage and new home. Graham has been a mechanical engineer with PAR Systems for 9 years where he designs specialty cranes. He has been attending ECC for 3 years during which time he has been involved with the welcome team, youth group, Juarez trips, and his small church.

 

 

 

 

 

Abel Matuz

Abel lives with his wife, Ellen, in Oakdale where they love going on walks, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family. Abel is originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, where most of his family still lives. Although currently working in solar energy, he has aspirations to become an electrician in the next few years. Abel has been attending ECC since 2022 and has recently been getting more involved with the Juntos ministry.

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Nimlos

Jim and his wife Aleta live in Coon Rapids and have 4 adult children and 6 grandchildren, all of whom live close by. Jim has been blessed to be a member of ECC for years. You’ll see him with the ECC TEEN on Wednesday nights and at camps, and he is also on the Welcome team. Jim loves the outdoors, especially going to the BWCA, and riding his bicycle.

 

 

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Candidate for Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC)

The PRC exists to ensure that our congregation cares for the Senior Pastor the way we want our Senior Pastor to care for the congregation. The PRC prays for the Senior Pastor and his/her family, mediates conflict when appropriate, and ensures that the Senior Pastor is able to focus on his/her unique responsibilities and most essential tasks.

Nate Morris

Nate and his wife Gaby have three adult children, and five grandchildren. They were members at ECC on day one seventeen years ago. Prior to ECC, their kids were part of the youth program at North Heights under the leadership of Chris Studenski.  Nate has served on various ECC committees, and has also been a Sunday school teacher. For work, he is a partner in a marketing business [that built and maintains the ECC website]. He is also involved with Young Life in the Patagonia region of South America. In his spare time, Nate enjoys golf, and is an avid squash player.

 

 

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Candidates For Elder Board

Our Elder Board is a representative Board with real authority.  The Elders may be called upon to administrate, lead, and/or mediate conflict as specified in our constitution.  However, their primary purpose is to represent the congregation as they provide candid feedback in confidential matters, weigh in on significant decisions, and hold the Senior Pastor accountable to God-honoring leadership.

Kim Gayner

Kim and her husband, Matt, live in Shoreview and have 4 children. Outside of her work as a product engineer at 3M, she enjoys walking, reading, and cheering on her kids at their various sports events and musical endeavors. She also spends time mentoring high schoolers preparing for college. A member of ECC since 2017, she has been closely connected to ECC KIDS, volunteering both in the classroom and at the registration table. She was the Volunteer Coordinator for ECC KIDS from 2018 to 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lori Hansen

Lori and her husband Mark live in Shoreview and have two adult children. She has been a kindergarten teacher in the Anoka Hennepin School district for over 20 years and enjoys visiting Duluth and hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail. Lori has volunteered in kids ministry and loves serving with the Juntos team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Lakner

Mary and her husband, Tom, were on the launch team for ECC, and have been attending ever since. Mary has served ECC on the worship team, the Elder Board, the Pastoral Relations Committee and has been a leader for the ECC Adventurous Women’s Winter Retreats.  She is a licensed counseling psychologist in a private practice in Wyoming MN where she works with kids, teens and adults with both mental health, relationships, and a great variety of other life issues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jordan Luhmann

Jordan and his wife Heidi have called ECC their church home for the past 16 years. Throughout those years they have formed many lifelong friendships at ECC through actively volunteering, participating in church activities, and raising their kids (Jack – 12, Lydia – 10, and Hank – 8). He enjoys his work as an actuary which is filled with spreadsheets. In his free time he likes to hike, play piano, travel, play board games, read, and coach/cheer on his kids in their various activities.