Scott Simmons – Pastor
Pastor Scott Simmons was the ELCA mission developer for Lydia Place Collaborative Communities in the South Saint Anthony Park neighborhood of St. Paul from 2013-2020. In 2020, Lydia Place reformed as The Lydian Way, a non-profit missional discernment space for congregations and other faith based communities.
He is graduate of Luther Seminary with an Mdiv in Congregational Mission and Leadership, holds an MA from the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and a BA in English from Bethany College (ELCA) in Lindsborg, KS. He is presently working on a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Prophetic Leadership from Iliff School of Theology in Denver.
Pastor Scott is a member and mandolinist of the Fleshpots of Egypt, an old time string band based in the Twin Cities that plays familiar hymns on bluegrass instruments. In addition to a monthly beer and hymn event at the Dubliner Pub in St. Paul, the Fleshpots regularly appear at synod assemblies, congregational gatherings, and other events around the region. They are also a yearly featured worship band at the Festival of Homiletics, the nation’s largest preaching festival held yearly at various locations across the country.
He is married to Kelli, father to Elise, Matthew and his wife Bri, and grandpa to Elway, Beckham, and Poppy. He is an active soccer player, coach and fans (Go Loons), and a die-hard follower of the Missouri Tigers and Denver Broncos.
Kenneth Kusiak – Director of Music
Kenneth joined the Cross Lutheran family as the Director of Music and Lead Musician in February of 2024. He is a talented and delightful worship leader and musician.
A native of north-central Wisconsin, Kenneth has resided in Minneapolis since 2015. He is a graduate of St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI, with a degree in music, incorporating an emphasis on both instrumental and choral education. He has also been an accompanist since high school, and has been an active accompanist and chamber musician in the Minneapolis area. He is also currently the orchestral keyboardist for the Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ken’s hobbies include reading, trivia, and the outdoors, especially hiking and camping in autumn.
Carol Hastings – Financial Secretary
Carol Hastings began singing in the choir when her good friend Lisa McKinnon (nee Schmidt) asked her to come and sing in late 1978. Carol became a member of the congregation in 1981. She has served on many boards, gone on several summer Youth trips (mostly to the BWCAW), and played in the Handbell Ensemble. Carol has always appreciated and enjoyed our intergenerational events and activities. “Having all generations play handbells or games at our retreats helps build our relationships, letting everyone know they have people outside of their “family” who care about them.” Carol considers Cross Lutheran to be her family and shares that feeling with many of the members.
Carol is our Financial Director and is responsible for paying bills, issuing checks and completing financial paperwork for the church. Carol works closely with Boards to maintain the financial positions of Cross. She also prepares financial reports and works with Treasurer on financial matters.
Jamie Gudknecht – Administrative Assistant
Jamie joined the Cross Lutheran family in 1999. Jamie has been involved with many boards and youth activities throughout the years.
Jamie is retired from her 40 year career in Human Resources with the State of Minnesota. After retirement, she worked with Home Instead providing senior caregiving duties and assisting with staffing responsibilities in the office.
Jamie now enjoys helping out at Cross, reading, golfing and bowling. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Duane and her two grown sons.
Jamie is the part-time administrative assistant. She works on the bulletins, newsletters, ordering supplies, office organization, assisting boards, website, and retention.