Lauren Schroeder
Council President
Lauren brings experience in strategic development and human resources to council leadership. A Mount Olivet member for seventeen years, she has served on the building committee, the Benevolence Board, and as a substitute Faith Explorer teacher. Lauren is energized by the strong sense of community at Mount Olivet and is especially connected to the vibrant Wednesday ministry life. She is passionate about helping Mount Olivet live out its mission and vision.
Wally Palm
Council Vice-President
Wally has been a member of Mount Olivet for 30 years and is a retired consultant. He currently serves as a Reconciling in Christ lead, Community Meal coordinator, and Northport Elementary volunteer, and has long been involved in youth ministry, ushering, and mission trips. Wally brings strengths in team leadership, strategic planning, communication, and organizational management. He is passionate about helping Mount Olivet grow as an inviting, justice-centered, and community-focused church where all people experience belonging and purpose.
Deb McDonald
Treasurer
Deb brings years of financial expertise from her work at Target and has served as Mount Olivet’s treasurer since 2017. She became deeply involved through the Loaves and Fishes Community Meal and values the congregation’s commitment to hospitality, service, and connection. Deb is excited about Mount Olivet’s future as a welcoming community hub that supports and connects people in meaningful ways
Joe Himmelberg
Council Secretary
Joe is an IT executive with U.S. Bank and has been a member of Mount Olivet for 20 years. He previously served on council and as treasurer and has also been involved in youth leadership and Brews, Eats and Beats. Joe brings experience in organizational leadership and strategic planning, along with a strong commitment to helping Mount Olivet remain vibrant, grounded in faith, and responsive to change. He values Mount Olivet’s vision of “finding our place in God’s unfolding story.”
Angela Christy
Council Member
Angela is an affordable housing attorney and has been a member of Mount Olivet for 14 years. She brings experience serving on nonprofit boards, including Beacon, and feels called to support Mount Olivet’s leadership and future direction. Angela values Mount Olivet’s commitment to community and is hopeful about the congregation’s vision and leadership in these changing times.
Joanna Ehresman
Council Member
Joanna has been a member of Mount Olivet for fourteen years and worships with her family on Wednesdays. She has served as a substitute Faith Formation teacher, on the VBS planning committee, and as part of Mount Olivet’s listening and strategic planning work. Joanna brings professional expertise in marketing and business, along with a passion for faith formation and community building.
Celeste Enderle
Council Member
Celeste is a retired teacher who has become active in the life of Mount Olivet over the past two years through prayer ministry, community meals, and ISAIAH involvement. She feels called to support the church’s mission and vision and brings integrity, empathy, flexibility, and a spirit of lifelong learning. Celeste is grateful for the ways Mount Olivet invites people to engage in God’s work in the world.
Jeremiah Johnson
Council Member
Jeremiah joined Mount Olivet more than four years ago after being drawn to its strong sense of community. He brings leadership experience from previous church involvement as an elder, youth leader, and trustee, along with professional expertise in corporate strategy. Jeremiah is passionate about helping Mount Olivet amplify its mission and vision both within the congregation and beyond.
Terri Knutson
Council Member
Terri has been a member of Mount Olivet for more than 20 years and is deeply involved in youth ministry, including senior high leadership, Bible study, retreats, and service opportunities. She has also served in Faith Explorers and on a pastoral call committee. Terri brings strengths in problem solving, organization, mentoring, and leadership development. She is passionate about helping Mount Olivet continue to grow as a welcoming, learning, and outward-focused community where people of all ages can find their place in God’s unfolding story.
Kirsten Scheller
Council Member
Kirsten grew up at Mount Olivet and has been a member for 21 years. Her experience in program management and board leadership, along with years of volunteering in Faith Formation, brings strong communication, leadership, and community-building skills to council. Kirsten values the welcoming and supportive spirit of Mount Olivet and its commitment to creating a safe place for people to worship and belong
