Our Staff

For more information on MPUC lay leadership, click here.

  • Rev. Adam Blons - Lead Minister

    To contact Adam, please contact the church office at 651-698-8871 or email Adam at adamb(at)macalester-plymouth(dot)org.

    Rev. Adam Blons was called to be the Lead Minister at Macalester Plymouth United Church in August of 2013. Learn more about Adam.

  • Dr. Brad Bradshaw - Director of Music

    To contact Brad, please contact the church office or email Brad at bradb(at)macalester-plymouth(dot)org.

    Dr. Brad Bradshaw has been with MPUC since October of 2014. Learn more about Brad.

  • Cathleen Harris - Organist/Accompanist

    To contact Cathleen, please contact the church office at 651-698-8871 or office(at)macalester-plymouth(dot)org.

    Cathleen Harris joined the Macalester-Plymouth United Church Community in 2023 as the Organist/Accompanist. Learn more about Cathleen..

  • Cory Bock - Music Enrichment Steward

    Cory Bock became involved in music ministry at an early age as a singer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN. In high school he began subbing as organist at Trinity and other churches in southern Minnesota. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree (and minor in religion) from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. Cory also teaches private music lessons and is an assistant teacher in a classroom with 3 and 4 year olds. 

    As Music Enrichment Steward, Cory directs the Alleluia Choir (PreK through 3rd grade) and the Jubilee Ringers handbell ensemble. Through music, people of all ages can share in enriching and leading worship. In his free time, Cory enjoys time with his family and dog, watching sports and being outdoors.

  • Hope Walburn - Faith Formation Leader - Children/Youth

    Prior to becoming the Faith Formation Leader at MPUC, Hope found deep meaning in the energy-giving relationships she built with youth as a frequent chaperone. She values the congregational focus on supporting young people in discovering and radically accepting who they are, building lifelong community, living their values, and enabling social justice activism.

    Hope spent most of her career as a Chef Professor at a Culinary College. She has a MN K-12 teaching license with a fine arts designation and worked as an art specialist K-12. She has additional degrees in Studio Art and Art History. In addition to her work at MPUC, Hope teaches kindergarten in St. Paul and is pursuing her masters degree in Social Work and Addiction Studies.

  • Daniela Tiedemann - Livestream Technician

    Daniela or Dani Tiedemann joined Macalester Plymouth staff in 2023 but has called this church her home since she was a baby. She graduated in 2020 from Grinnell College with a major in psychology. During the week she is a home health aide to elderly disabled veterans. She also works as a sound designer and sound board operator. 

    Her guiding principle for her livestream and tech work at Macalester Plymouth United Church is to increase accessibility for all members -- especially those who cannot come in person — and to make sure they know they are always a valued member of the community.

  • Sage Passmore - Livestream Technician

    Sage graduated from The Evergreen State College in 2018. After a few years working in youth environmental education she settled back in Minnesota, where she is excited to once again be a part of Macalester Plymouth United Church. When not troubleshooting technical issues, she also enjoys designing and playing board games.

  • Isa Blons - Childcare Provider

    Isa is a high school senior at Central Senior High here in St. Paul. She has grown up in the church since age 4 and is a member of the church youth group. She has years of experience in childcare and volunteered for 3 years before working in the nursery. 

  • Aria Walburn - Childcare Provider

  • Peytie McCandless - Office Administrator

    To contact Peytie please contact the church office at 651-698-8871 or office(at)macalester-plymouth(dot)org

    Peytie’s first job as a fresh graduate of Macalester College was the Office Assistant position at Macalester Plymouth United Church. After eight years living in Oregon, she was delighted to take up the position of Office Administrator when she moved back to the Twin Cities. Peytie is also an actor, theater teacher, and embodiment coach.

  • Michelle Sheire - The Grove Initiative Program Manager

    Michelle brings more than fifteen years of experience building and leading volunteer programs. She has also supported numerous organizations through volunteer and events management contract roles. Michelle is skilled in volunteer engagement, relationship-building, and strategic program development. She’s passionate about creating systems and experiences that help volunteers feel connected, valued, and motivated.

  • Amanda Luke - Communications Specialist

    Amanda Luke is a creative and strategic nonprofit professional with more than a decade of experience leading projects, programs, and communications initiatives that advance mission-driven organizations. Amanda currently serves as the Communications Specialist for Macalester Plymouth United Church, and is also the Community Engagement Manager at Lakewood Cemetery. She has served in marketing-based board and volunteer roles for a number of local organizations and businesses. Amanda is passionate about bringing people together to build community and grow connections.

  • Alan Richardson Hohn - Building & Grounds Manager

    To contact Alan, please contact the church office at 651-698-8871 or office(at)macalester-plymouth(dot)org.

    Alan Richardson Hohn joined the Macalester-Plymouth United Church Community in 2021 as the Building and Grounds Manager. Learn more about Alan.

  • Ammar Muhammad and Zully Maya - Church Residents

    Ammar and Zully have been in the Mac-Groveland area since 2018, starting as students at Macalester College. Ammar has been a resident since 2021 and Zully joined in 2023, and they love being a part of the Mac-Plymouth Church community. In addition to their church work supporting events and operations, Ammar works in specialty coffee by day, and loves playing soccer as a hobby. Zully works in fundraising and database marketing, and enjoys dance and reality TV as after work activities.

  • Penny Heubach - Wedding Coordinator

    To contact Penny, please contact the church office at 651-698-8871 or office(at)macalester-plymouth(dot)org.