Our Leadership & Staff
Rev. Charlotte Frantz
Acting Bridge Minister
Charlotte Frantz is an ordained UCC minister who served congregations in Indiana, Montana, and Minnesota. She served on the Iowa Conference staff as well. In 2015, she retired from Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth. Since then, she has served United Presbyterian Church in Superior and is now on staff at Peace. Her interests include social justice ministries, faith formation and adult education, pastoral care and worship.
Gudrun Witrak
Pastoral Care Chaplain
I am a retired hospital chaplain, having served at St. Mary’s and Miller-Dwan Hospitals, with my final years working in the Pain Management Program. I love being a part of people’s journeys of healing and wellness, wholeness and hope. At Peace Church, in the past, Deb Cooper and I facilitated the Grief Support Group and then started the bereavement card ministry.
Amanda McElray Hunter
Children, Youth, and Small Group Coordinator
Amanda McElray Hunter is a visual artist and works with the local arts community in creating public art initiatives. She graduated in 2010 from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities with a masters degree in Theology and the Arts. She also volunteers at Peace as an OWL facilitator. Amanda is Mom to Siggy and Kieran and partner to Matt who works at United Way.
Jim Pospisil
Music Director
Jim Pospisil has been music director at Peace since 1997. He has been Principal Horn of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra since 1996. Jim also is a rock and jazz musician, a faculty member of the music department at UMD, and a member of A Band Called Truman. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Wichita State University, and his Master’s Degree from Indiana University. Jim has two children, Daniel and Neve.
Briana Dornbush
Office Coordinator
A true born Duluthian, I grew up in this neighborhood going to Grant Elementary School, I would go to 8th St. Video almost every weekend for an ice cream cone. I have known of the Peace Church and what it stands for and what it does for its community, and am so excited to be part of the team. I appreciate everyone’s patience during this time and I can’t wait to be able to help where I can.
Rachel Obed
Business Manager
I'm ready to jump in and help create this new staff position at Peace Church. I’m adaptable, a quick learner, and able to take on new roles as needed. I hope to put my organizational and professional skills to good use and I’m excited to help Peace continue to grow. I grew up in Duluth and I think it’s a great place to continue to call home. I spend my free time enjoying nature, hiking, and gardening.
Mali Lorenz
Bookkeeper
I’ve known of Peace Church since I was involved in local peace & justice work 20+ years ago. Since then, I worked at a retreat center in the Southwest and then other nonprofits and small businesses, where I learned bookkeeping skills. I met my spouse Katie in Tucson. We acquired our 2 cats there, while also engaging in area border-justice work. We moved (back) to Duluth in ‘22 in part to be closer to family. Katie took a job with CHUM. We enjoy exploring the area on foot and via roadtrip, and the multitude of festivals.
Dan Shepard
Custodian
Dan has been a member of the Peace Church staff since 2006, taking great care of our building. He is also a drummer, and fills in when needed in our worship services. He lives in Lakeside with his lovely wife Lisa and two boys, Jack and Parker. When he’s not working he enjoys taking the boys on adventures to the zoo, ice skating, riding bikes on the Munger trail, and going to the family cabin exploring the woods for creatures.
Alex Nelson
Worship Technician
Alex is a lifelong resident of the Twin Ports and a lover of Lake Superior. He is a dedicated Freemason serving as Master of Superior Lodge #236 in Superior, WI. In 2022, Alex was a member of both the AAD Shriners in Hermantown, MN and the Valley of Eau Claire, Scottish Rite. Alex is a part-time photographer, and an amateur musician–influenced by a wide range of music. Alex works with Peace Church to provide a digital bridge for the those who are unable to attend services in person.