Peace Church 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 here in Duluth. Since then, she has served United Presbyterian Church in Superior, Wisconsin and is now on staff at Peace. Her interests include social justice ministries, faith formation and adult education, pastoral care and worship. She is a student, a poet, and an organizer.

Amanda McElray Hunter
Interim Director of
Children and Youth Ministry
Amanda McElray Hunter is a visual artist, manages a local gallery 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. In the past, Amanda has worked on staff for a 5,000 member church in Fort Lauderdale, FL, coordinated numerous multi-generational community art-making workshops for churches throughout the Twin Cities, and volunteered at Peace to create art with the children’s ministry. She also volunteers at Peace as an OWL facilitator. Amanda is Mom to 13 year old Siggy and 10 year old Kieran and partner to Matt who works at United Way.

Jim Pospisil
Music Director
Jim Pospisil has been music director at Peace United Church of Christ 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 Coordination
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
Hello! I am here as Business Manager and am ready to jump in and help create this role. Professionally, I’ve worked as an office manager and assistant for two local companies over the last five years. I’m adaptable, as I’ve learned a lot of my skills on the job and have taken on many roles as needed. I hope to put my organizational and professional skills to good use here. I’m excited to become a member of the staff and help the church continue to grow. I grew up in Duluth and think it’s a great place to call home. I spend my free time enjoying nature by skiing, hiking, biking, and camping. I’m also an avid puzzler and gardener. I look forward to meeting you all soon!

Mali Lorenz
Bookkeeper
I have known of Peace Church since I was involved in local peace and justice work 20+ years ago. Since then, I spent years living and working at a small Buddhist retreat center in the Southwest, where I became the bookkeeper. I went on to gain administrative and financial experience with several different nonprofits and small businesses. I met my spouse Katie in Tucson, where she was a steady part of border-justice work. We moved (back) to Duluth last summer to be closer to Midwestern family, and because she took a job with CHUM. We have enjoyed exploring the area, nature, and a multitude of festivals. This part-time role at Peace Church fits remarkably well with different pieces of my background and lifestyle. I look forward to learning about and supporting all the ways this community manifests!

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 Munger trail, and going to the family cabin exploring the woods for creatures.

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. You will see me in the choir loft during “normal” times, and in the Virtual Services for now. Because of COVID-19, my support for our Peace members is mainly through calls and emails and cards.

Mariah Kiefer
Youth Associate
Mariah is a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, studying social work. She is excited to support children and youth in their faith and fight for justice that needs to be sought after in today’s society. On her off time she enjoys spending time with her cat Luca, and with her friends, family, and boyfriend.

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, such as: Blood Ceremony, Siouxsie & the Banshees, Monolord, Sleep, and Mercyful Fate. Alex is excited to work with Peace Church to provide a digital bridge for the those who are unable to attend services in person.