Meet Our Team

Andrea is a follower of Jesus, saved by grace through faith, overwhelmed by the relentless love and abounding hope found in Christ alone. Her desire in life is to point to Jesus. Since her early days in ministry, Andrea has been committed to teaching God's Word and equipping people of all ages to live their mission so they can point to Jesus. She cares deeply about the well being of ministry leaders and is committed to raising up new pastors, supporting our organization (LCMC) and encouraging the local church.

Andrea was born and raised in West Fargo, ND. She attended MSU-Moorhead, where she received a B.S. in Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. She attended Bethel Seminary and graduated with her M.Div in 2016.

Andrea is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff. They have four children, Lucas, Alex, Lisa and Amelia, and their family pets: a Golden Retriever puppy, Scout, German Shepherd puppy, Selah, and Freddie the cat.

Andrea enjoys reading, music, teen ministry, spending time at the lake and traveling. Besides Jesus and her family, she is most thankful for coffee, worship music and missions.

You can learn more about Pastor Andrea: @ajepaulson
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Megan Aakre is our part-time Kids Ministry Director. She oversees all ministry for kids birth - 6th grade. Working with the Christian Education Team, she plans events such as VBS, Sunday School and Wednesday Treasure Kids, and more! If you have questions or would like to serve this ministry, reach out to Megan! megan@hawleylutheran.org.

Megan grew up and attended school in Hawley. She graduated in 2021 and is starting her fourth year of college at Mayville State University, majoring in Early Childhood. Megan has always loved working with children and has been involved in Kids Ministry and Sunday School at HLC for many years. Megan is married Owen and they live in Hawley.

Lori Buhaug is a life long member of Park Lutheran Church in Rollag, MN. She has served Hawley Lutheran Church for nearly 15 years. Lori is thankful to be serving the members of Hawley Lutheran Church.

Dave is from Roseau, MN. He spent the decade after high school touring in two rock bands. Dave met his wife, Amie while on tour with one of those bands and got married in 2013. They have two children, Josiah and Mara.

Dave believes music is one of the most powerful gifts God has given humanity. His purpose at Hawley Lutheran Church is to use the power of music to invite the Holy Spirit into our building, community and the hearts of those who worship with us.

Tiffany serves Hawley Lutheran as our Ministries and Office coordinator, making sure our office is attended to and our ministry areas flourish.

Tiff grew up in Glyndon, MN. She is married to Chad and lives in Hawley. They are the parents of two boys, Gage and Grayson. Tiffany loves to read, watch movies and hang out with her boys and family.

Before coming on staff, she served on Hawley Lutheran’s Vision Council. She has served in many capacities as a volunteer: kids ministry leader, confirmation ministry small group leader, traveling on mission and helping out wherever needed.

Karly serves Hawley Lutheran Church by equipping and supporting our pastors with all the logistics for worship, services and care.

Karly grew up in Monticello, MN. She is married to Garrett, and they have two boys, Blaine and Brody. She also has a blue heeler, Reba, her side kick in caring for the family critters - kids included. Karly’s family also loves horses - they have 5 - that they enjoy riding in their free time.

Karly enjoys reading, being outside, exploring and spending time with her critters and family.

Elaine has served as Sanctuary Choir director for over 30 years. She also serves as pianist for Wednesday Worship team. Elaine feels serving God through music is a special blessing and she loves what she does. Elaine also serves on the mission team, which meets the needs of our community and beyond to help those less fortunate.

Elaine graduated from high school in Oakes, ND and graduated from Valley City State University with a music education degree. She taught grades K-12 Vocal and Instrumental music in Edinburg, ND for 2 years before moving to Hawley in 1980. She taught mostly vocal music in Hawley for 34 years, retiring in 2014.

She married Gerry in 1981. They have 3 daughters, Allison, married to Jason, who live in Dilworth; Megan, married to Patrick Brejcha who live in Wahpeton; and Gretchen, married to Dustin Hjelmstad who live in Moorhead. Elaine and Gerry are the proud grandparents of Annika, Sophia and Lane Stuart; and Noah and Caleb Brejcha, and Emmett Hjelmstad.

Growing up as an Episcopalian, church has always been a very important part of Elaine’s life and Hawley Lutheran is a loving and giving church family that she is proud to serve.

​Joshua joined our team as Church Treasurer in 2020.

He grew up around the St. Cloud, MN area where he met his wife Bethany. They moved to Hawley in 2014 and have three girls. He currently works for the Department of Natural Resources as a Hydrologist.

Maria serves Hawley Lutheran as our Sunday organist, pianist, choir accompanist and special music coordinator. She has been a church organist/pianist for over 40 years, serving in many congregations. One of her passions is music. “God speaks to me mostly through music!”

Maria is a Registered Nurse and has a Masters Degree in Nursing Administration. She is the Senior Director for Enterprise Dialysis with Sanford Health. Maria is married to Tim and they have four children and four grandchildren.