Associate Minister for Education and Faith Formation

amy.wick.moore@uccnb.org.

Amy came to us in 2009 after finishing studies at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and serving as the Director of Outdoor Ministries for the UCC Conference Camp in Alexandria, Minn. Amy grew up in Elk River, MN, and went to Concordia College in Moorhead, where her call to ministry grew after spending a semester abroad studying development in India.  Amy met her husband working as an Instructor Naturalist at Camp Widjiwagen in Ely, Minn, teaching middle schoolers about the North Woods. 

In her ministry, Amy continues to enjoy leading youth and church members of all ages on retreats, mission trips, and wilderness adventures, such as a trip to Hawaii to learn about UCC history and ancient agricultural practices, winter "camping" trips to the end of the Gunflint Trail, and weekend retreats on Lake Ida. Amy  enjoys working with  our children and families as they grow in their faith and a community centered on practicing God's love.

Choir Director

Gigi joined the staff at UCCNB in October of 2023. She had previously been Music Director at Union UCC in Elk River. Prior to that, she served as Music Director at a number of churches within the MN Conference, and also served as Director of Pilgrim Point Camps & Retreats. In addition to choral music, Gigi enjoys guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele. Djembe drums and a number of other instruments.

When choosing music, Gigi likes to focus on ways that music can enhance the worship service and hopefully broaden our understanding.

She is delighted to be a part of UCCNB.

Accompanist
Since September 2004, Aaron Swestka has enjoyed the love, nurture, and talents of the UCCNB community.  During UCCNB worship services, weddings, and funerals, he accompanies congregational song on the piano and the organ, and also plays for the UCCNB Choir and summer Special Music offerings. Additional collaboration includes work with the UCCNB Dancers, instrumentalists, and vocal soloists and ensembles including children, youth, and adults.  

Aaron began music ministry at age 12, in his hometown church, St. Patrick Parish, of Monona, Iowa.  He obtained a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.  Aaron and his partner Richard are blessed to share their South Minneapolis home with their two cats, Big Sam and Ivy.  Other endeavors include most all genres of music and musical theatre, and enjoying the vast array of great art organizations in the Twin Cities…oh yes, and all things Disney, too!

Office Administrator

uccnb@uccnb.org

Alexandra Smith came to UCCNB in August 2024 after working as a preschool schoolteacher for 8 years. She is excited for this career change. Additionally, she looks forward to helping the New Brighton community and UCCNB in their mission. Alexandra grew up in the Moundsview/New Brighton area, graduated from Irondale High School and recently moved back to New Brighton to be closer to family. Alexandra is engaged to her high school sweetheart, and they have a beautiful daughter together with 1 dog and 2 cats. She stays busy and loves spending time as a family, exploring the community and different parts of Minnesota. In her free time, she loves to draw/paint, read and play video games with her family.