STAFF
Gabe Kasper
Pastor
Gabe grew up in Macomb, MI. After spending five years starting new churches in Austin, TX, he is excited to be back in Michigan as the Pastor of ULC. He serves the mission of ULC through preaching, leadership development, and pastoral care. Gabe studied at Concordia University Wisconsin before going on to get his M.Div at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. In his spare time, Gabe enjoys playing soccer, reading books, listening to punk rock, and cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. He and his wonderful wife Melissa have three great kids.
Zack Werner
Director of Operations
Zack graduated from Concordia University – Ann Arbor with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Business in 2015 and is currently putting the finishing touches on a master’s in Higher Education. Zack helped with Athletic Communications and Marketing at Concordia for two years and has been at ULC since January 2016. As Director of Operations, he oversees communications, church business, and worship. A Michigan native, Zack loves spending time with his wife, Courtney, playing guitar, and following the Detroit Tigers.
Karen Berger
Common Cup Ministry Manager
Karen is from Palatine, a Northwest suburb of Chicago, IL – GO CUBS! After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Stage Management from the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music she worked as a freelance Stage Manager in Chicago for several years before deciding to change courses and move to Michigan. Karen became involved in The Common Cup ministry as a barista at the beginning of 2015 and took over as the manager in the summer of 2016 where she is now focused on daily operations and exploring ways to improve and grow the reach of the ministry. Karen is incredibly grateful for her wonderful family and loves playing card games. Come play cribbage with her anytime, she’s in The Common Cup more often than not.
Hannah Maxey
Ministry Coordinator
As an Ann Arbor native, Hannah grew up learning about God’s grace and love at a nearby Lutheran church, but has been coming to ULC since her college days at Eastern Michigan University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology and has gone on to use her talents in a variety of jobs. As the Ministry Coordinator, Hannah helps recruit and equip our volunteers, handles office daily tasks, and coordinates sending activities. When not working, she enjoys adventuring with her husband and their bear-like dog, Pepper Potts. Hannah’s goal in life is to share Jesus’ love with others.
Sara Bielby
Deaconess
Hailing from west of Flint, MI, Sara attended UM and ULC as a student, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. After spending ten years serving the Lord by working for Lockheed Martin and BAE SYSTEMS, she studied at Concordia Theological Seminary and received her Master’s degree and Deaconess Certification. Here at the Chapel, Sara uses her deaconess specialization in counseling and her theological training to be a resource to students through bible studies, discipleship, mentoring, and partnering in service. Sara is a nature girl and loves hiking, critters, and any reason to be outside.
Angela Knickelbein
MLI Intern
Angela (Ang) is a super senior at Concordia University Ann Arbor studying Church music with her focus in Contemporary worship. She has a passion for music: she plays piano, sings, and has taught herself guitar. She played college lacrosse and was named first team all-conference in the WHAC last season. Ang is currently engaged and will be getting married in May to seminarian Alarik Morris. When not playing music (which is honestly a rare sight), Ang can be found working out (she enjoys CrossFit and running), making and or drinking quality coffee (of course black absolutely no sweeteners please!), or hammocking (her favorite spots are around Concordia’s campus near the Huron River). Reading is also another hobby Ang enjoys; her favorite genres are typically poetry and theology.
Ang primarily works with ULC’s music—she sings and plays on Sundays and prepares back-end tasks on weekdays. Ang also functions as a critical outreach point for ULC’s growth on Concordia’s campus.
Noah Gustafson
MLI Intern
Noah is a junior at the University of Michigan studying user experience research (
Noah is a new ULC member (2018). He leads freshman Bible Study and assists ULC in virtually marketing new means of reaching students and communicating these ideas across campus ministry.
Makayla Wyly
MLI Intern
Makayla is a junior at the University of Michigan working towards a double major in Psychology and History. She has attended worship at ULC for her past 2 years of college. Makayla helped organize the Aruna Run last year and participated in other volunteer events. This fall, she is an intern at ULC working directly with Hannah Maxey. She is from Taylor, Michigan and loves IM sports, attending U of M football games, and singing in the Michigan Women’s Glee Club.
Makayla is responsible for coordinating volunteer work for sending events, worship services, and on-campus marketing. She compiles the weekly bulletin and works with Hannah to coordinate office tasks.
Charissa Hasper
MLI Intern
Charissa is a junior at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Choral Education with hopes to teach at the secondary level. Charissa is heavily involved in music outside of class. She is a member of the UM Women’s Glee Club and is the music director of Good News, a campus a cappella group. She spent the last few summers working in customer service and retail in her hometown of Saugatuck, Michigan. In her free time, Charissa enjoys playing board games, working out, taking naps, and talking other people’s ears off.
Charissa primarily works with ULC’s music—she plays on Sundays and leads Night of Praise once a month. She also writes Bible Study outlines for student Community Groups, assists Becca with Sunday children’s ministry, and coordinates student events and activities.
Justin Beemer
MLI Intern
Justin is a junior at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering and a minor in Physics. He recently concluded three years of service with Lutheran Youth Fellowship, where he helped facilitate leadership training for high school-aged youth in the LCMS. Justin loves spending time on the lake, watching football, and playing soccer.
Justin leads high school Bible Study and oversees discipleship of junior high and high school students. He also works with Noah on IT support for the church.
Rebecca Johnstone
MLI Intern
Rebecca is currently in her fourth year at Concordia University, Ann Arbor. She is studying Hospitality and Event Management. Rebecca works on campus as the student mailroom manager. She is involved in worship arts along with the Concordia Choir. In her free time, she loves to hang out with friends, be outdoors, and play disc golf.
Becca works with the kids during kids’ ministry. She organizes service attendance and various post-service related tasks. Becca also does outreach on Concordia’s campus to build student connections for ULC.