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
Business Administrator
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 Business Administrator, he stays busy with the day-to-day operations and also oversees the Chapel’s multi-media platforms. A Michigan native, Zack loves everything about the Detroit Tigers, his family, and playing guitar.
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. Hannah works in a pediatric emergency room as a child life specialist, serves coffee from The Common Cup, coordinates weddings for the Chapel, and uses her business minor and entrepreneurial spirit in her online planner business, HannahsPlannahs. As the Volunteer Coordinator, Hannah helps recruit, equip, and lead our Sunday morning volunteers to be able to serve to their fullest capacity. 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.
Johannes Stauffer
Worship Director
Johannes grew up in Dexter, MI and has lived most of his life in and around the Ann Arbor area. After high school, he spent a year in Belfast, N. Ireland doing mission work with a local church before returning home and training to be a paramedic. He has worked in ministry in Ypsilanti for the last 12 years, serving as a youth minister and worship leader, and joined ULC as Worship Director in January of 2018. He is also the Systems Administrator for a small business in Ypsilanti. Johannes lives in Hamburg, MI with his wife Joanie.
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.
Kevin Dykstra
Vicar
Kevin grew up in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. After graduating high school, Kevin left to study to be a high school history teacher at Carroll University, Waukesha, WI. Little did he know, God had different plans! After getting involved in college campus ministry while at Carroll, and during his time working at a Christian summer camp, Kevin began thinking God might be calling him to consider going to seminary to be a pastor. He enrolled at Concordia Seminary and began classes in 2016. Kevin is thrilled to join ULC for his vicarage year and to see what God has in store! In his spare time, Kevin enjoys watching and plying soccer, drinking coffee, learning, and cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers – Go Pack Go!