Staff & Interns
Gabe Kasper
Lead 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.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Pastor Gabe to give you his starting 11 for the 2022 World Cup!
Marcus Lane
Campus Pastor
Marcus grew up west of the Twin Cities in Waconia, MN. Before joining the staff at ULC in the fall of 2019, he spent four years serving as a pastor in Seattle, WA. In addition to preaching, teaching, and pastoral care duties, Marcus serves the mission of ULC by leading our campus outreach efforts to the University of Michigan. Outside of his work, Marcus enjoys watching the NBA, all things hip hop, and is happy to share his love of sneakers with anyone willing to listen. Marcus and his wife Vanessa live here in Ann Arbor with their two kids Della and Jude.
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
Director of Operations
Hannah grew up learning about God’s grace and love at a nearby Lutheran Church. She has been coming to ULC since her college days at Eastern Michigan University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology with a minor in business. After working for four years as a Child Life Specialist at CS Mott Children’s hospital, she transitioned to work at ULC. When not working, she enjoys adventuring with her husband, daughter, and their bear-like dog.
Hannah recently shifted gears to become our Director of Operations and oversees ULC facilities/rentals, business aspects of the church, and communications.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Hannah to talk about her crafting addiction!
Missional Leadership Institute
Charissa Hasper
Interim Director of Worship Arts & MLI Intern
Charissa is a senior at the University of Michigan studying Music Education. She wants to eventually teach middle/high school choir. Charissa loves sweaters, hot beverages, and laughter. In her free time, you can probably find her working out, watching movies/tv shows, or talking very loudly somewhere.
Charissa primarily works with ULC’s music—she leads weekly worship and organizes monthly Night of Praise. She also plans and coordinates student events, retreats, and small activities.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Charissa what shows she’s watching or books she’s reading!
Noah Gustafson
MLI Intern
Noah is a senior at UM studying User Experience Research, Product Design, & Business. He is a self-starter and ambitious to lead the creation of anything he finds opportunistic. Noah is heavily involved in University Christian Outreach—an ecumenical and charismatic student organization. You’ll find Noah at various local coffee shops tête-à-tête with a fellow student or friend (COVID-19 update: downtown being active with students in the Diag).
Year Goals: develop a new website for ULC, manage an architectural project with council from various resident members, and lead the freshman community group.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Noah about the two companies he’s starting!
Makayla Wyly
MLI Intern
Makayla is a senior at the University of Michigan and is a double major in Psychology and History. She plans to attend a graduate program focused on social work next year. In her free time, Makayla likes to play IM sports, reading, and attending UM basketball games.
This is Makayla’s second year as an intern at ULC. Last year, she organized sending events and worked with the middle school Bible study.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Makayla what coffee shops she likes to read at in Ann Arbor!
Justin Beemer
MLI Intern
Justin is a senior at the University of Michigan pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering and a minor in Physics. He works as an instructional Aid for the undergraduate Operating Systems course and enjoys mentoring and teaching others. Justin loves spending time on teh lake, watching football, and playing soccer.
Justin leads high school Bible Study on Sundays, assists with planning events to help students connect with ULC, and works with Noah on IT support for the church.
Taylor Murrell
MLI Intern
Taylor is a senior at the University of Michigan majoring in Biology and minoring in Gender & Health and Business. She hopes to attend dental school after graduation. During her time on campus, Taylor has volunteered at Michigan Medicine, served as a member of the Student Health Advisory Council, and taught piano through Seven Mile Music.
Taylor works with the Children’s Ministry and Alpha at ULC. She also leads a campus community group. She has attended ULC since her freshman year, and is excited to become more involved as an intern!
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Taylor about her puppy!
Zane Simon
MLI Intern
Zane is a junior at Concordia University Ann Arbor studying Family Life Ministry with a minor in Youth Ministry. Zane is very involved in campus ministry being a Campus Ministry Coordinator and a member of the Concordia Youth Gathering Board. When Zane has free time he enjoys relaxing in his hammock, playing board games, singing like no one is listening, and spending time with good friends.
Zane has been attending ULC for 2 years and is excited to be a member of the ministry team this year.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Zane about his cool socks or homemade hot sauce!
Paul Chamberlain
MLI Intern
Paul will graduate from U-M with a master’s degree in Computer Science in May 2021, whereupon he plans to move to Seattle and work for Amazon Web Services. Aside from GSI-ing an undergraduate math course, actively engaging in the GEO union, and participating in German & Spanish Club, Paul enjoys long-distance running, board games of every shape and size, singing with family and friends around the piano, and hiking.
Paul coordinates Worship Videos, Sermon Resource Studies, sending events, Sunday-morning volunteering, and Pubology. He also leads a grad-focused community group.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Paul why he studied German as an undergrad!