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.
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!
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!
Charissa Hasper
Director of Worship Arts
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!
Missional Leadership Institute
Missional Leadership Institute
