To Gather Joyfully, Grow Spiritually, and to Go Faithfully

 
 

Worship Band


The Worship Band at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd has been in existence since 2001. We are comprised of teachers, students, an architect, a banker, a real estate sales manager, a secretary/receptionist, a social worker, a government worker, an insurance adjuster, and business owners.
What we all have in common is a strong sense of commitment to our church and a passion for learning more about Our Lord Jesus Christ through our music. We do this because we love it and we feel we have a gift to share with others. This is our way of giving back to our congregation, to our family, and particularly to our God for giving us our gift of music.
We have chosen to serve our Lord by sharing our talents and passion for music with you.

Members of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Worship Band -- sometimes known as ‘Holy Smoke.’

Katie Anderson
I am a junior at Moorhead High School, where I run cross- country and track. I sing soprano in the A Cappella Choir and play the violin in orchestra. My life doesn't slow down at home because I have 3 energetic younger brothers. I love camping and being outside, running, music, and spending time with friends and family. Life's a blessing and I try to live it that way.

Todd Carlson
I have been a member of Good Shepherd my whole life. My wife’s name is Kirstin Carlson who is a talented flute player who has played some with the worship band in the past. I have two sons, Nathan (5) and Aiden (2). I have been playing drums in bands for 22 years playing mostly rock and country music. I am happy that I am able to use my talent to contribute to the success of the worship band by putting a slightly different “twist” on worship service.

Lyn Dwyer
I have been a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd since 1975. I am married to my husband, Joe, and we have three children. Britta is a math teacher at Moorhead High School, Adam recently graduated from Concordia College and Melanie is a senior at Moorhead High. I have worked in the real estate industry since 1977 and am currently the Broker Associate/Sales Manager at Prudential LRES Realty in Fargo. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the North Dakota Association of Realtors, and am a member of the Minnesota Association of Realtors and the Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of Realtors. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing, reading, cooking, the Fox News Channel and, of course, singing!

Dana Gary
My husband and I grew up in rural central Minnesota, and have lived in Moorhead since 1988. Our daughter, Ralee, is a senior at MHS and son, Evan, is a freshman. I am an insurance adjuster and have been working in the insurance industry for over 20 years. My hobbies include reading, watching various sporting events ["Go Spuds"] and gardening. I have been singing since I can remember, and am so privileged to be part of this wonderful worship group, praising God though music.

Gary Hoots
Gary was born and raised in Goodrich, ND. He is married to Norean and they have four children. Gary is the Senior Credit Officer for American Federal Bank. Gary has been singing in church since he and his two brothers sang, as a trio, from the age of five.

Norean Hoots
Norean, originally from McVille, ND, lives in Moorhead with her husband Gary and children Kayla, Brian, Kevin and Michael. They have been members of Good Shepherd since 1990. Norean is currently employed as a social worker for Cass County. Norean thoroughly enjoys accompanying the Worship Band on the keyboard.

Mark Johnson
Mark has been a member of Good Shepherd since 1979. He and his wife were married here and their 3 children were baptized and confirmed here. Mark, Mary and their family live in South Moorhead.

Susie Nickell
I am a guitar playing country singer that can’t seem to get rid of the country characteristics that defines my music. I am funny, disciplined, helpful to all, and loyal, so says my husband and kids, Gary, John and Annie, respectively. I am a substitute teacher in Moorhead and have been for many years. Give me a good book, silence, and a cup of coffee and I will read until someone finds me and makes me do something else! I am devoted to Worship Band, its members and all it stands for. Amen!!

Steve Sethre-Hofstad
Best describes as Latin percussionist trapped in a Scadanavian body and Lutheran culture! Steve and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Dane, age 10, and Annika, age 7. The Sethre-Hofstad’s enjoy outdoor activities, food and friends, and serving the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.

Karen Skarpness
My favorite place to be is church, and singing for the Lord is my passion. I grew up as a pastor's kid in rural North Dakota and have loved the music of the church and contemporary Christian music for a long time. I am a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead and have worked at Bible camps, youth ministry for a couple of years, teaching, and have been the Secretary & Receptionist here at Good Shepherd since 1998. It is a privilege to be a part of the work God is doing thru His Church.

Steve Skoblik
Originally from Lucan, Minnesota, my wife Michelle and I grew roots in Moorhead after attending NDSU. We have two children, Sebastian and Isabella. Camping with the Boy Scouts, Sci-Fi/fantasy books, and watching my daughter dance are some good ways to spend my time. Singing with this group has allowed me to praise and pray to God in a way I have never done before. Remember – If the spirit moves you…dance.

Dan Thureen
(bio coming soon)

Our sincere thanks goes out to Bob Schieffer for helping us, and continuing to help us, with all our sound needs here at Good Shepherd. He is amazing, accommodating, and excellent at his craft of sound engineering. He is in the process of training willing members of the congregation to be a ‘sound board operator’ during services.

The Worship Band plays second service on the 2nd Sunday and the 4th Sunday of every month at Good Shepherd.
Any questions or comments please call or email Susie Nickell at 233-6469 or susienickell@cableone.net

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