Sarah Baptiste, Youth Leader   

Wes Bue has served as Custodian at Union since 1998. He grew up in Lanesboro, Minnesota. After high school, he studied electrical engineering at the University of Minnesota; there he earned a degree in photography and filmmaking. He also completed a program in commercial photography at Hennepin Technical College and has taught adult evening classes there. He served as senior video producer at the University of Minnesota for 23 years and as project coordinator for its Telemedicine project. In addition to working at Union, Wes owns a small video production company, directs live children's television programs at Amplatz Children's Hospital twice a week and does maintenance work at a women's shelter. Wes lives with his wife, Denise, their son, Beck, and two cats. He enjoys movies, dining out, travel, amateur radio, biking, still photography and afternoon naps — when there's time.

Brenda Clarno, Director of Christian Education & Volunteer Ministries, has been nurturing the spiritual growth of children, youth and adults at Union since 1991. Her three-prong approach — education, service and empowerment — to others' growth led to the expansion of her position to full-time in 1998 to include matching people's gifts and talents with needs at Union and beyond. Hospitality truly is her calling and making connections is her passion. Brenda serves as co-director of the July Family Camp at Pilgrim Point Camp and has volunteered extensively in the Minnesota Conference of the UCC. Brenda's advocacy work focuses on children, poverty, homelessness, equal rights for all and the environment. She has been married to Rob Clarno for 29 years and has two children: John, 26, and Tiffany, 24. Favorite pastimes include hiking, camping — really, any outdoors activity.

Art Clyde, Senior Choir Director, is right at home conducting the Senior Choir. "Choral music is a life-long passion," he says. During his recent 15-year tenure on the denominational staff of the UCC as minister for worship, music and liturgical arts, Art created numerous resources and workshops and edited The New Century Hymnal. Since coming to Union, Art has been serving as adjunct faculty at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and holding frequent workshops and classes in worship, music, arts and worship renewal. He lives with his wife, Carol Birkland, a magazine editor in the transportation industry. They love the Union community. When Art has time, he loves to write music and travel. Originally from Pennsylvania, Art still considers himself an immigrant to Minnesota, and is enjoying it.

Rev. Christy E. Dew, Pastor

Peggy Johnson wears many hats, serving as Director of Music, organist, Children's Choir Director and Handbell Choir Director. A graduate of St. Olaf College with a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Peggy has spent her entire career in music education and church music. She taught elementary school general music and choir in Apple Valley for 35 years, was a member of the board of directors for the Minnesota Music Educators Association and the editor of its quarterly journal. In 2007, she was inducted into the MMEA Hall of Fame. Since 1973, Peggy has served Union in a variety of musical roles. "After all these years, working at Union feels much more like a family relationship than a job," she says. "Just as families change and grow, new faces, new music and new ideas make each year at Union exciting in a new way." When Peggy is not busy making music, there's a better than 50 percent chance that she's working on her latest counted cross stitch project.

June Sand serves as Faith Community Nurse for Union, working as part of a team with the pastor, Faith Community Nurse Committee and volunteers. Parish nursing blends nursing and ministry to address the needs of the whole person across his or her lifespan and within the context of this faith community. After June receives a referral, she works with the congregant on a confidential basis and helps determine a course of action. June has worked in health care for over 30 years and dedicates 10 hours per week to Union, visiting patients in hospitals, nursing homes and in private homes. She is also available for health screenings and blood pressure checks the third Sunday of each month after church. Parish nursing is a complimentary service, funded by individuals and organizations.