The Incarnation Congregation Council is comprised of a group of nine lay leaders who are elected on a rotating basis to three year terms. Criteria for being nominated to the council include regular participation in the worship life and ministries of Incarnation as well as a commitment to helping the community of Incarnation live out our stated Mission, Vision, and Values.
You may email the Incarnation Council directly by clicking here.
2022 Congregation Council Members
Jim Meinen
President
Jim and his wife, Julie, have been members since 1989 and have two young adult children, Catie and Will. Jim has co-led a Worship Team, served on the Stewardship Ministry Team, HR Committee, Finance Committee, Confirmation guide and Confirmation prayer partner, communion server, usher and participated in a mission trip to Haiti in 2013. He has led several small groups and served on the Feed My Starving Children Council since 2013. Jim previously served on the Incarnation Council from 2014-2017. Term ends December 2025.
Heather Yost
Vice President
Heather and her husband, Doug, have been members of Incarnation since 2006. They have three children, Gavin (17), Gabby (14), and Genevieve (8). Heather has been involved in Incarnation as a Sunday school teacher, small group member and leader, communion server, Feed My Starving Children volunteer, Lenten soup supper volunteer, a member of the handbell choir, and playing trombone during holiday services. Term ends December 2023.
Greta Grosch
Secretary
Greta has been proud to call Incarnation her church home for over two decades, and serves as a member of the Contemporary Worship Music Team. In addition, she has acted as a Confirmation prayer partner, participates regularly in FMSC MobilePack™ Events, has done work with the youth, and moonlights with the Senior Choir whenever she can. Greta makes her living in theater, and is grateful to have the opportunity to combine her faith with her work as an original cast member and writer for the hit “Church Basement Ladies” musicals. Term ends December 2023.
Denise Fleming
Treasurer
Denise and her husband, Joe, have been members of Incarnation since 1999. They have three adult daughters, Katie, Emily, and Libby, who attended preschool, Sunday School and confirmation at Incarnation. Denise served on the Call Committee for senior pastor Gary Medin. She has also served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School instructor, Feed My Starving Children MobilePack™ volunteer, and Stewardship Route Leader. Denise currently participates in two small groups: I AM Yoga and Faith to Grow. Term ends December 2023.
Wyatt Stahl
Wyatt and his spouse, Lynnett, joined Incarnation in preparation for when their daughter Elle (17) was about to start confirmation. During Elle’s confirmation years, Elle and Wyatt started to usher on Sunday mornings, and recently Wyatt has also become a communion server. Several years ago, following the 40 Day Prayer Experiment, Wyatt became part of the Men’s Small Group and Centering Prayer, has been a confirmation prayer partner, and attends the new Psalms for Living. Term ends December 2023.
Katy Gibbs
Katy and her husband, Toby, have been members of Incarnation since 2012. They live in Shoreview with their children, David (13) and Lexie (8). Katy has served as a Spark leader in multiple grades, middle school group leader, VBS volunteer, and Feed My Starving Children MobilePack volunteer. She has also had the honor of participating in several small groups over the years. Term ends December 2024.
Amy Johnson
Amy, her husband, Josh, and family started attending Incarnation in 2015 when they moved back to the area. Their three children, Callan, Declan and Teagan attended Incarnation Preschool. Amy served on the Preschool Committee, Call Committee for Pastor Kai, as a small group leader, small group member, and brass ensemble. She also enjoys spending time with the Worship Arts team while decorating the sanctuary. Term ends December 2024.
Gil Hartley
I was born in Duluth in the first half of the 20th century. Kathy and I married in 1977, and our son, Sam, was born in 1983 and our daughter, Eliza, in 1989. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1979, finished internal medicine residency at Hennepin County Medical Center in 1983, and practiced in Owatonna until 1986, when HCMC invited me back to open a new clinic. We joined Incarnation in 1987. My career started in primary care and gradually shifted to obesity management, especially the care of obesity surgery patients. I retired in May 2020 and now take naps, travel, and volunteer at the American Red Cross Blood Services, Solid Ground, and Feed My Starving Children. Term ends December 2024.
Tracy Strantz
Tracy and her husband, Dan, have been members of Incarnation for over 25 years. Their children Cory (21) and Rachel (19) grew up participating in the Wednesday night youth & confirmation programs and supporting various service roles including family volunteering for Feed My Starving Children and other ILC events. Tracy served as a classroom guide throughout their faith journeys, inspiring Cory & Rachel to also serve as classroom guides for the VBS and Wednesday night programs. Tracy enjoys mentoring youth and supporting confirmands as a prayer partner. Tracy & Dan are both active participants in Small Group Ministry. Tracy is a co-leader in two long-term small groups and has appreciated many connections within our small group community since participating in one of the inaugural leader training sessions in 1998. Tracy has served on leadership councils for both Small Group and Children’s Ministries. She enjoys collaborating with others to cultivate new ideas and supporting short-term and long-term strategies. Term ends December 2025.
To contact one of the Incarnation Congregation Council members, email council@incarnationmn.org or call the Incarnation Office at 651-484-7213 and request specific contact information.
Some photos generously provided by Melanie Swanson Photography.