Elder Team
Kassandra DeBoer, Secretary
She/Her/Hers. I've been attending Genesis since 2015 and a member since 2018. I deeply love the messiness, laughter, and lament that exists here. I'm so excited to help us continue to be a steady place of growth as we move outside our previous structure. I currently live in North Minneapolis with my husband Nate and our cat Sokka. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist (Enneagram 2 anyone??) and I love deep conversations, all pets, and backyard hangouts. Email Kassandra: kassandramachine@gmail.com.
David Schlenk, Finance
He/Him/His. My wife Catie, son Iver and I have been attending Genesis from the start. We live in Robbinsdale, very near to our current location (near enough that I should probably be walking to church more often than I do!). I spent the early years volunteering primarily with the coffee crew and children's rooms, and more recently have been a part of the ensemble of AV tech nerds. I cherish the mission, vision, and values that Genesis strives for, and am proud to be in a community that loves and values each individual person right where they are and no matter what. I enjoy sending meals, care packages, or funny notes to those in need of a boost, or just because they're on my mind. Some of my favorite things are: a hot cup of coffee black as midnight on a moonless night, children's books (Winnie the Pooh and Frog and Toad especially); baseball, Formula 1 racing, and fixing or repurposing old and forgotten electronics. I'm a software architect and I work from home. I'm always up for a chat, whether over a cup of coffee or via text; just to listen or help solve a problem. Email David: david@schdav.org
Regan Vanevenhoven, Elder Chair
She/Her/Hers. My husband, Neko, and I have been attending Genesis since the summer of 2020. We were drawn to the “realness” as well as a community that allows for curiosity and wonder. We have a 2.5 year old daughter, Nayvie who fosters our day to day rhythms of finding joy in the small things, curiosity and creativity. After working in the human services field for the last 9 years, I chose to stay home with our daughter, and I'm so glad! The flexibility allowed us to sell our house last year and live in our camper on the road. Best decision ever. We're back now and discerning what our next adventure is. I am also trained as a Birth and Postpartum Doula and have a soft spot for new or "new again" moms. Some of my favorite hobbies include reading, yoga, exploring a new coffee shop or brewery and all things Disney. I am always up for a chat whether in person, text or email. Email Regan: reganvanevenhoven@gmail.com.
Michelle Kelly
She/Her/Hers. Our journey at Genesis began in the fall of 2018 by joining the giant camp sleepover, AKA: Genesis Family Vacation at Covenant Pines. This was a social adventure our whole family loved. You can regularly find our four children Finbar(8), Agnes(7), Loralei(5), and Olive(3) creating adventures while climbing, building, coloring and smiling/staring at you from the pews up front in the sanctuary. As their parents, Enoch and I appreciate this community as you all regularly profess their sweetness to us after the service, which is very gracious and kind. The children are seen AND heard, and that my friends, is a delight. At Genesis, our story is given grace and space to be evolving in God's expansive love, which is also a true delight. I value being immersed in a community that comes as we are, listens carefully, loves graciously and cares tenderly for each other. In this season of being a stay at home/homeschool mom of four, my delights are simple: coffee and conversations. Hearing your evolving story makes me happy. I would love to visit with you ANYTIME. Here or there, I will meet you anywhere!! Email Michelle: mkelly14@gmail.com
Steve Schonning
He/Him/His. My wife Joan and I got involved in Genesis in 2014. I was involved with tech starting with the first services at Sabes. We were active from the start in different volunteer opportunities. I was blessed to be a part of the early leadership team gatherings helping to find a way in the early days of Genesis. We left for a couple of years to plant Lighthouse, a church in North Minneapolis, then returned to Genesis when it shut down. Coming back was easy, like returning home. I am recently retired after many years in all facets of manufacturing. Joan and I have been married for 38 years and have 2 grown kids and 3 grandkids. Email Steve: srsbc1@gmail.com.
Rexann Brew
She/Her/Hers. Journey and adventure: I like those words; they seem to fit me. Throughout my life I’ve lived in a variety of states and a few European countries, in a variety of “houses” (teepee, school bus, bicycles & tent). Those two words - journey and adventure - describe how I feel about Genesis, too. In the almost five years I’ve been a part of this community, I’ve grown as a person - not without a struggle. I have deconstructed and reconstructed, walking through fear and frustration to expansiveness and hope. And because of the beautiful and supportive family I’ve gained being a part of Genesis, the stumbling, fumbling, insights and awe have been shared with other adventurers on a similar journey. I am grateful that I can be me within the “we” of Genesis. I am also grateful for the privilege of being a wife and partner to Greg for 30 (plus 5) years, and mom to our amazing daughter Anna for 22 years. If you find yourself in the western suburbs hit me up for a nice walk, a good coffee, a glass of wine, or just to chat. Email Rexann: thebrews@mac.com.