Staff & Interns
Gabe Kasper
Lead Pastor
Gabe grew up in Macomb, MI. After spending five years starting new churches in Austin, TX, he is glad to be back in Michigan as the Lead 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 MDiv at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and an MPhil from Eastern Michigan University. 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 2026 World Cup!
Marcus Lane
Campus Pastor
Marcus grew up west of the Twin Cities in Waconia, Minnesota. 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.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Pastor Marcus about anything related to the NBA.
Marcus Lane
Campus Pastor
Marcus grew up west of the Twin Cities in Waconia, Minnesota. 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.
Chris Troxel
Church Plant Pastor for Emmaus Lutheran Church
Chris grew up in Quincy, Illinois. To prep him for pastoring at ULC, God gave Chris and his family many great and diverse experiences in many different places. He’s on ULC staff as a church planter, working with the team here in partnership with another church to plant Emmaus Lutheran Church in downtown Ann Arbor. Chris attended Concordia University Nebraska, and later went to Concordia Seminary St. Louis. Chris enjoys reading, gaming, movies, and most things outdoors. Chris and his wife Lisa have three amazing kids.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Chris about the first superhero, or any lore related to Star Wars or Lord of the Rings.
Hannah Maxey
Financial Administrator
Hannah is an Ann Arbor native and long time ULC member. She studied psychology and business at Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, she earned her certification as a Child Life Specialist and went on to work with pediatric patients and families at CS Mott Children’s hospital. After four years of work in the medical field, she felt God calling her to use her gifts in church work and transitioned to full time work at ULC shortly after Pastor Gabe accepted his call. Hannah has worn many hats at ULC, because she loves the challenge building new systems and cares about supporting whatever the current needs of the congregation may be. Presently, she is the go-to person for anything money related and administrative, but feel free to reach out with anything and she will gladly direct you to the right person!
When she’s not crunching the numbers, you can find Hannah going on outdoor adventures with her husband (Tyler), two daughters (Rory & Stevie), and their giant mountain dog (Pepper). Because she is still passionate about caring for families, she enjoys creating opportunities for community through her Fresh Fams group at ULC.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Hannah her current knitting project or her backyard birds! (If you can’t tell, she’s a huge nerd.)
Hannah Maxey
Financial Administrator
Hannah is an Ann Arbor native and long time ULC member. She studied psychology and business at Eastern Michigan University. After graduation, she earned her certification as a Child Life Specialist and went on to work with pediatric patients and families at CS Mott Children’s hospital. After four years of work in the medical field, she felt God calling her to use her gifts in church work and transitioned to full time work at ULC shortly after Pastor Gabe accepted his call. Hannah has worn many hats at ULC, because she loves the challenge building new systems and cares about supporting whatever the current needs of the congregation may be. Presently, she is the go-to person for anything money related and administrative, but feel free to reach out with anything and she will gladly direct you to the right person!
When she’s not crunching the numbers, you can find Hannah going on outdoor adventures with her husband (Tyler), two daughters (Rory & Stevie), and their giant mountain dog (Pepper). Because she is still passionate about caring for families, she enjoys creating opportunities for community through her Fresh Fams group at ULC.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Hannah her current knitting project or her backyard birds! (If you can’t tell, she’s a huge nerd.)
Rachel Thoms
Director of Communication & Production
Rachel is passionate about bringing people together through the art of communicating. She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earned her B.A. in Communication from Concordia University Texas, and moved to Michigan in 2013, got her MA in Organizational Leadership and Administration and served on the strategic communications team at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Rachel joined ULC’s staff in February 2022 and serves the mission through overseeing worship gathering livestreaming, social media, ULC’s website, print and digial communications, and other general communications needs.
Outside of ULC, she enjoys interior decorating, reading, gardening, cheering on Concordia University Ann Arbor sports teams, visiting her parents and siblings, and hanging out with her husband, Kyle, and her handsome baby boy, Elliot.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Rachel about thrift-shopping and decorating your home secondhand!
Hannah Tschetter
Manager of The Common Cup
Hannah was born in Evansville, Indiana but grew up in Plymouth, Michigan. She went to a local college before moving to Haiti when she was 21. She lived in Haiti for two and a half years where she worked as an English teacher at a ministry called God’s Littlest Angels. After leaving Haiti, Hannah moved to Budpaest, Hungary where she worked for a year as a first-grade assistant teacher at The International Christian School of Budapest. Hannah became involved in The Common Cup ministry as a barista in the fall of 2021 and became manager at the beginning of 2022. She is focused on the daily operations as well as exploring ways to grow the ministry of The Common Cup.
Hannah loves to travel, read novels (her favorite is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah), and spend time with her family and dog, Fonzie. She loves chatting with people at The Common Cup—introduce yourself when you see her!
☕ Need a conversation starter? Share with Hannah a new drink idea for The Common Cup!
Hannah Tschetter
Manager of The Common Cup
Hannah was born in Evansville, Indiana but grew up in Plymouth, Michigan. She went to a local college before moving to Haiti when she was 21. She lived in Haiti for two and a half years where she worked as an English teacher at a ministry called God’s Littlest Angels. After leaving Haiti, Hannah moved to Budpaest, Hungary where she worked for a year as a first-grade assistant teacher at The International Christian School of Budapest. Hannah became involved in The Common Cup ministry as a barista in the fall of 2021 and became manager at the beginning of 2022. She is focused on the daily operations as well as exploring ways to grow the ministry of The Common Cup.
Hannah loves to travel, read novels (her favorite is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah), and spend time with her family and dog, Fonzie. She loves chatting with people at The Common Cup—introduce yourself when you see her!
☕ Need a conversation starter? Share with Hannah a new drink idea for The Common Cup!
Amy Duncan
Director of Worship and Outreach
Amy has served as a worship leader for nine years before joining ULC’s staff in October 2023. Originally from Flint, she’s lived in Brighton since 2015. She is married to the amazing Pastor Randy Duncan (CUAA campus pastor) and they have 6 kids that are all gifts! In her spare time she’s likely pulling someone tubing on the lake or playing worship music. She’s also very involved in leading the student worship teams for Daily Chapel at Concordia University Ann Arbor, working with students to help them serve by sharing their gifts in the church.
Amy primarily works with ULC’s music ministry, coordinating the Sunday worship and music volunteers. Amy also assists with student ministry and oversees ULC’s outreach including the church’s connection to Kingdom Partners and other serving opportunities.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Amy about how to do a power slide and why she loves them so much!
Nate Zuellig
Worship Assistant & Artist in Residence
Nate is from Ypsilanti and has lived there his whole life. He earned his undegraduate degree in music education from Eastern Michigan University. He regularly practices writing music and poetry, and now gets to do that here, at ULC! His favorite instrument is the drums.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Nate about the best parks around Ann Arbor!
Nate Zuellig
Worship Assistant & Artist in Residence
Nate is from Ypsilanti and has lived there his whole life. He earned his undegraduate degree in music education from Eastern Michigan University. He regularly practices writing music and poetry, and now gets to do that here, at ULC! His favorite instrument is the drums.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Nate about the best parks around Ann Arbor!
Norma Polk
Director of International Student Ministry
The 7th child of 8, Norma Polk grew up in Indonesia in a Muslim family. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) where she met her husband Thad Polk. Two weeks before she started at CMU she was introduced to Jesus. She got involved with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship where she was discipled and had her first experience with International Student Ministry.
She moved to Ann Arbor in 1996 and got involved in International Ministry. She entered the Deaconess training program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in 2009 and became a Deaconess at Cross and Resurrection Lutheran Church in Ypsilanti in 2013.
Norma’s passion is to reach out to others, especially students, with Jesus’ love and saving grace.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Norma about designing sets and costumes for local theater programs!
Matt Korte
Communication and Production Assistant
Matt was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Saginaw, Michigan. He went to Concordia University Ann Arbor where he graduated with a B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Business and an M.B.A. in Strategic Marketing in 2019. Matt attended ULC throughout his college years, dating back to 2015, and never left as he stayed in the area to work as CUAA’s Sports Information Director. He joined ULC’s staff in a part-time capacity in the fall of 2024 and serves the mission through assisting with livestreaming, social media, ULC’s website, print and digital communications, and other general communication needs.
Matt loves all things sports, especially his beloved (and often infuriating) Cincinnati teams, playing fantasy baseball and football, watching any soccer match he can find, and playing and watching disc golf. Beyond sports, he also enjoys Star Wars, Marvel, board games, watching TV shows, and is a “Survivor” superfan. Matt and his wife Becca reside in South Lyon with their daughter, Selah.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Matt enjoys nothing more than making power rankings. Grab a whiteboard and ask him to help power rank your favorite topic!
Matt Korte
Communication and Production Assistant
Matt was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in Saginaw, Michigan. He went to Concordia University Ann Arbor where he graduated with a B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Business and an M.B.A. in Strategic Marketing in 2019. Matt attended ULC throughout his college years, dating back to 2015, and never left as he stayed in the area to work as CUAA’s Sports Information Director. He joined ULC’s staff in a part-time capacity in the fall of 2024 and serves the mission through assisting with livestreaming, social media, ULC’s website, print and digital communications, and other general communication needs.
Matt loves all things sports, especially his beloved (and often infuriating) Cincinnati teams, playing fantasy baseball and football, watching any soccer match he can find, and playing and watching disc golf. Beyond sports, he also enjoys Star Wars, Marvel, board games, watching TV shows, and is a “Survivor” superfan. Matt and his wife Becca reside in South Lyon with their daughter, Selah.
☕ Need a conversation starter? Matt enjoys nothing more than making power rankings. Grab a whiteboard and ask him to help power rank your favorite topic!
Missional Leadership Institute
MLI interns are college students in the Ann Arbor area who apply to be a part of year-long, paid internship at ULC. Interns work alongside the staff to assist with outreach, peer-to-peer ministry, resident ministry, and provide support for operations, administrative tasks, and Sunday mornings worship. Interns are paired with a staff mentor, a spiritual mentor, and get experience working alongside one another to serve ULC’s mission of mobilizing generations to join Jesus on his mission.
Introducing the 2024-25 MLI interns!
Missional Leadership Institute
Alison Doerr
MLI Intern – Year 2
Alison is from Grand Haven, Michigan and is a junior at Concordia University Ann Arbor studying Nursing.
This is Alison’s second year as an MLI intern, and her primary responsibilities as a Year 2 intern including helping with Sunday School, Kids Ministry, Student Ministry and working with Kingdom Partners such as HouseN2Home, Hope Clinic, and Family Life Services.
In her free time, Alison loves to run—she’s on the CUAA track and cross country teams. Did you know she ran a marathon when she was in highschool? Alison plans to do many more after college, too. She also enjoys being outside, backpacking, and hiking as well as reading, and spending time with friends and family. Believe it or not, she doesn’t like hot weather.
“I hope to make more connections with my peers and get them involved at ULC! I want other students to feel welcomed and supported just as I did my freshmen year when I first started coming to ULC. I also want to share God’s word with students, I am looking forward to becoming more confident in my missional leadership skills as well. I love the ULC community and can’t wait to make a positive impact and see what God has in store for me this year!”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Alison about her morning coffee!
Amanda Fogo
MLI Intern – Year 2
Amanda is from Fowlerville, Michigan and is a junior at Concordia University Ann Arbor studying Elementary and Special Education.
This is Amanda’s second year in the Missional Leadership Institute. This year her responsibilities will focus on leading Middle School Bible Study, helping to oversee ULC’s monthly Sending to Family of God, and leadership in ULC’s Student Ministry.
When she’s not in class or working, Amanda is probably running or at cross country or track practice, spending time with friends and family, traveling, or spending time outdoors. What is she not doing? Eating chicken tenders — everyone seems to like chicken tenders but not Amanda! Another fun fact about Amanda is that she did gymnastics for 16 years!
“As an MLI intern again this year, I am most excited to continue to grow in my faith surrounded by all of the amazing people at ULC. I am an MLI this year to grow in deeper connection with my peers, and the whole congregation. I am eager to see what God has in store for this year, and I am excited to see how he can use me to help better ULC.”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Amanda how many miles she ran this morning!
Aidan Oakley
MLI Intern – Year 1
Aidan Oakley is from Dearborn, Michigan and is a Sophomore at University of Michigan. Aidan is studying biology and health and society.
Aidan’s primary responsibilities as an MLI intern include helping with Hot Topics lecture series, Pubology, monthly sending to Family of God, and helping lead and connect with students through ULC’s Student Ministry and International Student Connect.
In his free time, Aidan loves watching NFL football, cheering on the Detroit Lions. He also likes playing pickleball or grabbing coffee or boba tea from all of the great places in Ann Arbor. You won’t find him eating eggs, because he’s allergic.
Aidan owns some signed items from famous athletes like Aidan Hutchinson, Justin Verlander, and Matthew Stafford. One time, he even caught a 30-yard pass from Super Bowl winning quareterback Matthew Stafford!
“What excites me most about being an MLI intern is being able to grow my relationship with God while also holding a leadership role and working alongside great people.”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Aidan anything about the Detroit Lions and/or Michigan Football!
Jackson Miles
MLI Intern – Year 1
Jackson is originally from Hartland, Michigan and is a fifth year student at Concordia University Ann Arbor, studying Family Life Ministry.
Jackson’s primary responsibilities as an intern include helping lead ULC’s student ministry, helping lead high school student ministry on Sunday evenings, and engaging in fellowship with the whole congregation.
In his free time, Jackson likes to work out an spend time with friends. If there’s nothing good on TV, he’ll watch Cricket or horse racing. One of Jackson’s most prized possessions is a signed Al Kaline jersey. Even though most people like candy or sweets, Jackson doesn’t!
“I’m most excited to be in community with everyone this year and grow as a student minister.”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Ask Jackson about good movies or good food!
Reganne Ackmann
MLI Intern – Year 1
Reganne is a Junior at University of Michigan studying psychology and pre-nursing. She’s from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Her primary responsibilities at ULC include helping lead GLOCAL, being present and volunteering on Sundays, helping lead ULC’s student ministry by planning events and “yapping at ASG” (as she likes to say it), and providing support for International Student Connect.
If she’s not working or in class she’s probably getting coffee or sweet treats with friends, doing her nails, crafting, making TikToks, or watchign Grey’s Anatomy.
Last football season, Reganne was front row at the Michigan victory over OSU and got to rush the field! Her most prized “possession” (though she’s not a possession, she’s her best friend) is her puppy Maizie.
“I’m excited to meet new people and work with all the interns this year. We have a great team! I’m also looking forward to growing my faith and seeing how God will work through our student group this year.”
☕ Need a conversation starter? Anything about Taylor Swift!
