SAM (Synod Authorized Minister) & Family Ministries Coordinator

Matthew Rolfson

Family and background
Born in Watford City to David and Jan Rolfson. I grew up with my sister Jessie and brother Nathan. Later my little sister Bethany came along. In 2009 I married Kimberly Bryson from Chinook Montana, and we have two daughters, Nora, and Leah. My family and I love camping and playing many types of games. I have lived here for most my life. Between 2004 and 2010 I perused a career in Law Enforcement and work with Lutheran Social Services until 2020. Today I live on the same road that four generations of my family grew up on. My daughters will be the fifth. I am still farming and working at the Horizon Assistant Living. That means after a long day away from the family we always make time for an activity together.

How would you describe your role at First Lutheran Church? 
I am the Family Coordinator responsible for preparing weekly and monthly gatherings. My role will be helping our youth programs grow as well as building an adult volunteer group.

What are your passions or hopes in ministry?
We are in a rebuilding stage for our church community and my goal is to help any way I can. To do that I want everyone to know I am phone call away. I would love to see our children excited for the ministry we provide to the area. From serving hot chocolate at the Parade of Lights to making care packages for our community. My hope is that First Lutheran Church is going to be known to our families as a place the loves them no matter who or where they are. 

A random fun fact about yourself
I love to play Games online with new and old friends. For the last 10 years I make it a point to game with friends online in the Fall to early Spring. Also, I am a big fan of action novels and a good Root Beer. 

Contact Matthew by calling (701)444-3244 (ext. 3) or email him at mrolfson@flcwc.church

Secretary/Treasurer

Tarri Wenstad

Family and background
My name is Tarri Wenstad. I was raised in Keene, ND and graduated from Watford City High School. I’m married to Clifford Wenstad. Together we have 5 children. Adrianna (Orrin) Wetzel and they have 3 children, Kalynn 9, Oliver 4 and Elliot 2. Next up is Shelby (Bradlynn) Fettig who have 2 children, Khloe 8, Holden 2 and another due in April. Then we have Jordan (Kylee) Wenstad and thy have 2 children, Spencer Mae 5, Fletcher 1 and another due in May. Next in line is Logan Wenstad who has 2 children, Braelynn 5 and Vincent 2. Last but not least we have Zane (Kyanne) Wenstad and they haven’t started their journey with children just yet. I love my big family! My family means everything to me. We no longer have kids at home so we spend our time together enjoying each others company and attending the grandkids activities.

How would you describe your role at First Lutheran Church?
I was recently hired as the church secretary. It is my job to prepare bulletins, power point, etc for Sunday worship. I will also being doing all secretarial duties to include answering the phone, filing, copying, and working with Icon.

What are your passions or hopes in ministry?
My husband and I had fallen in our devotion to going to church. We had been attending another church and it didn’t feel like it was the right fit. Since I have been employed here we have been coming to church here and it feels like home. I also enjoy people and am a good listener so I hope that anyone who needs to talk knows they can stop in or call me. If I can help at least one person I know that I’m doing my job that God has chosen for me.

A random fun fact about yourself
I enjoy quilting and diamond painting. I enjoy crafts all around. I enjoy camping and fishing as well. I have 3 dogs who all sleep in our bed (thank goodness for a king size) and would take more in if my husband would let me.

Contact Tarri by calling (701)444-3244 or email her at twenstad@flcwc.church

Ardyce Alveshere

Family and background I am married to Lloyd Alveshere and we have two children – a daughter, Tillie, who is married to Austin Haugen and they have a son named Brayden and daughter named Rylee and live in Mandan and a son, Trevor, who lives in Washington, DC. I have lived here for most my life and currently live on the farm that I grew up on. I love animals and currently have 9 outdoor cats and 3 grand-fur-babies (a Sheltie named Rigby, a Goldador named Copper and a Corgi named Bennie). I love spending time with my family, gardening, any kind of music and playing board games & cards.

How would you describe your role at First Lutheran Church? I manage the website, adding information regularly to keep it current. I greatly appreciate any information that you would like to see on the website to help keep everyone informed.

What are your passions or hopes in ministry?
To always be there to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. To help people know that they are one of a kind and they are loved for what’s inside of them and to feel great for being who they are. To welcome everyone with an open heart, open mind and open arms.

A random fun fact about yourself While attending college at UND-Williston (now Williston State College) I worked as a DJ at KYYZ and loved every minute of it!

Contact Ardyce by calling (701)580-1364 or email her at aalveshere@flcwc.church

LOOKING FOR MORE?