Would you like to know more about us? We welcome you to get in touch with any of our staff members. We look forward to hearing from you!
Pastor Paul Balaban
Interim Pastor
- Family and background My family lives in IL, outside Chicago in the town of Plainfield. I live wherever is my interim congregation and I usually get home to visit 2x/year.
- How would you describe your role at First Lutheran Church? I was called as an Intentional Interim Pastor. My challenge is to listen and understand what has happened. Where/when possible, help those that were hurt to find healing. Help the Church get back to a solid ministry foundation and purpose.
- What are your passions or hopes in ministry? Knowing that hurting people hurt people, I hope to help people rediscover their Christ filled life of love and service.
- A random fun fact about yourself. I like science fiction, musicals, comedy and a cold beer or wine.
You can reach me at pdbalaban@hotmail.com or call me at Home 309-267-1653 or Office 701-444-3244, ext. 3
Matthew Rolfson
Family Ministries Coordinator
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 Cholate 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
Tarri Wenstad
Secretary/Treasurer
Ardyce Alveshere
Website Manager
Family and background I 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
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