Get to know our staff

Jef OlsoN

Bridge Pastor


Although he is serving in an interim capacity (March 30 – July 19, 2026) his appetite for artful, passionate and faithful worship, pastoral care and ministry accountability are lifelong personal practices. 


Jef believes the local church can be and is a community that informs, comforts, inspires us, holds us accountable and provides us with opportunities to worship God, grow in faith together and reach out with concern and compassion to a suffering and broken world. He sees the church as one, holy, universal, and apostolic body to which God has given individual gifts (both collectively shared and uniquely personal) for the benefit of and contribution to the work of advancing the kingdom of God. 


Jef received a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University and Doctor of Ministry degree from University of Dubuque.


Jef and Mary Jo have two adult children and eight grandchildren. Living on Cannon Lake near Faribault, MN, they both enjoy water-related activities as well as landscaping, gardening, and simply enjoying whatever each day brings. In all things, they celebrate God’s abiding and Spirit-filled guidance and companionship as they journey through life.


Contact me at pastor@stewartvilleumc.org

Kristin Gontea

Director of Children, Youth, & Food Shelf Ministries


I grew up in Shawano, Wisconsin and went to college at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where I studied music education and violin performance and earned my bachelor’s degree in 2006.  I was able to teach violin, viola, cello and piano lessons in a number of studios throughout Wisconsin before my family and I moved to the Stewartville area in 2013.  Soon after moving, I opened my own private music studio, Chickadee Music Studio, and have taught dozens of students since.  This year, after more than twenty years of teaching music lessons in my private studio, I knew it was time for a new challenge.  I could not be more excited for my new role as Director of Children’s, Youth, Family & Outreach Ministries, both for myself and my family but also for our church.  My family (husband-Adrian, kiddos-Lucia, Natalie, Sebastian) and I live on a wonderful hobby farm just south of Stewartville, where we have lots of critters (goats, dogs, cats, bunnies, chickens, ducks), a big garden and tons of fun!

 

Contact me at kristin.gontea@stewartvilleumc.org

Sarah schmeichel

Office Administrator


I was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. I’m a proud mom to two amazing boys, Ryan and Braeden, who are now preparing for their own exciting adventures. I work remotely for Mayo Clinic which allows me the opportunity to enjoy traveling to Texas in the winter with my parents, soaking up some sunshine and family time. Our family has a huge love of hockey, so you will always find a game on at our house or someone at the rink! Additionally, I’m working toward my bachelor’s degree in Project Management at Winona State University. I’m so thankful to be part of this church community and look forward to growing in faith and connection with you all!


Contact me at frontdoor@stewartvilleumc.org

Laurie Helmers

Organist

Laurie Helmers moved to Stewartville in 1982 and has been associated with SUMC in a variety of ways over the years, primarily as an organist, pianist, choir director and vocalist.  She teaches private piano and voice lessons in her home studio.  Laurie is deeply involved in theatre throughout the region and across state lines as an actress, director and writer.  She enjoys traveling and horseback riding with her husband, John, and son, Myatt.  She loves to play scrabble, read historical fiction, put  together detailed jigsaw puzzles and do counted cross-stitch.