First, thank you for visiting our Website. As the lead pastor at Fridley United Methodist I am grateful for your interest in us. I am a second generation of United Methodist Clergy. My dad and uncle are retired United Methodist Clergy. I had another uncle who was ordained and was a traveling evangelist in the south and southeastern United States. I graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis.
It was not my intent to become an ordained minister but God’s intent was stronger than mine. After teaching and substitute teaching for a few years I went back to school and was working nights for Pinkerton’s Security Service. I couldn’t seem to figure out what I wanted to do with my life and began working for Pinkerton’s full-time and eventually became an Area Field Supervisor. During that time I found a church where I felt like I belonged and it was through them and my family that the call to ordained ministry began to sound louder. After years of saying no to God, and much to my surprise, I said yes and started seminary. I graduated from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. I was ordained a deacon in 1990 and a full elder in 1993 in the United Methodist Church. I served as an associate pastor of Centenary UMC (Mankato) and lead pastor at St. Anthony Park UMC (St. Paul) before being appointed to Fridley UMC in July of 2002.
I am single and am most proud of my nephews and great nephews (pictures available). I enjoy reading mysteries, books on history, a variety of magazines, and looking at the pictures of recipes (I like to know what food is supposed to look like). I also enjoy being up north in the woods and listening to the wind and the creaking of the pine trees as they sway back and forth.
Pastor Deb Walkes
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Rev. Diane C. Olson is our Minister of Education and Discipleship; she joined our staff in February 2005.
An ordained deacon of the United Methodist Church, she previously served at First UMC of Chicago, Trinity UMC of Wilmette, Illinois, and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Diane’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Christian Education degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Graduate School of Business at North Park University.
She is author of two books, the latest entitled Weaving a Just Future for Children: An Advocacy Guide, and has written many articles and given workshops on various topics in Christian Education and child advocacy. She co-chairs the Minnesota Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and serves on the board of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches.
Brenda LaBarre - Administrative Assistant email: