Staff & Lay Leadership

I bring over 25 years of church ministry experience. I began in middle school ministry at Colonial Church in Edina, MN, and later earned my Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Throughout my ministry, I’ve served in student ministry, led mission teams, rebuilt and strengthened congregational programs, and developed church staff. After 11 years in leadership at Colonial Church, I was called to Wayzata Community Church as Minister of Congregational Life. I’m passionate about making faith relevant to everyday life, helping people discover and use their gifts, and cultivating meaningful mission experiences for all ages.

I have been in ministry for over 30 years, in roles ranging from youth pastor, associate minister, church planter, and now Co-Lead Minister. I was born in southern California, lived in Europe during my teen years, and have been (mostly) settled in Minnesota ever since. I love preaching, collaborating with teams, and helping people move along the stages of faith formation. I like to let curiosity and imagination lead the way into new and ever-expanding understandings of God, ourselves, and the world. I believe we’re at our best as a church when we remember our simple (but not easy) marching orders: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

I bring 15 years of ministry experience to Wayzata Community Church. After growing up in southeastern Minnesota, I earned my degrees from Luther Seminary and Emory University and went on to serve congregations in Atlanta and Milwaukee. For the past 14 years, I have also had the privilege of serving as a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. Throughout my ministry, I have focused on education and pastoral care, leaning into the power of stories to help people navigate their unique life experiences. I’m passionate about making faith relatable and helping everyone feel at home with both the church and with God. When I’m not at WCC, you’ll likely find me out for a long run, getting my hands in the dirt in my garden, or spending time with my family.

I began serving Wayzata Community Church in 2025 after previous roles in pastoral ministry, youth ministry, and community partnership-building. Working at WCC is honestly a dream come true! It's incredible to serve a community that is so open-minded, big-hearted, and passionate about living out God’s inclusive love in the world. My life journey has taken me from my hometown in Michigan, to Northern Ireland to support peace and reconciliation initiatives, to my new adoptive home of Minnesota. I'm glad to share it with my husband, Erik, and our dog, Thor. Outside of church, you’ll likely find me at a coffee shop or camping. I’m usually listening to an eclectic blend of indie pop and folk music.

My late husband, John Purdy, and I have two grown children, Alyssa and Ty. Ty is married to Tracy, and they have blessed me with two grandsons, William and Griffin. I’m passionate about listening to people’s stories, learning, and spending time with interesting people—and I’m deeply opposed to unfairness. I attended Minnetonka schools, Gustavus Adolphus College, and United Seminary of the Twin Cities. In my free time, I enjoy tennis, reading, traveling, creating, and catching up with friends. I’ve recently transitioned into the role of Minister Emerita. While I’m serving around the church less frequently, I remain deeply connected and grateful to continue being part of this community.