Staff Directory:
Reverend Ruth Ann Ramstad
Greetings! And thank you for checking out the Grace UMC website.
This is a great place to start, but to get to know us, we hope you will watch a bit of our online worship or, better yet, stop by to see us. We start worship at 9 so you can connect with God and then get on to the rest of your busy life. Expect an environment that is casual and welcoming of little people, even when they wiggle.
I am a new pastor to Grace in 2024, and delighted to be in Fergus Falls. One silly thing to know by me is that I always use both my first and middle names: Ruth Ann. If I hear you say “Ruth Ramstad,” I will think you are talking about my grandmother. If I hear you say “Rev. Ramstad,” I might think you are talking about my dad! Another fun fact about my name: Ramstad is my maiden name. I married David Coward in 1985, and we have made it almost 40 years now with our separate last names. Our nest is empty, but we have three adult children. Jonathan and Benjamin live in the twin cities, and Liz has lived in Winnipeg since attending university there. Liz grew up as James, and so we keep growing as parents even as our kids are all grown.
What can you expect from me on a Sunday? You can anticipate preaching that gives you a new angle on the scripture that you might not have thought of before. On a good week, you will come away knowing more about the Bible, but also having some connection of the scripture with your everyday life. And if not - that is why we have coffee after worship! (Also known as “give the pastor a piece of your mind time.”)
What can you expect from me during the week? I firmly believe that people have different seasons in life, and your relationship with God and with a church can really vary depending on your season. Oftentimes people visit a web page like this because something isn’t going right, and they are wondering about their spiritual lives. You can drop in or make an appointment to talk with me about anything that is important to you. I have “ask the pastor anything” hours on Saturdays from 2-4 pm. Just drop in a chat with me and whoever else happens to be there that day.
Education Director Missy Strande
Hello! My name is Missy Strande and I am the Christian Education Director here at Grace. I have the best job and that is overseeing all of the Kids Ministry within our church as well as lead family activities when available.
We currently have two programs that we invite all kids to be a part of. The first one is Grace Kids. On Sunday mornings, we join together during the school months for Grace Kids from 10:15-11:15 a.m. for all Prek-5th grade children. Each Sunday we hear stories from the Bible in fun and interactive ways and build on those stories through crafts, games and music. The second program I lead is Kids In Mission. This group meets on Wednesdays after school during the school months from 3:30-5:30 p.m. This group consists of 1st-5th grade kids. During our time together, we work on different mission projects that help benefit our church and community. We also continue to grow in our faith by learning more about Jesus in interactive ways.
If you have any questions about these programs or you would like to register your child/children for Grace Kids or Kids In Mission, please reach out to me. I can be contacted through email: christianedgrace@gmail.com or here at the church 218-739-2269 ext 14. God's blessings to you!
Organist, Bell & Choir Director Ann Newell
I’ve been the organist at Grace for over 40 years and have directed the Chancel Choir and Grace Bell choir almost as long. We have wonderful musicians at Grace, so I am always thankful for my position here. We always welcome new singers and ringers to our groups so if you are interested, please know we would love to have you join us! I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, taught elementary music for many years and am now retired from that position. Norm and I have been blessed by our 3 grown sons, their wives and 8 wonderful grandkids!
Praise Team Director Marsha Talley
Staff Contact Info:
Pastor: Ruth Ann Ramstad 218-739-2269 fergusgracepastor@gmail.com
Education Director: Missy Strande christianedgrace@gmail.com
Youth Director: Tara Price graceyouth1100@gmail.com
Organist, Bell & Choir Director: Ann Newell
Praise Team Director: Marsha Tally
Secretary: Tracy Schmidt
Email: ffgraceumc@gmail.com
Contacts can be made to any staff member using the above email address