Ministry & Staff

Reverend Kathleen Abel

The Reverend Kathleen Abel graduated with her M.Div. (UCC denomination) from Andover Newton Theological School, America’s first seminary, in Boston in 2009. She was able to explore her religious interests and questions within an ecumenical and interfaith setting, sharing classes and meals with Jesuits, Episcopalians, Baptists, Lutherans, Quakers, Christian Scientists, Unitarian Universalists, Congregationalists, as well as Reform and Reconstructionist Jews.

Pastor Abel has also been involved within the International Anthroposophical Christian Community as a teacher (in grades 1-8) in Waldorf schools (in PA, & RI) and in her personal study of the philosophy of visionary Rudolf Steiner.

The Rev. Abel grew up as a Lutheran and spent 20+ years as an active ELCA member, parent, teacher, deacon, choir member, and more.

Since 2001 she has studied the eastern interpretation of Christ’s teachings by Paramhansa Yogananda with the Ananda Meditation and Kriya Yoga Center of Rhode Island.

Julie Bellehumeur, Youth-Intergenerational Coordinator

Julie has worked in the field of education for more than 14 years as a Preschool Teacher, Head Start Teacher, Parenting Group Facilitator, Early Childhood Mentor & Trainer, and Administrator. She loves creating opportunities for children to explore & to learn in their natural environments. Her most enjoyable and rewarding job is parenting her two young children, Andrew & Maggie!

 

Samantha Sundquist, Assistant Youth Leader

Samantha is a 6th Grader at Woodland Middle School and a Gold Belt at Twin Ports Martial Arts. She likes children, art, science, metaphysics, quantum physics, teaching, and life.

 

 

Ann Doberstein, Pianist

Ann plays the third Sunday of every month. Ann, a Duluth native, has been taking piano lessons for most of her life, finally completing her B.A. in music from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2000 at the age of 45! She is a liturgical musician in several area churches, is active in the Lake Superior Ragtime Society, and performs on a regular basis in various ensembles with local musicians. She continues her “day job” as an  emergency room and urgent care physician in Duluth, Two Harbors and Grand Marais. Ann lives in rural Duluth with her husband, Brent Gurtek. They have two children, Amanda and John, and two grandchildren, Mikko and Autumn.

Watch Brian Keenan and Ann Doberstein play a 2-piano version of Trebor Tichenor’s “Bucksnort Stomp” at the Lake Superior Ragtime’s annual “Evening in Ragtime” Concert.

Ann and Pastor Kathleen (a.k.a. the Superior Duo) play every 3rd Sunday from 3-5pm at Amazing Grace Bakery and Cafe in Canal Park. Come relax with tea and music!

Marya Farrell, Pianist

Marya feels privileged to have the chance to share the joy of music at Blue Sky Sanctuary. She is recently retired after several years at the non-profit SOAR Career Solutions in downtown Duluth, and now enjoying a time of exploration, independence—and surprises. Peace and Shalom.