Laura Wright
Senior Minister
Dr. Wright became our Senior Minister in May of 2024 after being our Minister of Faith Formation and Congregational Life for over the previous three years. She came to La Crosse to marry her ever patient husband, Michael. Her professional identities have included college professor, staff and volunteer at multiple archaeological excavations in Israel/Palestine, and campaign manager.
She completed her Ph.D. at Johns Hopkins in Northwest Semitic Languages and Literature. While completing her doctoral research, she served on multiple excavations in Israel and Palestine over 15 years. She later moved to Northeast Iowa to teach in the Religion Department at Luther College. After sensing a call to work for justice in the public square, she ran a political campaign before serving as the Designated Pastor of the UCC church in Decorah, Iowa. Laura and her family recently adopted a devoted (and slightly co-dependent) dog, named Leia, who never leaves their sides.
Email: laura@firstcongolax.org
Mary Runyon
Minister of Faith Formation
Rev. Mary Runyon joined us our Minister of Faith Formation in July of 2024. She currently serves as the Campus Minister at United Campus Ministry, and she is bringing her many gifts to our congregation. Among those gifts are joy, a focus on community and relationships, and a love for theology.
Rev. Mary is originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She holds` a Bachelors in Recreation and Tourism Management with a Minor in Economics from the University of Tennessee. Her masters degrees include a Master of Divinity and a Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. She is even a published author. She brings wide ecumentical experience after serving as pastor in congregations from the Presbyterian (USA), American Baptist, and Cooperative Baptist traditions.
Her spouse, Will, is a chaplain at Gundersen Hospital. They have three wonderful kids: as well as a few fur babies.
Email: mary@firstcongolax.org
Nancy Allen
Choir Director and Organist
Nancy Allen is our Choir Director and Organist. She skillfully leads our Sanctuary choir, and it is clear why Viterbo University hired her to be a Professor of Music and the Music Director for theater productions for a decade. When she’s not directing an award-winning collegiate show choir or helping us worship with beauty on Sundays, she’s on the golf course, traveling the globe, or playing cards!
Email: nlallen@viterbo.edu
Suellen Retzlaff
Bell Choir Director
Suellen has expertly directed our Bell Choir since 2015. Her expertise was nurtured in continuing education for directors and ringers and participation for years in Anthornis, an event for advanced ringers. She also plays the flute and piano. In addition to directing our Bell Choir, she has been a gift to our church, serving on committees from Service and Worship to Music and Finance. After retiring from teaching in the La Crosse Public Schools, she spends her free time winning awards for her photography, ringing with the Great River Ringers, loving on her grandkids, and playing music in the productions of local community theater.
Email: sretzlaff@charter.net
Kristi Wolf
Office Administrator
Kristi is the church’s Office Administrator. Without exaggeration, we can safely say she keeps our church running. She has served First Congregational since 2000. As a result, her oral history and institutional knowledge are unparalleled within the church. She does her administrative tasks with unfailing kindness and patience. Kristi and her husband, Frank, are the proud parents of Jesse, Kyra, Alex, Evan and a furry friend, Baleau.
Email: kristi@firstcongolax.org
Tracye Adams
Financial Clerk
Tracye Adams has been a gift to our staff since she joined the staff at First Congregational in September 2016 as our Financial Secretary. She feels very fortunate to be working at a church with such a welcome and supportive congregation, and we are fortunate to have her. Tracye and her husband, Todd, are the parents of three children and recent empty nesters.