Welcome to new member…
Cynthia Mortensen

Minister of Music Cynthia has been a familiar figure around the Church for awhile now, but only recently became a member, so we asked her to tell us a little about herself.

Cynthia grew up in Vadnais Heights, north of St. Paul. Her early church experiences were many, and that part of her childhood was very influential in laying the foundation for her path as a church musician. She considers herself fortunate to attend a Lutheran Church in Roseville where she was one of 42 confirmands! Some of the friends she made there are still her dearest friends today. Their wonderful Youth Director saw them through to the end of their high school days.

Her parents, still young and active, spend their winters in Sun City, AZ. Her two younger brothers live in the Twin Cities and are raising their families here.

With spring arriving, she anticipates gardening – getting her hands in the dirt again and learning to keep her new little puppy, Ellie, from trying to dig up her plantings! She loves the expression of creativity and beauty, in all its forms – through visual arts, music, literature, poetry. Her hobbies include golf and she is also an avid reader.

Cynthia was attracted to First Church on the website when she learned of the opening for the Minister of Music position and saw the radiant, smiling faces of choir members, a description of a progressive and vital community, and a beautiful building to house the community.

Now as Minister of Music, she also teaches piano and voice, accompanies singers & instrumentalists, and serves as a Minnesota State High School League adjudicator for choral and vocal contests. She hopes to keep growing a studio of private students, navigate her time to be able to compose and write, and get better at connecting with a more peaceful countenance within herself.

We’re happy to have Cynthia here!