Meet our Staff
Rev. Sara Morse - Pastor
Hi! I’m Rev. Sara Morse and have been the pastor of this great congregation since January 2009. I was ordained in 2003 and have been blessed and humbled to hear the stories of many and engage in vital ministry over this time. I come from humble roots – growing up in rural Wisconsin on a dairy farm I have learned the value of hard work and relationship. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. I had other career aspirations until I finally realized that God was calling me to parish ministry. Finally, upon figuring out that God’s call was real, I attended United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and received my Masters of Divinity. I love being a pastor. I cannot imagine doing anything else because it allows me to meet individuals where they are on their journey of faith and how the church can be instrumental in creating a just, peace, open and affirming world. When I’m not hanging out at church, the community or visiting people, I like to be home with my husband, Tim and two boys, Daniel and Michael – enjoying their creativity and love. Now that you have an idea of who I am – I look forward to getting to know you. God be with you!
Kristen Peterson - Office and media coordinator
Hello, I’m Kristen! I have been serving as the Office Coordinator and Media Communications Coordinator at Hazel Park UCC since 2022. Prior to this, I worked as a front desk representative in hotels across Minnesota starting in 2019, and this is my first office position outside of the hotel industry. I graduated from high school in 2019, and I hope to pursue college in the near future to further develop my skills in administration. I was born and raised in a small town in central Minnesota and later moved to the Twin Cities to advance my career. In my free time, I enjoy painting, pottery, singing, camping, and playing video games. I look forward to building stronger connections with the members and friends of the church while continuing to grow in my role!
Dr. Asako Hirabayashi, Music Director
Asako has been the music director since 2015. Asako has an extensive music career as a performer, composer, and arranger for 3 decades. She is a harpsichordist and composer with excellent improvisational and sight-reading skills. Her repertoire extends from Renaissance to contemporary music which includes some of her own compositions, arrangements in Japanese traditional folk music, Latin, Jazz, and pop. She has won many awards, has played at Carnegie Hall, and has been a featured guest soloist on A Prairie Home Companion. Asako believes that music is essential to nourishing our spiritual being. She applies this belief in her music ministry at this church.