Welcome

You belong here.

About Us

Oak Grove is a joyful, inclusive, compassionate community of faith seeking to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.

Our Values

Authenticity

We believe all people are made in the image of God, and that the community of faith should be a place where people can honestly express their true and whole selves in healthy ways.

Celebratory Joyfulness

The Good News is and should be Good News! Where there is joy, there is celebration – they go hand in hand. Joy is an orientation of heart and brings peace and comes from aplace of gratitude. Joy comes because no matter what happens, we
know God is for us and nothing can separate us from God’s love. Joy is to be shared and becomes deeper when spread to others. We celebrate joy together!

Compassion

Our faith calls us toward empathy and to care for people of the world. We view all people as children of God. We consider the suffering and misfortune of others and take action to alleviate that suffering.

Deep Relationships

We believe we are made to be in relationship. We cannot practice our faith by ourselves. Our faith is best lived out by fostering and maintaining deep relationships. In these relationships, we hold one another in support and accountability.

Humble Curiousity

We are never finished. We practice a faith that seeks understanding and our learning is never complete. We ask questions and curiosity is encouraged.

We also recognize that we make mistakes and that we might be wrong. Because of this understanding, we are open to new people, new ideas, and nudging from the Holy Spirit.

Inclusivity

We are open and welcoming of all people, particularly to those on the margins or those otherwise excluded. The gospel challenges us to see all people, including those not like us or who do not hold
similar values or understandings, as our neighbor. In as much as possible, we are to love and welcome everyone.

We recognize that God calls us together with a variety of gifts and that all are important to the work and ministry of Oak Grove.

Justice

We believe our faith call us to work for transformation of society to reflect God’s desires, particularly for the oppressed and
marginalized. We recognize this requires the work of dismantling and reforming power, structures, and systems.

Our Vision & Mission

Our vision is God’s creation restored with the help of our congregations’ resources and talents in service to our community and the world. 

Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.

In order to realize our vision:

We support a diversity of people and organizations, both locally and globally.

We incorporate mission in our worship and educational opportunities.

We encourage fellowship activities to have a mission component.

We offer our facilities for a wide variety of uses.

We support denominational mission efforts.

Through prayer, we seek God’s guidance, blessing and support for all aspects of mission.

Everyone belongs

We celebrate every identity, ability, and background. You are welcome here.

Fully Affirming

We embrace, affirm, and celebrate LGBTQIA+ people and families in every part of church life.

Faith with Questions

We explore big questions, listen for the Spirit, and grow in understanding together.

Growing Together

Children, youth, and adults worship, learn, and serve side by side.

Creative Worship

Music, art, and joyful worship help us experience God’s presence in tangible ways.

Part of the Presbyterian Family

We are glad to be part of the PC(USA) family, and our first allegiance is to Jesus, not to any denomination.

Our Staff

Erica Schemper

Bart Roush

Senior Pastor &
Head of Staff
broush@oakgrv.org

About Bart Roush
Bart (he/him/his) was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and grew up as an active youth member in the Presbyterian Church. After college, Bart moved to the Twin Cities to pursue a theatrical career. While working in theatre at night and on the weekends, Bart worked at Ameriprise Financial Services by day for almost 10 years in a variety of positions.

In the late 1990’s Bart met his wife, Kelly (she/her/hers), through his work in theatre. About the same time, Bart began feeling the call to ministry (similar as he had at the end of high school) and this time, heeded the call and began attending United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Bart graduated from United in 2003 and accepted his first call to Fox Valley Presbyterian Church in Geneva, IL as the Associate Pastor for Adult Education and Mission. He served at Fox Valley for 10 years in that capacity. He also completed his Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Seminary in 2012. In 2013, Bart accepted the call as Pastor and Head of Staff at Madison Square Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, Texas a progressive, More Light Congregation. Bart came to Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in May 2021.

Bart and Kelly have two children, Hera (she/her/hers) who is in college at Iowa State Univerity, and Olivia (she/her) who is in high school. They love reading, theatre, and both have curious minds and kind hearts.

Erica Schemper

Mary Koon

Pastor of
Congregational Care
mkoon@oakgrv.org

About Mary Koon
Mary Koon is a 2011 graduate of Chicago Theological Seminary. Mary, her husband Jim, and family moved to the Twin Cities that same year and was hired at Oak Grove as director of Faith Formation for children and adults. In 2014, she received a call from Oak Grove to serve as Associate Pastor and was installed in November of 2014. Mary continues to work with children and families, Adult Faith Formation, Deacons, and worship leadership.

She enjoys encouraging people of all ages to learn, grow and serve together. Mary and her husband, Jim, are the parents of four grown children, two daughters-in-law and one son-in-law. They are grandparents to four grandchildren. When she isn’t at church, Mary enjoys walking, reading, yoga, and being with her family.

Erica Schemper

Erica Schemper

Pastor of
Congregational Education
eschemper@oakgrv.org

About Erica Schemper
Erica Schemper (she/her) arrived at Oak Grove in 2024. She previously served churches in the Chicago area and Northern California and spent two years working as the religion teacher at a school in the Garfield Park neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. Her professional interests include intergenerational ministry and healthy congregational systems. She’s passionate about helping everyone know the depth of God’s love for them; and helping people of all ages learn to see their everyday life through the lens of faith and spirituality.

Erica is also currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Minnesota. When she’s not pastoring or studying, Erica enjoys being outside, no matter what the season, on her own or with her three kids, her spouse, and their dog. You will rarely find her without a knitting project within arms reach.

Erica Schemper

Judy Cooper

Director of Music
jcooper@oakgrv.org

About Judy Cooper
Judy Cooper received music education degrees from both Augsburg College (BA) and the University of St. Thomas (MA in Music Education). She taught music in the Bloomington School system for 34 years, at many different schools and grades.

In 1985 Judy began directing the Chancel choir at Oak Grove and LOVED it! After retiring from teaching in 2005, she has enjoyed having more time to devote to the music program here at Oak Grove. After retiring from teaching in 2005, she took on the tasks of scheduling and organizing all musical groups and events at Oak Grove.

Because of Judy’s love of piano playing, she continues to accompany many local school and community groups. She also loves traveling and attending concerts and theater presentations.

Erica Schemper

Nancy Jensen

About Nancy Jensen

Nancy hails from Green Bay, Wisconsin (GO PACKERS!). Her mother, who was the organist at our church, got her started playing the organ so that Nancy could sit in for her while she went up to take communion.  When Nancy graduated from high school, she attended UW-LaCrosse where she intended to study to be a math teacher. Excess time spent in the practice room and accompanying friends for their recitals, as well as playing for the community theater and a few local churches, eventually shifted her major to music. Nancy also met her husband at LaCrosse, and after graduation they moved to St. Paul. Circumstance, luck, most assuredly divine grace brought Nancy to Oak Grove shortly after that and she’s been here ever since.

“Oak Grove has been a great joy in my life.  I can’t imagine life without the friends I’ve made here, and the music we get to make together.” 

Erica Schemper

Sue Gjerset

Office Administrator
sgjerset@oakgrv.org

About Sue Gjerset
Sue Gjerset is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and comes to Oak Grove with more than 20 years nonprofit office experience. She brings a unique combination of administrative, technical, and creative expertise and is a life-long learner.

Sue enjoys making an impact on people’s lives, being a resource to others, and giving back to the community. When not working, she loves spending time outdoors, especially kayaking, whether on a lake, river, or the ocean. She has been blessed with the opportunity to travel, both domestically and internationally, and enjoys meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. Sue is a resident of Shakopee and an active member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis where she was born and raised.

Laura Nemcek

Laura Nemcek

About Laura Nemcek
It is with great joy that God has led me to use my financial skills at Oak Grove as your new accountant. Although raised in Illinois, I stayed in Minnesota after graduating from St. Olaf in Northfield, at which time I began my career as a small business banker. I had the privilege of staying home to raise our children (now grown) and re-entered the workforce doing graphic design marketing for a national wholesale company in Eden Prairie.

God then called me to do non-profit accounting for His kingdom work and I am still accepting His call to join your team. I enjoy time with family, travelling, sewing, scrapbooking, reading, and playing piano. As a longtime resident of Bloomington for over 30 years, I look forward to meeting you.

Laura Nemcek

Mary Pol

Parish Associate

Honoring the Land and Its People

Oak Grove Presbyterian Church recognizes that we gather on Dakota land, a place of deep spiritual and historical significance.

In gratitude, we seek right relationship, learning, repair, and shared flourishing with Indigenous neighbors and nations.

Weddings & Memorials

Celebrating Love & Honoring Life

Oak Grove is honored to be a place where people mark life’s most meaningful moments. Whether you are celebrating a wedding or gathering to remember a loved one, we welcome you with compassion, support, and care.

We are a fully affirming congregation. We joyfully welcome and support all couples and families, including LGBTQIA+ couples and blended families.

Weddings

We believe love is a gift from God and a sacred covenant. Our sanctuary and pastors are available for weddings for members and non-members.

We work closely with each couple to create a meaningful ceremony rooted in love, faith, and community. Pre-marriage conversations with the pastor are part of our preparation and support.

Memorials 

We walk alongside families during times of grief and remembrance. Oak Grove offers space, pastoral support, and planning guidance to help honor your loved one with dignity, gratitude, and hope.

Our building provides a peaceful setting for services, receptions, and gatherings of all sizes.

Oak Grove’s Columbarium offers internment niches and a memorial wall for church members. Contact our church office for more information about Columbarium interments.

Facility & Support

Our building offers:

  • Sanctuary seating for small or large gatherings

  • Accessible entrances and restrooms

  • Fellowship hall and kitchen for receptions

  • Audio/visual support

  • Experienced pastoral and staff guidance

Inquiries & Scheduling

If you are interested in holding a wedding or memorial service at Oak Grove, please contact us. We are here to support you and answer any questions.

Oak Grove Presbyterian Church

2200 W Old Shakopee Rd
Bloomington, MN 55431
ogpc@oakgrv.org 
952-888-4621

Office Hours: 
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday: Closed

Worship Schedule:
Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
(9:30 a.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Parking
Free parking is available in the west lot near the main entrance.
Accessible parking and entrances are available.

Transit
Metro Transit buses serve Old Shakopee Road with stops near the church. If you are arriving by bus or rideshare and need support navigating arrival, let us know. We are happy to help.

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