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- Sewing QSC(14 hours)
- Piano Class PL(21 hours)
- Kindermusik MR1(22 hours)
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Recent blog posts
- Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Todd Burpo, Lynn Vincent
- Hello... It has been a while since I wrote a Notion Devotion...
- NINE WAYS GOD ALWAYS SPEAKS* by Mark Herringshaw and Jennifer Schuchmann
- Lenten Devotion for Saturday, April 23
- Lenten Devotion for Friday, April 22
- Lenten Devotion for Thursday, April 21
- Lenten Devotion for Wednesday, April 20
- Lenten Devotion for Tuesday, April 19
- Lenten Devotion for Monday, April 18
- Lenten Devotion for Saturday, April 16
First Lutheran Church Pastoral & Staff Directory
| View Pastoral & Staff Directory by: | Department with profile | First Name | Last Name |
Pastoral/Administrative Staff
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Rev. Dr. John R. Christopherson | Pastor John Christopherson, the oldest of three children, was born at Bagley, Minn. in 1956 to parents Pastor James and Dorothy Christopherson. He spent his elementary years in the Minneapolis and Montevideo, Minn. area, and high school years in Madison, S.D. John describes himself as being “raised up in the womb of the church.” (His father is a Lutheran pastor and his mother is a composer of church music). He has fond memories of his time at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and during those years he attended First Lutheran Church and played in the brass choir. His wife, Cathy, is also a graduate of Augustana College, and received a M.S.E. in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin. They have three children, Johnny, Sarah, and Matthew. Pastor John has a great passion for music and is an accomplished musician in trumpet and piano. His hobbies include art, golf, mountain hiking, biking, reading, skiing Big Sky, Mont., with family, and writing. He also is a published author. Professional Background:
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Rev. Natanael Lizarazo | Pastor Natanael Lizarazo, the youngest of five children, was born to a rural impoverished Colombian family. Economic limitations and scarcity of food contributed to a strong faith in God, a sense of gratitude and joy for the simplest blessings of life. Nate describes his childhood years as being grounded on a positive experience of worship, community service, a strong Christian education and supportive parents, teachers, and pastors. These factors were a natural part of his growing up in a rural congregation in the Andean Mountains of Colombia. The powerful sense of call he felt in his childhood was kept alive through his teen years, and after completing his secular studies, his family and the local and national church were instrumental in supporting his theological education at an inter-denominational seminary in Colombia. Nate’s cross-cultural as well as international experiences have widened and deeply enriched his ministry horizons. His work with refugees and vulnerable social groups has strengthened his passion and commitment to address the realities of social injustice, racism, discrimination and sexism from a Christian perspective. He and his wife, the Rev. Barbara Wangsness, are the founders of two ministry organizations whose focus is formal education, international relationships, Christian leadership development and church growth in Colombia. The ministry organization in the United States is Leadership & Development LIZWAN Inc. In Colombia, the ministry organization is The Emmaus Road Foundation. His wife, the Rev. Barbara Wangsness, a native of Decorah, Iowa, have one daughter, Liz. His favorite activities include amateur photography, reading, playing with the dog and international traveling, among other things. "I find such joy in working at First Lutheran because together as staff and congregation, we are always striving to excellence in ministry and to be a vibrant congregation whose ministry and mission connections run deep and are very real at the local, national and global levels. I also find great joy in being part of the growing diversity of our congregation!" —Pastor Nate Professional Background:
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Rev. Barbara Wangsness | Pastor Barbara Wangsness is a native of Decorah, Iowa. The youngest of three children, she was raised in a rural family that faced the hardships through the grace-gift of a strong Christian faith. She is a “cradle Lutheran,” whose Norwegian ancestors homesteaded in Minnehaha County. Married to a Lutheran pastor who was born in Colombia, she speaks of the joys and challenges of being a bi-cultural family and of the richness available in the diversity of cultural interactions. Pastor Barbara rates the following areas as high priority: preaching, worship, leadership, ministering in crisis and visitation. All of these complement a pastor who is called to serve First Lutheran Church in the area of Pastoral Care. Along with her husband, the Rev. Natanael Lizarazo, they are the founders of two ministry organizations whose focus is formal education, international relationships, Christian leadership development and church growth in Colombia. The ministry organization in the United States is Leadership & Development LIZWAN Inc. In Colombia, the ministry organization is The Emmaus Road Foundation. Pastor Barbara and her husband, the Rev. Natanael Lizarazo, have a daughter Liz. Professional Background:
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Rev. Jason Burggraff | Pastor Jason Burggraff was born in Fargo, N.D., to parents Gary and Emily Burggraff, on March 28, 1977. Along with his brother, Eric, Jason was raised-up within the womb of First Lutheran Church in Fargo. His first interest was the field of mechanical engineering, but eventually he was led to ministry. The reading, writing and the discovery of theology have been great joys in his education. When Jason was a university student, he became involved in various Lutheran Campus Ministry activities. During internship, he taught adult and youth classes, and enjoyed small group ministry very much. Jason is a gifted musician; he plays piano and cello and has played cello in three community symphony orchestras. This love for music led to a love for worship, music, hymnody and architecture as they relate to the life of the congregation. He has also developed a music-based Bible camp for kids. Leisure activities include walks, skiing, soccer, mountain biking, and building things; he has built a wooden kayak and dreams of building an airplane. He has a private pilot’s license. He spent a summer in Nairobi, Kenya, as a volunteer mechanic for the bush planes used by Africa inland Mission. Professional Background: |
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Rev. James Christopherson | Pastor Jim Christopherson calls Valley City, N. D., his home town. He graduated from high school and attended one year of college in Valley City before attending Augsburg College and Seminary (now Luther Seminary). He served three parishes in Minnesota (Bagley, Minneapolis, and Montevideo) and three in South Dakota (Madison, Canton, Our Savior’s in Sioux Falls). He and his wife, Dorothy, joined First Lutheran Church and he is currently serving as a visitation pastor. Duties as a visitation pastor include visiting hospitals and sometimes visiting members in nursing homes and in their own homes. He also leads Bible Studies, text studies and sometimes presides at a worship service and help serve communion. He is willing to serve wherever needed. If you were to ask him, “What is your favorite part of ministry at First Lutheran?”, he would say, visitation ministry is number one and a very close second would be leading Bible Studies. Professional Background:
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Rev. LeRoy Nevin | Pastor LeRoy Nevin was born in Cumberland, Wis. to his parents Samuel and Gertude Nevin. He spent his six elementary years at Clinton rural school, his junior high years at Cumberland and graduates from Barron High School. He was blessed by his Christian higher education at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minn. and enjoyed singing in the Augsburg choir and male chorus. As a pre-seminary student, he graduates from Augsburg and enrolled that fall in Augsburg Theological Seminary in Minneapolis. He loved the Biblical and theological studies with such a close relationship with faculty and 30 fellow classmates! His wife Elaine and he started dating in high school, and after her graduation, she later became the bookkeeper for the national Augustana Lutheran Church office in Minneapolis, Minn. They were united in marriage in July of 1955 in Cumberland, Wis. Elaine enjoyed Augustana very much, until their first child was born. Now they have four children: Philip, Joyce, Paul, Joel and three daughter-in-laws. They also are blessed with six grandchildren, whom they love. Both of them enjoy their membership and ministry at First Lutheran Church, visiting with their families in Sioux Falls, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn. and with their relatives in Wis. In their free time, they enjoy reading, visiting, traveling, attending school, church, music and sports events, plus church worship with their children and grandchildren. Professional Background:
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Rev. Franklin Pudas | Pastor Franklin Pudas was born at Sebeka, Minn. and raised at Cloquet, Minn. near Duluth. He is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead where he majored in music and sang in the Concordia Choir. His seminary training was at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He married Marit Running at Decorah, Iowa in 1957. They have two sons, Jonathan and Joseph, four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. Pastor Pudas served as parish pastor at Rosholt, S.D. for ten years and at First Lutheran Church in Mitchell, S.D. for sixteen years before moving to Sioux Falls in 1984. He served as a Charitable Gift Planner with the ELCA Foundation and as an interim Associate Director of the Foundation in Chicago. He has been active in Boy Scouting serving as a scoutmaster in Mitchell. Other community activities have included singing in choral groups, Rotary Club, and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation as regional trustee and local support group leader. He and Marit enjoy classical music events and museum hopping during their travels. In addition, they enjoy flower gardening and biking. After attending Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for twenty-five years where they were charter members, they transferred their membership to First Lutheran Church in 2009 when Pastor Pudas joined the staff as a Visitation Pastor. Professional background:
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Alan Saatkamp | Associate in Ministry Alan C. Saatkamp, the oldest of two children, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1948 to Chuck and Elaine Saatkamp. He grew up in Wauwatosa, a suburb, and attended Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Milwaukee. Following college and active military duty in the United States Army, Alan served our nations veterans for 33 years as a claims examiner and healthcare executive. His reassignment in 1981 brought him to Sioux Falls where he met his wife Jan. They have two adult children, Megan and Matt. Alan’s second career began as a provider of pulpit supply to area churches shortly following his return in 2005. He studied at Sioux Falls Seminary as part of the Luther House of Study and completed a unit of clinical pastoral education at VA and Sanford. In 2008 he received approval from the South Dakota Synod, having met the requirements for associate in ministry. He enjoys substitute teaching and umpiring youth softball. His hobbies include model trains, biking, walking, and travel with his family. Several of his articles have been published in national model train magazines. Professional Background: |
Marilyn McNeill | Marilyn McNeill Background: I grew up on a farm in White Lake, S.D., with eight brothers and sisters. I have two adult children and a precious granddaughter. I enjoy reading and walking. Favorite part of my job: The people I get to work with—the members and the staff. I especially like the variety in my position. |
Carol Knapp | Responsibilities: As secretary to the pastors, I assist in planning for worship, arranging for meetings and scheduling visits to the hospitals. I coordinate the prayer chain, the wedding calendar, the Information Desk volunteers and the greeters. Serving as the staff secretary for the Adult Discipleship, Media Ministry, Outreach, and Pastoral Care Boards and the recording secretary for the Church Council is also a part of my responsibilities. Background: I grew up in Superior, Wis., and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. Since my husband, Emil, and I joined First Lutheran in 1973, I have held several positions on the staff. We have one son, who is married and has two daughters. I find great joy in playing with my grandchildren, reading, walking and participating in a Grace Group. Favorite part of my job: The favorite part of my job is interacting daily with a whole host of people of faith, who love their Lord and are committed to doing his work in the world. |
Children, Youth, Young Adult and Family Life Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Marnie Dahle Backer | Marnie Dahle Backer Background: I grew up in the great North Dakota small town of Mohall and the capital city Bismarck. But my true North Dakota home is Lake Metigoshe where my parents and grandparents each had cabins that we spent a lot of time at growing up. We moved to Sioux Falls when I was a junior in high school. I graduated from Washington High where I first met my husband, Jeff. Jeff and I have been married since 1995 and we have 2 amazing boys, Harrison and Finnigan. I went to Augustana College where I then worked for 11 years as the director of outreach ministries. Since 2001, I have worked at First Lutheran. I love music (James Taylor especially!), being outside, reading, being at the lake, and spending time with friends and family. Favorite part of my job: My favorite part of my work at FLC is the people for sure! There are so many interesting dynamics in the life of one person. Helping them to move through their journey knowing that God is with them wherever they go is amazing. |
Debbie Garcia | Debbie Garcia Background: I grew up in Jackson, Minn. I have a son, Pedro, and two Newfoundland dogs (each weighing more than 100 pounds) and one bunny. I enjoy going to the dog park, relaxing at home and spending time with family and friends. Favorite part of my job: Prayer, devotions and fellowship.
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Nancy Henrichsen | Nancy Henrichsen Background: I was raised in Rapid City, S.D., and graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. with degrees in theatre and elementary education. I indulge in music, travel and theatre in my spare time. Favorite part of my job: Since my two children are raised, it’s especially fun for me to continue to watch young children grow and change. I love singing with them! |
Melody Roberts Caring Ministries Coordinator
| Melody Roberts Responsibilities as Caring Ministries Coodinator: I assist Pastor Barbara Wangsness and coordinate the work in Caring Ministries. It involves organizing meetings with visitation pastors and overseeing the ongoing programs such as a service of prayers for healing once a month, support groups, Stephen Ministers, Friendly Visitors, Holy Communion at nine retirement/nursing homes two times a year, and partnering with the parish nurse and Holistic Health Cabinet. I also make sure that the Care Notes are available to the congregants as well as distribute prayer shawls and “Bread for This Journey.” Background: Hons Oakland and I were married at FLC in 1993 and we have two children, George and Ella. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls. I graduated from Washington High School were is was in the marching band and played tenor sax. I have a degree in computers. I had my own in home daycare for five years before coming to work at FLC. I enjoy helping children become successful using the skills and talents they have been given. Favorite part of my job: Seeing all the smiling faces on the children. |
Irma Rodriguez Leon | Irma Rodriguez Leon Background: I am a native of Colombia. I am a mother and grandmother and work as a nanny during the week. I also work part-time with Hispanic ministry at Augustana Lutheran. Favorite part of my job: Being a part of the FLC community. |
Heidi Tooley | Heidi Tooley Background: I grew up in Pequot Lakes, Minn. I am married to Mark and we have two girls, Isabella and Caitlyn. I enjoy playing piano, gardening and painting. Favorite part of my job: Meeting the people of the congregation and helping them become involved with more activities and creating active fellowship interactions.
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Financial Services
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
LaVonne Wolf | LaVonne Wolf Background: I grew up in Minnesota in a rural farming community. My parents gave me the foundation for my faith and my Christian upbringing. My husband, Don, and I have passed this foundation off to our three children who are all married and starting families of their own. My hobbies include reading and putting together scrapbooks for my three grandchildren. Favorite part of my job: The interaction that I get to have with so many wonderful church members. This church is such an awesome place, and the potential for its continued growth due to the loyalty of each and every member is amazing. The staff is very dedicated to working hard for the church and its many ministries. With God’s blessings, First Lutheran Church will flourish. It is a great blessing for me to be a part of it. |
Library
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Barbara Siebelts | Barbara Siebelts Background: I was born and raised in Sioux Falls, and was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church. I love this house of worship as my home because of the many people who have been and are part of this community. I’m married to Miles, and his children are the children of my heart, Cari and Blake. The only color coordinated part of our household are our black, tan, and white two dogs (Penny and Mason Lee) and one cat (Digger). I love Bible study, writing, speaking to groups, computers, Scrabble, Yahtzee, spiritual gifts, movies, books and music. Favorite part of my job: The people. This isn’t just a job, this is a ministry. People come for a specific book or because they need simply to have a listening ear, a cup of coffee, and a smile. I am privileged to share Jesus, and to have a supply of materials with which to nourish faith. |
Media Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Kathy Hein | Kathy Hein |
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Heather Kuecker | Heather Kuecker Background: I grew up on the family farm near Webster, S.D., with my parents, three older sisters and one younger brother. After high school graduation, I went to Dakota State University in Madison, S.D. and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Graphic Design. I now reside in Ramona, S.D. where I also work at the Ramona Assisted Living Center. In my limited spare time, you can find me on the phone, in my car and probably on my way to see family or friends. Favorite part of my job: Getting to know and work with the staff and being able to use my creative talents.
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David Palmer | David Palmer |
Kerrie Vilhauer | Kerrie Vilhauer Background: I grew up in Sioux Falls and had a five-year stint in St. Cloud, Minn., before coming back home. I love to cook (I have a drawer full of spices to prove it) and spending time outside. I’m married to another communicator, Corey, and we have two children (three if you count the terrier). Favorite part of my job: I’m in awe of the many caring and wonderful people who call First Lutheran home: volunteers who come weekly to staple the bulletins, staff members who work so hard together to complete a last-minute project, shop workers who patch a wall in one of the offices, 90-year-old volunteers who send out mailings, and more! |
Joe Ward | Joe Ward
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Outreach Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Linda Carpenter | Linda Carpenter Background: I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, later moved to Estherville, Iowa, and then Montgomery, Ala. I have two children, Amber and Hunter and a step-son, Cory. My husband, Scott, is in the Air National Guard. My hobbies are exercising, riding on the motorcycle, sitting outside on the patio and spending time with my family and friends. Favorite part of my job: Feeling like part of a big family with my co-workers and members of the church. I really like working with all of the wonderful and friendly members. I enjoy being a part of all the volunteering that happens here and the impact it makes at First Lutheran and in the community. |
Pastoral Care Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Paula Bartels | Paula Bartels Background: I grew up on a farm south of Spencer, Iowa with my parents and one younger brother, Paul. I received my RN training from Sioux Valley School of Nursing and completed the Parish Nurse Course at Augustana College in 2005. My husband is Lowell and we have three adult children and three young grandsons. I enjoy nature and the outdoors, going for walks, listening to good music, reading and people. Favorite part of my job: Getting to know the people and staff at First Lutheran, and working with so many talented volunteers! |
Arlene Bich | Arlene Bich Background: My early childhood days were on up a farm, by Redfield, S.D., the youngest of seven children, until age11 when we moved into town as my older brothers took over the farm. I attended Augustana College where I met my husband, Howard. We have been married nearly 46 years, have three children, and seven grandchildren. We're an "Augustana" family, as only one son-in-law did not attend Augie. We lived in Wagner, S.D. for 34 years, where my husband was a teacher and headcoach of basketball, track and field, and later started cross-country. I worked at the Community Hospital for 23 years. We have found since moving to Sioux Falls, that we really have to keep a calendar for our travels, our volunteer activities (church, Augustana, Pavilion) and the many other opportunities available to us here in the city! Music has always been a part of my life and I sang four years in the Augustana Choir, and 50 years ago we toured Norway and Germany in celebration of the college's 100 Anniversary! I now sing in the Adult and Women's choirs at First Lutheran. We joined First Lutheran five years ago when we moved to Sioux Falls. I felt like I was "coming back home" as this is where I attended church during my college days! Favorite part of my job: I enjoy my job as a Wedding Coordinator at First Lutheran. It's always such a joyful day for everyone, and it’s a great way to meet so many young people! |
Dr. Mark Britzman | Mark Britzman
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Sarah Hagenlock | Sarah Hagenlock |
Sherri Schroden | Sherri Schroden Background: I am originally from southwest Minnesota, so am an avid Viking fan. Enjoy hockey, reading, am “artsy craftsy”, volunteering, baking, taking in community events of all types, and being with friends for a movie night. Favorite part of my job: working with the couples who are starting their new journey in life and being a part of their special day. |
Melody Roberts Nursery Coordinator/
| Melody Roberts Responsibilities as Nursery Coordinator/Children's Ministries Assistant: Assist Nancy in all aspects of Children’s Ministry. For example: help with Church school on both Sunday morning and Wednesday night, set up and work at Vacation Bible School, transport children to and from summer camp, play games, help with fourth- and fifth-grade activity nights and Family Fun Nights, and find volunteers for events outside of church school. Background: Hons Oakland and I were married at FLC in 1993 and we have two children, George and Ella. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls. I graduated from Washington High School were is was in the marching band and played tenor sax. I have a degree in computers. I had my own in home daycare for five years before coming to work at FLC. I enjoy helping children become successful using the skills and talents they have been given. Favorite part of my job: Seeing all the smiling faces on the children. |
Property and Administrative Services
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
John Cerwinske | John Cerwinske Background: I grew up in Sioux Falls. I have two older brothers. I am married to Nancy, and we have two children, Ben and Jacinda. I play the drums. Favorite part of my job: I enjoy the people the most. The congregation is very supportive of us also. |
Jeff Hartnett | Jeff Hartnett Background: My hobbies include NASCAR and football.
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Rob Oswald | Rob Oswald Background: I am an avid runner and participate in marathons. |
Connie Corey | Connie Corey Background: I have four adult children who live out of state and six grandchildren. I live in Canton, SD. My hobbies are cooking, entertaining, reading, walking each day and music, which is usually on in my home. Favorite part of my job: My greatest gift is to be employed here at First Lutheran. I work with such an incredible group of people who are very much like family to me. I job share with Barb Johnson and Kristy Zuraff, and we do very well as a team! |
Barbara Johnson | Barbara Johnson Background: I am a widow and a native of Minnesota. I moved to Sioux Falls in January 1989 because of my work with the U.S. Postal Service. I retired in December 2000. I have two daughters (and two sons-in-law) and five grandchildren. My hobbies include cooking, reading, spending time with friends and family, going to the lake and hanging out with my 12-year-old cat Arne. Favorite part of my job: I am so very lucky to be able to work at First Lutheran. I particularly enjoy all of the people who work here, volunteer here and just pop in. I really missed people when I retired and working here has filled that void for me. |
Kristy Zuraff | Kristy Zuraff Background: I grew up in Sioux Falls. I’m married to Paul Zuraff and have two sons, Joshua, 27, and Shawn, 22. We also have three dogs Shade, Kayle and Tucker, and a cat, Maggie Mae. I like to cook, read, travel, and go boating and camping. I also enjoy going to wineries. Favorite part of my job: My favorite part of being here is working with all of the great people, staff and volunteers. Everyone is so nice and would do anything for you. |
Worship and Music Ministries
To call a staff member, dial First Lutheran’s direct phone number (605) 339-1983 and use the extension located to the right of his/her name.
Shirley Barlow | Shirley Barlow Background: I grew up in Madison, S.D. and I have two children and four grandchildren. Favorite part of my job: The people. |
Dorothy Christopherson | Dorothy Christopherson Background: I grew up on a farm in southern Wisconsin with three brothers. I graduated from Blanchardville High School in Wisconsin and then went to Augsburg College in Minneapolis, where I received a degree in music. After graduation I taught vocal music in Stoughton, Wis. for two years. I received my master’s degree in piano performance at the University of South Dakota. My husband, Jim and I have three children, John, Mary and Tom, and seven grandchildren. My hobbies include composition, knitting, gardening, reading and travel. Favorite part of my job: First Lutheran is a great congregation, so I enjoy participating in several things. Women’s Choir has been a special joy as well as teaching Piano Lab and being a member of the Katie Circle. |
Dr. Michael Elsbernd | Michael Elsbernd Background: I grew up in Ossian, Iowa, a small town near Decorah. My hobbies include seed starting, perennial, and vegetable gardening, and biking. Favorite part of my job: Playing the organ, conducting choirs, and teaching in the piano lab. |
Dr. Jerry Hanson | Jerry Hanson |
Dr. James Johnson | James Johnson Responsibilities: to serve as principal conductor of choral and instrumental ensembles, primarily directing Jubilant Singers, FLYGHT and the Adult Choir. I will also work collaboratively in the areas of worship planning and development, and further development of the Children's Music Academy. Background: I have been involved with music of the church since my youngest days in the Norwegian Lutheran Synod, and most recently I conducted the Augustana College Choir for 19 years. I have a bachelor’s degree from Luther College, a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. My wife, Mary Beth, and I have been married for more than 31 years and have two children, two grandchildren and one grand-puppy. |
Marcia Kittelson | Marcia Kittelson Background: I grew up in Aberdeen, S.D. I am married to John and we have two children and four grandchildren. My hobbies include travel, knitting, reading and our new puppy. Favorite part of my job: Ministering to the FLC congregation through hymns, liturgy and organ literature. |
Bonnie Lindgren | Bonnie Lindgren Background: My family lived mostly in the Minneapolis area and in Willmar, Minn. I was the fourth-born of six children. We lived a family-centered life and church was the top priority. I earned my undergraduate degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and my Master’s degree from Augustana College, here in Sioux Falls. For many years I taught vocal music in the Sioux Falls elementary schools. My favorite things to do are singing, writing, walking, talking to children, and going to movies, concerts, and the theater. Favorite part of my job: The CHILDREN, of course! I receive such joy joining with these faithful disciples to praise the Lord! |
Sue Severson | Sue Severson Background: Graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. with a BA in biology and from the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences with a cytotechnology degree. I currently work at Physicians Laboratory, a privately-owned anatomic pathology lab located on the Avera McKennan campus. I enjoy horsebacking riding, drawing and empty-nesting. Favorite part of the job: The continued pursuit of excellence in music. |
Pam Sonnichsen | Pam Sonnichsen Background: I was baptized, confirmed and married at First Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Minn. I graduated from Pipestone High School, Augustana College with a B.A. in Music, and from the University of South Dakota with a Master's Degree in Education. I have taught vocal and instrumental music in Minnesota, California, and South Dakota. Thirty-four of those years were at Whittier Middle School in Sioux Falls. South Dakota Symphony, Rochester Symphony, Austin Symphony, and Sioux Empire Brass are among the groups that I have had the opportunity to play trumpet. I have one sister, Mary, who is also very involved in music. My husband Dave and I have five children, two son-in-laws, one daughter-in-law and seven grandchildren. I enjoy playing trumpet, swimming, reading, sewing, playing with grandchildren, and visiting with friends. Favorite part of my job: My favorite part of the work I do at FLC is the opportunity to share life's faith journey with so many special people. It is also an honor to be part of the process of providing music which gives glory to God. |
Hazel Wek | Hazel Wek |
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