Church: Staff

 

Rev. Timothy Wenger - Senior Pastor

My ministry at St. Luke’s has been challenging and rewarding throughout the years.  The Lord has provided a core group of committed Christians who have a deep love for the Lord and a desire to be engaged in ministry.  I am privileged to minister with them and be ministered to in a variety of ways.

Early in life I felt the call to share the good news of Jesus Christ as a pastor.  In the pursuit of this calling I attended St. Paul’s High School and Junior College in Concordia, MO and Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN.  After college I entered Concordia Seminary St. Louis and graduated in 1970.  In 1971, I completed a Master of Sacred Theology in Pastoral Counseling and then accepted a call to St. Luke’s as Associate Pastor.  In 1974, I was called to the senior pastor position in which I continue to serve.

My wife, Kathleen, and I were married in 1969.  The Lord has blessed our marriage in many ways including four children:  Eric, Christopher, Elisa and Angela.  We are now additionally blessed with seven grandchildren. 

We, at St. Luke’s, invite you and look forward to meet you.

Peace and Joy in Christ,

Pastor Tim Wenger

 

Rev. Thomas Graves- Pastor

In February of 2008 I began my ministry at St. Luke’s as an Associate Pastor.

My wife Paula and I had been lay people at St. Luke’s after we graduated from college for a number of years prior to the Lord calling me into ministry in 1995.

After graduating from Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1999 our family was blessed by nine years of ministry at Calvary Lutheran church in Aberdeen, Washington.

We feel very privileged that the Lord has called us to return to Wisconsin to serve at St. Luke’s and to be part of the exciting ministry the Lord is doing in this congregation.

Paula and I were married at St. Luke’s on June 4, 1988 and we have three children: Kristy, Rebecca, and John.

Paula who is a Medical Technologist in the health field enjoys being involved in the choir, and leading a youth puppet ministry.

Blessings,

Pastor Tom Graves

 

Pastor Paul Tonn - Youth/Young Adult Pastor

I am excited as I start my ministry here at St. Luke’s. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and spent my college years at Texas A&M University. In 2005, I began my studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and spent my Vicarage year in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. April 22, 2009 I received my first call to be the Youth and Young Adult Pastor here at St. Luke’s, and I look forward to many memories and hopefully many years here proclaiming God’s word to his people.

 

Martha Strong - Director of Christian Education & Family Ministry

My name is Martha Strong and I am the Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry, here at St. Luke’s.
I graduated with a D.C.E. Specialist degree (’88) and Masters in Parish Education (’93) from Concordia University Nebraska in Seward, NE. I also have a BFA from Drake University in Des Moines, IA in Theatre Design and Public Relations.

I began serving as a Director of Christian Education in 1987 with my internship year and first call to Our Redeemer, Freeport, IL. In 1996 I accepted a call to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Springfield, MO where I served until coming to St. Luke’s in February 1999. I met my husband Brian when he began attending St. Luke’s and we were married in November of 2003.

I serve the Lord at St. Luke's by overseeing Christian Education offerings for all ages such as Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, Confirmation classes, and adult Bible studies. I work with St. Luke's youth leaders to provide ministry for 4th through 8th grades through our groups CYC (4th-6th), BIC (7th & 8th). I also work with Pastor Paul in the development and implementation of programming for high school youth and young adults. Lastly, I am responsible for developing family ministry programs for all ages and stages, providing Christian growth opportunities for families, developing resources for parenting and family issues and organizing social events and opportunities that build relationships.

I hope I will see you at one of our education or fellowship opportunities as you grow closer to your Christian family and to your Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

Jim Johnston - Deacon

My name is James Johnston, and I have the privilege of serving Jesus Christ at St. Luke’s Lutheran church as Pastoral Assistant.
I am married to Valeria, one of the church organists.  We have three children and two grandchildren.

My main area of responsibility is leading support groups in our Care Ministries program.  I also assist with hospital and home visits, teach Bible studies, and preach on an occasional basis.