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Church: Staff

In February of 2008 I began my ministry at St. Luke’s as an Associate Pastor and was made Senior Pastor in January of 2011.

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

We feel very privileged that the Lord has called us to 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 have three children Kristy, Rebecca, and John who are all attending Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Paula who is a Medical Technologist in the health field and works at a local hospital, in addition she also teaches medical related science classes at the technical college in Stevens Point.
In addition she enjoys being involved in choir, and leading the youth puppet ministry.

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.

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.

I have the honor of serving Jesus Christ through the Caring Ministries at St. Luke's.
The Caring Ministries program seeks to work with the power of God to bring comfort and healing to people.  The death of a loved one or the painful experience of a divorce often is overwhelming for people.  

The GriefShare and DivorceCare support groups seek to help people as they walk with God and each other.

The death of a loved one by suicide is very painful for the surviving family and friends.
The S.O.S. Survivors Of Suicide support group helps people stay connected to God and other people who understand the pain each one is going through.

Care Ministry support groups are for people who are hurting because they have a problem or are taking care of a person who is hurting.

I have had a number of problems in my life.  I know the importance of growing closer to God and being open with others.  All of our programs have people who love God and people.
You do not need to be a believer in Jesus Christ to attend, but we do ask that you allow us to talk about our faith.