Staff
Pastor Jenny McLellan leads with joy and curiosity. Through careful listening and thoughtful questioning, Pastor Jenny delights in helping people grow deeper in their spirituality and their relationships with God and one another. After pastoring at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, GA and Calvary Lutheran Church of Allendale in New Jersey, Pastor Jenny has returned to Minnesota where she earned her MDiv from Luther Seminary. She shares life with her partner, Peter, young daughter, Molly, and their dog, Eddie. Pastor Jenny loves the outdoors, playing games, reading, and being creative and playful.
the rev. jenny mclellan
lead pastor
Pastor Nancy Connor hails from Minot, North Dakota. Pastor Connor has served congregations in Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington. She has served on 5 ELCA National Youth Gatherings, leading teams for the Dome Mass Gatherings. She has been keynote speaker for a variety of retreats and Bible studies.
In her role as Visitation Pastor she enjoys working with the Pastoral Care Team.
Her areas of service are hospital calls and visitations as assigned, working with Senior Moments, establishing an acolyte and processional corps, assisting in planning worship and other tasks assigned by Pastor Walt.
Pastor Nancy enjoys going to the theater, reading, and shopping for “good deals.” Most of all she loves to laugh.
The Rev. Nancy Connor
Pastor
Doreen has been serving at St. James since 1999. She guides and directs all Ministry Plans and events at St. James. She works closely with the Treasurer and staff regarding finance, offering and giving accounts, and payroll. She is helpful in answering questions and emails for the St. James' community and volunteers. She is also known for her kindness and hospitality to all.
Doreen Evans
Director of Ministry Operations
Kjirsten is passionate about serving the St. James community in many ways. She works behind the scenes to ensure all forms of communication (website, emails, mailings, worship services, etc.) are concise and delivered in a timely manner.
Kjirsten Pearson Administrative coordinator
The longest serving person on the staff with over forty years of experience with church music, Kelvin combines his passions for music and people. Guiding the music ministry at St. James, with its multiple choirs and directors, Kelvin has encouraged a participatory approach that celebrates the voice of each person regardless of whether they have had previous musical experience.
Kelvin Miller
minister of music
For many years, Gail has faithfully cared for the physical facilities at St. James, keeping our church home clean and maintained. Although her work is usually behind the scenes, it is a labor of love that shows.
Gail Pederson
Custodian
Kjersten has guided our Praise III choir for years, bringing her energy and enthusiasm for high-spirited music to worship.
Kjersten Dysthe
DIRECTOR OF PRAISE III CHOIR
Jeff's passion involves using technology to proclaim the gospel. He has trained a multi-generational team (including teens) to provide AV for worship and faith formation. His technical knowledge is only surpassed by his coaching and mentoring.
Jeff Andrews
Audiovisual
Kari joyfully conducts St. James bell choir called Jubilation Ringers. This longstanding group enhances worship with traditional hand bell anthems.
Kari Owens
DIRECTOR OF JUBILATION RINGERS (BELL CHOIR)
Patty has a passion to share the gospel with our youngest members at St. James. Every Sunday she engages our children in a fun, high-spirited fashion that teaches our Sunday School children an energetic way.
Patty Seewald
Sunday School Lead
Jan is extremely talented at the keyboard of both the piano and organ. She serves as St. James primary accompanist, providing music to support each of our vocal choirs.
Jan Pofahl
ORGANIST AND ACCOMPANIST
Siana has a passion to teach the Gospel to the confirmation (grades 6-8) students at St. James. She uses real world examples and teachings to help guide the youth through their faith formation process.
Council
Darcie Gorell-Evers
President
Kevin Bohnsack
Maren Thorstensen
Deb Benson
Vice President
Michele Hertle
Rick Wendt
Megan Kuneli
Secretary
Jowana Opitz
