ABOUT
Get to Know Us
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Our community
At St. Michael Lutheran Church, our faith is guided by God’s Word, reflected in our values and present in our community. We are a member of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Biblically Based
We believe the Bible is inspired by God and stands at the center of everything we do. It guides us in who we are and who we strive to be.
Discipleship Directed
Investing in relationships is key to our approach. We focus on becoming more like Jesus, belonging to His church, and blessing His world.
Faith-Family Focused
As followers of Jesus, we grow together as brothers and sisters, nurturing a sense of community and belonging among our congregation.
God Glorfying
With grace from God, we strive to encourage and celebrate actions and outcomes that honor Him.
Mission Minded
Every day, we live out God’s mission in our local community, across the nation, and around the world, sharing His love and message.
God Glorfying
With grace from God, we strive to encourage and celebrate actions and outcomes that honor Him.
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Our Team
Pastor Dennis’ first pastoral call was to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hammond LA, followed by a call to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lakeland FL, and then Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Ham Lake MN. He then received a call from Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) to serve as Vice President of Agency Services for the Capital Funding Services before accepting the position as Director of Ministry Programs for The Lutheran Foundation in Fort Wayne. Pastor Dennis and his wife Laura have two sons, Thad and Theo, and one granddaughter. Dennis and Laura enjoy traveling with family and friends, spending time with their granddaughter, and are always open to sharing a good meal and wine with old friends and new.
Shawn is the son of a retired Air Force Chaplin. Shawn and his wife Anna met at Camp Lutherhaven in Albion, Indiana, and were later engaged to be married there. They currently have three children named Adelaide, Elsie, and Daniel. Shawn enjoys being outdoors, cheering for the Seattle Sounders, and local sports teams.
Pastor Mark spent the first 17 years of his professional career in administration of Lutheran Social Ministry Agencies and currently serves on the Board of Lutheran Senior Care Ministries which provides chaplaincy care for area health care facilities in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas. Pastor Mark and his wife Barb have three children along with five beautiful grandchildren. Pastor enjoys golf, being at the lake and spending time with his family.
Stephanie was born in Natchez, Mississippi, but spent most of her time growing up in Lafayette, Indiana. Go Boilers! While working as a counselor at Camp Lutherhaven she met her husband Tim, and they have four children. Stephanie graduated from Concordia University Chicago and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan. Along with all types of music, she enjoys gardening, lake activities, and spending time with family.
Celine, from Gallup, New Mexico, joined us from Camp Lutherhaven, where she served for 14 years. Celine also serves St. Michael as the handbell director. She loves walking with people whether it’s on a downtown road, a wilderness trail, or through life. She enjoys both watching and playing music and sports and will happily join you at a concert, game, or jam session anytime. She is excited to share her heart for play and growth, her love of the beautiful tapestry of culture, and her belief in the redemptive power of Christ and that we all have a place and purpose in God’s family. Celine’s favorites include cooking out, the book of Deuteronomy, and winter!
Tina was born in Paulding, Ohio, and grew up in Paulding and New Haven. She is married to Randy and they have one daughter. Tina graduated with an Associate Degree in Business from Indian River Community College. She enjoys being outdoors, going to the beach, climbing mountains, water and snow skiing, reading and helping others.
Rhonda has been a member of St. Michael since 1976. She attended Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School and Concordia Lutheran High School before obtaining a journalism degree from Indiana University. She has worked as a graphic designer, retail manager and piano accompanist while raising her two children. Rhonda is married to Craig and enjoys gardening, reading and music.
Emma grew up in St. Charles, MO. She then went to Concordia University Nebraska where she double majored in DCE and Elementary Education. She was then sent to St. Michael for her DCE Internship and then accepted the call to continue to serve. Emma enjoys spending time with her dog, Riley, going on hikes, playing Frisbee golf, and spending time with family and friends.
Marisa received a Bachelor of Arts degree for Music Education Teacher from Clarke University. She has taught music education in several different schools, including the St. Michael Academy of Arts, directed choirs, and performed with a variety of musical groups. Marisa and her husband Fred have three children, We are blessed to have Marisa join our worship team as the sound technician with our praise teams!
Karen Manges was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Indianapolis. She has a Bachelor of Music Degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she met her husband, Steve. They have three sons and seven grandchildren. She also enjoys giving piano lessons and playing the flute.
Our History
Since our inception in 1953, St. Michael Lutheran Church has been more than a place of worship; it is a vision of community, faith, and service. Starting in a former barracks building, our congregation has blossomed through faith-filled leadership, resilient rebuilding after adversity, and expansion to meet our growing family’s needs.
Our journey from those early days to the present is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and our community’s dedication. It is this rich heritage that propels us forward, envisioning a future where St. Michael continues to be a beacon of God’s love and grace.
