St. John's Lutheran School

Rev. Jeffrey Wade - Pastor

Pastor Wade is a life-long Michigander, born and raised in Sterling Heights. He attended Concordia University - Ann Arbor. He graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Family Life Education. On April 29, 2014 he was blessed to be called as Associate Pastor of St. John's. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity in 2014. He was ordained and installed on July 20, 2014. In January of 2018, Pastor Wade was called to and accepted the position of Senior Pastor at St. John's.

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I am married to my ever-patient and compassionate wife Christine, who is ever wrangles our children. We have one daughter, Elanor, and one son, Merry, who are with Jesus. God has granted us two more sons, Asher and Dorian, who were born in 2021 and 2023.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• What I try to do when I teach Catechism Class here at St. John's is to form the students into disciples of Christ. I also desire to empower parents (who are statistically the primary faith developer of their children) to build lasting relationships with their children with Christ Jesus as the foundation.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• This is no simple question. My favorite place to vacation is at my grandparents' cottage on Lake Manistique in Curtis, MI. However, if I got to choose to go anywhere in the world it would be in one of three places: London, England - home of the greatest football club in the world The Arsenal; New Zealand - to see all the sets and places from the Lord of the Rings movies; or Istanbul, Turkey - one of my life's desires is to see the famous Hagia Sophia.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I thoroughly enjoy reading, writing, and working on my yard.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• ...that I am adopted by God the Father and made His son through the waters of Holy Baptism. Following this, the best part of having this new identity is daily reminding our students of who they are in Christ - the forgiven and innocent sons and daughters of God the Father.

Rev. Kyle Jones - Pastor

I grew up just north of Detroit in Sterling Heights, and Melissa grew up in Lee’s Summit, MO, just outside Kansas City.  She and I met during orientation week at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  We talked about our mutual dislike of bugs, all the while her roommates decided, “This has to happen!”  We started dating a few months later, and were married a few months after that on June 16, 2012.  Melissa is brilliant.  Her knowledge of Scripture and handle on sound doctrine is unmatched.  She loves me and sometimes laughs at my jokes, which is more than I or my jokes deserve.  We have 3 living children, Elliott, Jonathan and Samuel, and three children, August, Owen and Henry, we lost to miscarriage and stillbirth. My children couldn’t have a better mother, and God has truly blessed us as a family.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• Given the vocations of parents and pastors and educators by God, we are told to “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).  This teaches the Christian parent and educator the value God places on learning.  We are to teach our children who our God is and to confess what he has done in Christ; we are also to teach our children about the world, that they can delight in God’s creation and serve their neighbors well in their own vocations as they grow.  Education is all-encompassing, beginning in the home, developing in the classroom, continuing into adulthood.  The world God has given us to take care of is amazing!  We could explore forever and never witness all the wonders that he has given us.  A Christian education pursues this wonder, delighting in the lessons of history, the orderliness of math and science, the beauty of literature, and the Way, Truth and Life nailed to the Cross.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• I would love to go to England, Cornwall specifically.  My dad’s side of the family emigrated from there, and I grew up eating Cornish pasties made by Great-Grandma Jones, who learned to make them as a youth.  I still have relatives there whom I have yet to meet, and I would love to learn more about my family history.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I am a dabbler, and I like to do a lot of things.  I have a life-long love of making things, and currently that is finding its expression in woodworking. I found some of my great-grandfather’s hand planes and saws and have been learning about traditional joinery.  I love to read, and I really love super hero movies.  I like to lift weights and move my body.  As a family, Melissa and I love to play board games and read books out loud to each other, especially fantasy, like the work of Dianna Wynn Jones and C.S. Lewis.  We like to go on walks as a family, cook, and find interesting places to go on day trips to.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• ...the hope that he gives to us in his death and empty grave.  We are made fully human in Christ, and our life, joy and suffering on this side of the Resurrection is given context and meaning.

Mrs. Adrienne Gurney - Principal & Sixth Grade

Born and raised in Seymour, IN, I am a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. I received my Bachelor's of Science in 1998 from Indiana University Southeast. My Lutheran colloquy certification was earned from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2003. Following, I received both my Master's of Arts degree and administrative license from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2006-2007. I taught at Lutheran Central School in Brownstown, IN for nine years while also coaching volleyball, cheerleading, and serving as athletic director. After teaching high school English as Heritage Christian School in Indianapolis for two years, I took an administrative position at Our Savior Lutheran School in Marlette, MI. I served as both teacher and principal there for the three years leading up to my call to St. John's. I accepted the call and began serving as principal and sixth grade teacher in the summer of 2014. I am blessed to be a part of the St. John's family!

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• My parents and siblings remain in Seymour, Indiana, where we visit often. On February 27, 2015, I married Bob Gurney, who retired from appliance sales and repair. We had our son, Severin Michael, on April 4, 2016, and currently live in Flat Rock. Sev now comes to school with me as he just became a student here at St. John's. I am currently coaching volleyball again, and although a young group, our Wildcats are fierce!

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• A short paragraph is not enough to describe my philosophy on education. As a teacher, it is not only my job to prepare students for life as citizens of the world but also to teach them what it is to be Children of God. Everything we learn in a classroom we also learn how to apply in life. We don’t simply teach the Bible then set it back on the shelf. It is part of our lives in every facet of our day. As a principal, it is also my job to help teachers do that very thing. We strive to be good examples for our students, and at those times when we’re not, it is our job to show how we, who are also sinners, are saved through the death and resurrection of our Lord.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• I’ve always dreamed of vacationing in the beauty and splendor of Hawaii. I have a friend who was stationed in Hawaii…he once told me it is always hot and sunny there, but there’s a constant cooling mist surrounding you everywhere!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• As most like most everyone, I rarely find spare time in my busy schedule. When I do, I love to be outside in the sunshine, and I love being on the water. Most of my time is spent with my husband and son. God blessed me with a wonderful family, and we enjoy spending time together in any way we can. A wise man once told me, "The days can be long, but the years are short."

The best part of following Jesus is…

• The best part about following Jesus is knowing that He is following me…AND leading me, AND with me always…it’s a great feeling that I’m never alone. It is also wonderful being able to reassure all our little ones that they are never alone either.

Mrs. Kari Tapley - Church Secretary

I was blessed to be raised in by a loving family in the Lutheran church and school here in southeast Michigan. I was an only child for ten years, and then my sister came along. So I got to experience being an only child and having a great sibling. Growing up I have fond memories of family camping trips and large family parties with all the cousins, aunts, and uncles.

After spending nearly twenty years working in public health, I was ready for a change. Now I am blessed to work in this wonderful environment.

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• My husband and I met our freshman year at Alma College. We have a daughter Emilia, who attends school here, and a dog named Dean.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• I grew up attending a Lutheran school and felt strongly about sending my own child to one as well. As a Christian, it is hard to separate Christ from education. I cannot think of a better way to start of life or one’s educational background.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• I have always wanted to visit the east coast. I love the water and have heard there is nothing better than fresh seafood.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, camping, and being outside.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• Knowing that I am His forgiven child and He is always with me.

 Mrs. Kristin Danilowicz - School Administrative Assistant

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I was born and raised here in Michigan, grew up attending church and school here at St. John's my whole life. My grandfather was a principal and teacher here for many years and ran the music program. My mother is now in charge of the adult choirs and I have participated in the handbell choir since I was in 4th grade. I met my husband, Joshua, in high school,  we started dating shortly after we graduated and have been together for almost 14 years. We were married here at St. John's in 2017 and are now raising our 3 children, Lincoln, Zoë and Sloane here. We enjoy going on bike rides together and taking road trips together. I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve here at St. Johns, my home.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• Christ should always be the center of our lives and we are blessed to be able to provide that through our school. Our children are the future, so sharing God's love and grace as early as possible is most important.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• I would love to visit Ireland as well as take an Alaskan cruise.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I love to read and one of my favorite things to do is watch sports, both on TV as well as in person.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• knowing I will always have someone on my side to help me through all of the tough moments in life as well as enjoying the wonderful ones. God is not just with us, he is in us. And because of him, we will live with him eternally.

Mrs. Allison Zajac - Preschool Director

I attended Defiance College where I graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I am originally from Sidney, Ohio where my family lives and I visit often. I come from a family of educators and grew up knowing the value of education. I feel truly blessed to be serving as St. John's Preschool Director and to be a part of the St. John's family. 

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I am married to my husband Kris who I met at college and we have 3 children Vincent, Khloe, and Leo who are all attending St. John's Lutheran school.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• Every child is unique in the way that they learn. One thing that I know can be a "constant" for each of my students is sharing the love for Jesus each and every day.  Seeing my students' faces light up when we share Jesus' love is priceless.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• If I could go on vacation anywhere, I would go on a road trip with my family.  I love to be spontaneous and just get in the car and go.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family.  We spend a lot of time at my family's place at the beach in South Carolina. I love seeing my children making memories on the beach.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• The best part of following Jesus is that I know he will never give me more than I can handle. I know he has a plan and I know his plan will all make sense in the end.

Mrs. Faith Xerri - Preschool (3 and 4 Year Old)

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I’m recently married to my wonderful husband, Brent. I am a mom to 3 grown boys who also attended St. Johns, step-mom to 2 more adult boys, and step-grandma to 6 beautiful, fun, and rambunctious children. All these boys have also given me some amazing women in my life. My parents are very active members of St. John’s Church and love volunteering at the school. I have 2 gorgeous sisters who have blessed me with a load of amazing nieces, nephews, and even GREAT nieces and nephews!

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• I love to see the faith of little children. I am so happy to be able to see the joy on their face as they learn more about Jesus’s love for them every day. From raising my own children, I know the amazing benefit of having that love for Jesus planted in their hearts at such a young age and how they will carry that with them into their adult lives. Proverbs 22:6 calls us to “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• Home is my favorite place to be, but I would love to take a cross country road trip!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and traveling and trying new things with my husband.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• The best part of following Jesus is the assurance I have of his forgiveness and love for me. I know that I am never alone and that God has a plan for me. I am so blessed to be able to share my faith with my students every day.

Ms. Samantha Maynard - Kindergarten

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia. I lived in Kentucky from age 2-14 before moving to Michigan in 2010. I have lived here ever since. I earned my bachelor of science degree in Elementary Education at Wayne State University in Spring 2021. I have done one on one therapy with children with autism through a company called Chitter Chatter. Right after graduating college, I became a substitute teacher at the end of the 2021 school year. Over that summer, I took a job as the gym, computers, and art teacher at St. John’s. The next school year, I was blessed with the St. John’s Kindergarten position! Teaching and loving all of my students is an amazing experience that is unlike any other. 

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I recently got married over the summer to my husband, Bailey. We are enjoying married life together. He is a middle school math teacher at Hoover. I also love spending time with my mom, Angela, father, Chuck, and my two younger brothers, Adam and Cody. We are so close and supportive of each other. They have helped mold me into the person I am today, and I am so fortunate to have such an amazing family. I love them very much.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• Jesus is not just found in church. He is with us everywhere and all of the time. Jesus is in everything that we do, so He is already a part of our classrooms. He is our good shepherd guiding us on the path to him. As teachers, we are placed in the perfect position to be shephards to our students. We teach them God’s word, we let them know that they are loved and forgiven, we encourage them to make good life decisions, we pray with our students, we care for and comfort them, and we do our best to be good role models. Just as Jesus guides us, we will do our best to guide our students to Him. Only through Jesus, can we be saved.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• Now that I got to visit Scotland and Ireland on my honeymoon (it was AMAZING), I’m not really sure where I’d want to go. I think it would be interesting to visit all of the Disney theme parks (even the ones overseas). I can visit the surrounding areas like Paris and Shanghai while I’m there. I really enjoy Disney, and I appreciate all of the details and story telling they put into their parks.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• When I am not teaching or lesson planning, I enjoy reading, drawing (and other arts and crafts), walking at the park, going on vacation, spending time with my friends and family, attempting to cook new recipes, and watching movies. For things to do close by, I love going out to the movies, restaurants, clothes shopping, Dave and Busters, and getting ice cream. Most of the time, though, I enjoy being at home relaxing with the people I love.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• … the comfort in knowing that I am loved and forgiven no matter what. I am never alone, and I can go through my day knowing that God is in control. I will do my best to be a good and faithful servant, but, even when I fail, I will be forgiven. What an amazing feeling knowing how much I am loved. If God can love me despite my sinfulness, why shouldn’t I show love to others? The world can be filled with so many challenges and uncertainties, but putting my faith and trust in God allows me to ease my mind and calm my fears. It is well with my soul.

Mrs. Maddie Campbell - First Grade

Madison Campbell was born in Wyandotte MI and grew up in the Downriver area. Madison moved to Ohio when she was in 4th grade. While in Ohio, she attended Ashland University where she received her Early Childhood Education degree with an Online Teaching minor. In college, she surrendered her life to Christ and became a life-long servant to His calling, which was teaching. She has had the joy of teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. Low and behold, the Lord brought Madison and her husband back to Michigan. She currently holds her teaching degree in Ohio and Michigan. She loves learning, having fun and Jesus so St. John's was God's best fit for her. 

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• My husband and I were married on July 11th, 2020. We met at Ashland University and have been together for 5 years. Bryn works for PPG, which runs in my family considering my mom and step-dad also work there. Bryn and I love adventuring, serving the Lord, and to coach high school swimming together. We also have a weiner dog named Hershey who is our 'fur baby'!

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• When my students come into my classroom- I want them to feel the joy of the Lord and acceptance of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the center of all the choices we make in our classroom- from forgiveness, joy, acceptance, and grace. My teachings are a reflection of how Jesus loves us. I want my students to know they are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we can celebrate the joy of God's love through everyday we spend together as 'one big family'. My biggest hope for my classroom is that students would continue to have child-like faith and be in awe of the goodness and graciousness of our God by seeing a reflection of Him in me.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• I would LOVE to go to Israel. It's on my bucket list of places to go before I die. I want to see the life of Jesus and the places so often talked about in the bible. It's one thing to hear about it, but another to witness it and experience the grounds Jesus walked.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my freetime I love fishing, crafting, worshiping, reading, exercising, and spending time with my dog! My favorite books are education-based books and books to help me dive deeper in my faith. My most favorite activity to do is boating though!

The best part of following Jesus is…

• This has to be my favorite question. My favorite part about following Jesus is seeing his faithfulness and trust. It sounds like a good answer- but what does that really mean? It means giving him all my worries because He keeps his promises to protect my soul, body and heart. It means He knows what is best for me. Being able to spend time with God allows me to see Him in all things and the miracles he does everyday in my life is breathtaking!

Mrs. Karyn Donal-Fisher - Second Grade

Mrs. Donal-Fisher was born and raised in Dearborn Heights, Michigan where she attended public school from Kindergarten until Sixth Grade. She then attended a Lutheran School for Seventh and Eighth Grade before attending Lutheran High School West in Detroit. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education along with the Lutheran Teaching Diploma from Concordia University - Ann Arbor. She then graduated from Easter Michigan University with a Master's Degree in Elementary Education and a Z.A. Endorsement in Early Childhood Education. She has previously taught at Atonement Lutheran School, St. Paul's Lutheran School, and Concordia Lutheran School.

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I was married to Jeffrey Fisher on November 12, 2022. We have a fur baby named Casey and we reside in Canton, MI.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• My Christian philosophy of education is to always put God first in everything I do. Saying prayer at various times throughout the day has helped me get through many days in my teaching and personal life. As an educator, I remind myself each day that each child is different. Each child learns differently and grows differently from one another. Therefore, I always put what is best for each child that I teach first. If I put what is best for them first, they will grow to become successful.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• I have traveled to many places, but my bucket list trip is to visit Australia and New Zealand. I have always wanted to go to those two countries ever since I was in Kindergarten.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my spare time, I like to travel, cook, garden, and spend time with family and friends.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• ...that as a child of God, I too can spread the work of Jesus Christ. I feel that every person I teach will be touched with God's Word by song, verse memorization, stroies, and simply by leading by example of how God wants us to lead our lives. It doesn't matter how young or old you may be, if you believe and are baptized - you will be saved.

Ms. Samantha Cronenwett - Third Grade

I attended Western Michigan University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with minors in Math, Science, English and Early Childhood in 2006. In July of 2014, I received my Master’s degree in K-12 Administration from Madonna University. After graduating college, I found a teaching job at a charter school in Detroit where I spent eight years teaching various grades. After my charter school experience, I went to Garden City Public Schools where I taught kindergarten, preschool, and special education preschool. I spent four years teaching in Garden City. I then decided to stay home with my son, Cameron and we decided as a family that homeschooling our boys was what we were being called to do. We spent four wonderful years learning at home before deciding to return to school at St. John’s. I feel blessed everyday that God has led me to St. John’s!

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I am married to my husband Steve and we have three children Austin, Brody and Cameron who are all attending St. John's Lutheran School.  We have two dogs Diesel and Duramax, both boxers.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• I believe that all children have special and unique talents and it is our job as educators to expand on those unique qualities.  We have been blessed with these children by God and it is our job to share our love of Jesus with them each and everyday. 

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• If I could go on vacation anywhere, I would go to Disney World. My husband and I spent our honeymoon there and since then we have taken all of our children many times.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my spare time, I am usually at a baseball field with my family. All of our boys play baseball and we spend countless hours taking them to practices and games. I also spend a lot of my free time coaching. I coach a high school cheerleading team at Walled Lake Western High School. My husband also races at Flat Rock Speedway so we spend a lot of our time during the summer at the race track watching him race.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• The best part of following Jesus is His faithfulness each and every day. Knowing that even on my worst days He will be there for me and get me through to the next day.  

Mrs. Amanda Segerstrom - Fourth Grade

I am a life-long Michigander with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education, Integrated Science Comprehensive from Eastern Michigan University. 

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I am a 35 year old mom of 3, happily born and raised in Michigan. I have a wonderful husband and a crazy dog...or is that a crazy husband and a wonderful dog? No, I think I got it right the first time! My family has a church home at Northbrook Church in Carleton.  My sons, Jaxson and Mason, attend St, John's and my mom, dad and brother (Candi and Dave Golden, Jacob Golden) are members here. I love spending time with my family, including also my cousin and her hubby and kiddos. We are a crazy blended bunch of fun!

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• My Christian philosophy of education is that children learn best when all of their needs are met. All people have a hierarchy of needs including safety, shelter, food, love and self-actualization. The only place a person's needs can be fully met is inside CHRIST. Therefore, the absolute best atmosphere a child can learn in is a place where they know their value in CHRIST and where He is pre-eminent. I strive always to put Christ first in my life and allow all things to flow from that, including my identity as an educator. : "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant..." As a teacher I approach my students and their families as a servant, in humility, by the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• My husband and I went to Iceland and it was amazing. For me, the best vacation wouldn't be just going anywhere I could but taking my children to somewhere amazing. I would love to go to Iceland again and take my kiddos, so I could watch the joy of their discovery and amazement.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I love to read, especially C.S. Lewis and also hit the Gym. I also enjoy music and time spent with my family. Besides travelling we enjoy cooking together and exploring new foods.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• He never gives up on us. He is faithful. I love that "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." He is so good, so faithful. He does not grow weary or discouraged. He is not fickle or prone to wander. He is the good shepherd who guides gently; and when I wander he leads me back. He doesn't leave us sinful and broken. He saves us. Saves us from hell, yes, and also from a life of imprisonment to sin. In him I can truly have peace, patience, love, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self control. I can live a life that is beautiful and abundant. I can go on and on about this all day, so feel free to ask me in person and we can Rejoice together about how good he is!

Mr. Greg Manthei - Fifth Grade and Athletic Director

Greg Manthei attended Concordia College Ann Arbor and received his bachelors degree in 1991. Later, he earned his Professional certificate in 1997 through EMU. Greg has served St. John’s since 1994. 

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I married Kim Littler in 2002. We have two children. Lucas was born in 2004, and Noah was born in 2007. We currently live in Flat Rock.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• My Christian philosophy of education centers around strengthening the faith in Jesus of each child through God’s Word and prayer. I enjoy sharing the love Jesus has for us with my students. Having a sense of humor helps me to connect with students and become more receptive to God’s message of love and salvation.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go to Alaska so that I could fish for giant salmon and take in the grandeur of God’s Creation. The waters and mountains together show the handiwork of God’s power and wisdom.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• I enjoy spending time up north at our cabin. You will always find me working on something to build, improve, or fix. I have undertaken many projects of building including renovations, add-ons, and woodworking.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• The best part about following Jesus is experiencing Him in my life. The strength, wisdom, and love of God is richer than anything the world offers. Hearing about Jesus doesn’t compare to experiencing Him working in my life. That is what I want my students to know and experience.

Ms. Katherine Newman - Seventh Grade

I was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin where I attended a Lutheran school from kindergarten through 8th grade. From childhood I knew I wanted to become a teacher and in December 2021, I graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a B.A. in Elementary Education. Following graduation, I taught as the math/literature teacher in a 7/8 grade homeroom before working as an interventionist. I am very blessed to now be serving at St. John’s.

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• I have three younger siblings who still live in Wisconsin with my parents. We grew up a very tight knit family group and loved to go on walks and road trips, watch movies, and eat together.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• As an educator in a Lutheran school it is my pleasure to teach students about Christ in everything that we do. I truly believe that God has made each of us unique and with individual needs. My goal as a Christian educator is to find ways to meet those unique needs.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• There are so many places that I would love to visit! If I had to pick one place, then I would go to Scotland for the scenery. I would also like to go to Germany, Spain, Italy, Taiwan, Guatemala, Peru…there are so many cultures and traditions around the world that I want to experience them all!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my spare time, I like to be active with my hands - or read. My favorite activity is being in the garden which is unfortunately for only part of the year. I dabble in various handicrafts like sewing or crocheting, and I can often be found quilting on my longarm machine.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• … being His own. Those words are very comforting and remind me that through everything, Jesus is with me.

Mr. Joel Schaffer - Eighth Grade

Joel Schaffer earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University (Chicago).

Tell us a little bit about your family:

• Joel Schaffer was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the father of three children;  Abigail, Nathaniel, and Annmarie who all attended St. John's Lutheran School and Lutheran High School Westland.

What’s your Christian philosophy of education?

• My Christian philosophy of education is that I am here to add to what is taught at home.  My job is not only to teach the core subject of math and history, but also help bring children to the knowledge of God and help them grow in their trust in Christ and His good news.

If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

• I would like to go back to Germany.  I would like to spend time visiting the cities where my great- great grandparents lived.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

• In my spare time, I like to watch all of the sporting events that my children are in.  I also like to golf, play soccer, and play softball.

The best part of following Jesus is…

• The best part about following Jesus is knowing that I am a redeemed child of God.