Staff

Pastor Gregg Helland

Gregg Helland came to St. John’s as our senior pastor on September 1, 1998. On June 10, 2001, Gregg observed 25 years in the ministry with a celebration service and reception that was held at St. John’s. 

Gregg attended school through 10th grade in Luverne, MN, but moved to Sioux Fall, SD and graduated in 1968 from Sioux Falls Lincoln High School. Attended four years in Augustana College in Sioux Falls and graduated in 1972 with a double major in math and physics. Then he attended two years at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA, but transferred to Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN after the second year. He graduated in 1976 from Luther Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. He was ordained in Sioux Falls and then served from 1976-1978 in First Lutheran and Bethel Lutheran Congregations in Rugby, ND, 1978-1984 in Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN, and 1984-1998 in Our Father’s Lutheran Church in Rockford, MN and then to St. John’s. 

Gregg is married to Debbie, our Director of Music. They have three children. Eric, Matthew and Corey. 

Gregg’s hobbies are playing tennis weekly late on Wednesday nights. In the summer he loves yard work and boating. He also enjoys collecting Noah’s Ark items.

His favorite dessert is caramel apple pie a la mode (big piece, warmed up).

In addition to the pastor, St. John’s Church employs the following lay staff: 

Administrator — Judy
St. John’s Administrator administers the congregation and manages the office of the congregation under the supervision of the pastor.

Director of Music – Debbie
St. John’s Director of Music strives to enhance the worship life of the congregation and contribute to the spiritual vitality of the congregation through a comprehensive program of music. The Director of Music provides leadership and direction for the music program and the music staff of St. John’s Church, under the supervision of the pastor. 

Sonshine Singers Director – Barbara
Directs the choir for the children in grades K-3. 

Grace Singers Director – Jamye
Directs the choir for the children in grades 4-6. 

Praise Singers Director – Julie
Directs the choir for the youth in grades 7-9. 

Organist – Shirley
St. John’s Organist provides keyboard leadership and support for the worship life, the music program and the music staff of the congregation, under the supervision of the director of music. 

Director of Children's Ministry – Kristi
St. John's Director of Children's Ministry works to convey the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Firelight Sunday School for children ages 3 through grade 6. Kristi works in conjunction with Firelight Committee, staff, and council to develop a program rich in the love of Christ and meaningful to both teachers and children alike. 952-469-4916

Parish Nurse – Margaret
St. John’s Parish Nurse provides leadership in the Parish Nurse Ministry through which the congregation is enabled to meet the health needs of the congregation members following the holistic concept encompassing body, mind, and spirit. 952-469-4916.

Nursery Attendant — Carrie

Nursery Attendant — Jenna