Pastor, John Wecker

Pastor John and his wife Jackie moved to Astoria in 1990 with their two children, Rachel and Lauren. Both daughters are now married, one living in Portland, Oregon and the other in Guam. Pastor John graduated from the University of Washington and then the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, in 1973. He has served St. Paul's Lutheran in Seattle and Pilgrim Lutheran in Puyallup, WA before coming to Astoria. Jackie has worked in art and women's clothing retail and volunteers at church and in the community. They enjoy traveling, riding bikes, and eating out. They have been blessed to live in Astoria and serve First Lutheran Church these many years. Pastor John and Jackie are soon to be grandparents

Music Director, Laurie Drage

Laurie was born in Aberdeen Washington but grew up in Tacoma. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Pacific Lutheran University and her Master of Music degree from Western Washington University where she taught as a graduate assistant. She moved to Astoria with her husband, Steve, who is a commercial fisherman and shortly afterward began attending First Lutheran. She has been involved in the music at First since 1982, starting as organist/pianist and eventually directing the choirs as well. Laurie has two daughters, and lives on a small farm in Olney with her horses, goat, dog, cats and assorted wildlife.

Discipleship Minister, Nancy Magathan

Nancy is a transplant from New York State by way of Oklahoma where she met her husband Richard, a native Kansan. His employment brought them to Oregon in 1976. Her religious background has taken her through Presbyterian churches and Pentacostal church life. "I chose First Lutheran Church for our family's church home because of its good youth program and its service focus. It has a long history of families being involved. in the ministries of the church. First is always reaching out it meets the needs of people in the community. Our family found many ways to learn about Jesus and practice his service to others. Nancy and Richard have 2 married daughters, Amy and Katie. Nancy works as a nurse in the community and as the Discipleship Minister at First Lutheran. She encourages those attending church to explore their God given gifts and to use them as Jesus taught for His service.

Secretary, Arlene Landwehr

Arlene is a long time member of First Lutheran Church. She was Confirmed and married here. Arlene has been secretary since August of 2004. She graduated in Business Education at OSU (Oregon State University), she taught 2 years at Portland Lutheran High School and was a secretary for almost 3 years until she had children. Arlene and husband Bill have 2 daughters. The oldest one is married.
Arlene and Bill moved back to Astoria from Gresham 20 years ago. Arlene was an Instructional Assistant for special needs kids for 9 years before becoming secretary here, which she loves.

Immanuel Community Preschool Teacher, Kara Takalo

Kara is a member of First Lutheran Church. She is married and has two boys. She graduated from Western Oregon University with a degree in elementary education and taught third grade before having her children. After an 8 year break she is back teaching at the Immanuel Community Preschool in Knappa. Kara enjoys gardening and scrapbooking.

CMT Director, Tami Jones

Tami Jones and her family, husband Dean and children Dakota, Austin and Sierra moved to Astoria 3 years ago from Prineville, Oregon. She has greatly enjoyed working with children in church, with teaching Sunday School classes, the Children's Ministry Team, and Vacation Bible School, also at elementary schools with the reading programs and through mission work. When not surrounded by children she spends her time painting and drawing in her home studio.

Youth Ministers, Genny and Keith Butenshon

Genny and Keith have been the Youth Ministers here at First Lutheran for about 5 years. They enjoy teaching youth Bible Study (Middle and High School), Confirmation classes, Childrens Sermon and Sunday School Music, as well as singing in the church choir.

Both Genny and Keith grew up in the Los Angeles area. They hold degrees focusing on Classical Vocal Performance. They sang as Apprentive Artists in the Santa FE Opera and performed various leading operatic roles in the Los Angeles area.

They and their two children Skyler and Jessica, have lived in Astoria for almost 15 years. In addition to working at First Lutheran, Genny is the Human Resources Director at Bank of Astoria. And Keith is a Vocational Counselor at Tongue Point Job Corp Center.