Staff

Trina joined the Our Redeemer’s staff in August of 2021 as the Interim Lead Pastor, and it was such a good fit that the congregation asked her to stay on permanently. Educated at St. Olaf College and Wartburg Theological Seminary, she has also served as a solo pastor in PA, NE and CA, and most recently as the Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia. She and husband Dennis Trotter are excited to be with the people of Our Redeemer’s in this time when the Spirit is mightily at work in and through the ministries of this congregation.

Liz is the Director of Children’s Ministries. She works to coordinate volunteers and plan lessons in order to educate 3-year-olds through 5th graders about God and His teachings. The children’s ministries program works closely with families to form faith in young people through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Kid Time, and other congregational-based ministries. Liz is a Carroll College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education. Previously, she taught special education at the elementary level, but decided to take some time off from teaching to spend more time at home with her three children. Liz enjoys working with children of all ages, and especially educating them about God’s love for them!

Lori works closely with the ministry team to communicate with the members, manage records, and provide a warm reception to visitors. A Montana State University graduate, Lori has delved into many endeavors over the years including substitute teaching, coordinating after-school childcare, being a stay-at-home mom and providing administrative assistance to a local business. Lori is excited to see how God works through her in order to expand His ministry and desires to aid the members of our congregation in their journeys.

Sarah works closely with the Ministry Team, Church Council, Treasurer, Facilities & Grounds Team, and the Finance Committee to manage the property, budget, financial affairs and business planning for our ministries. Sarah received an Accounting degree from San Diego State University and has worked in the Accounting field for over 20 years. Sarah is a Helena native and has been a member of Our Redeemer’s for 9 years. She has served on the Rejoice Team, been a WOW guide, a member of the audit committee and helped with the construction accounting for the new facility. Sarah enjoys working with the members and ministry team to expand our ministries throughout our community and beyond.

Steph Richardson is the Interim Director of Youth Ministries. Steph is a Luther College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in communication and religion. She also has a certificate in Youth Ministry from Wartburg Theological Seminary that was earned while working as a youth director for a church in Bozeman. Steph and her husband, Dan, met while working for Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp where they were both counselors. Steph and Dan have two daughters, Letty and Signe, two horses, a dog and many chickens. You can often find Steph and her family in God’s playground on skis, in hiking boots or on the water.

Kristen is a Montana native, born and raised in Billings she moved to Helena in 2021. Raised in a Christian home, she was homeschooled up until middle school alongside her three siblings. Coming from a big family, she and her three children enjoy being able to visit her nine nieces and nephews in Billings any chance they get. Kristen realized her love of educating children on a missions trip to Ethiopia during her senior year of high school. Graduating from MSU-Billings with her degrees in Elementary Education and Reading in 2014 and her Masters of Reading Education in 2020, Kristen enjoys opportunities to continue learning whether it is continuing education courses online or at Helena Community College. She is excited to have this opportunity to teach the 3-year-old class again this year as well as step into the new position of Preschool Director and is invested in forming a firm foundation of God’s love and learning opportunities along the way.

Linda works with staff, choir members, soloists, and the Director of Worship & Arts in helping lead worship via organ and piano. She grew up in Nebraska and attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, later graduating from Eastern Montana College in Billings, with a Bachelor of Science in Organ and Voice. Linda has served as church musician for many different denominations in Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Washington State, Alabama, Texas, and Montana. She enjoys helping worshipers glorify God by enriching their worship experience with her music.

3580 North Benton Avenue, Helena, MT 59602

Worship Schedule: Summer months at 9:30am | Beginning September 15 at 8:30am and 11:00am

GIVE

Trina Johnsten

Liz Swenson

Lori Walter

Sarah Magee

Steph Richardson

Kristen Sapp

Linda Keim

Joy Novota