Staff

Trina joined the Our Redeemer’s staff in August of 2021 as the Interim Lead Pastor. She will be guiding the congregation through a time a transition, as they review their history, formulate plans for the future, and prepare to call a new Lead Pastor in 2022. Educated at St. Olaf College and Wartburg Theological Seminary, this is Pastor Trina’s fifth interim position. 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.

Together with many volunteers, Jason leads music and worship at all services. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey, WA. Jason lives with his wife Katy and two young children Andrew and Isaac. He also serves as an instructor with the Helena Youth Orchestra, the Last Chance Music Camp, teaches private lessons, and plays music around town. He is driven to facilitate genuine and thoughtful worship and is passionate about music both as an art and as a conduit for praising God.

Liz is the new 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, Kidz Ed, 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. For the last six years she has taught special education at the elementary level, but decided this year to take some time off from teaching to spend more time at home with her new daughter. Liz enjoys working with children of all ages, and especially educating them about God’s love for them!

Jackie is the Director of Youth & Family Ministries working together with staff, parents, and volunteers to encourage, equip, mentor and guide youth in their faith journey. She also collaborates with local organizations and resources to help middle and high school youth acquire the tools needed to address current challenges they face in their daily lives and develop leadership skills at The Net, student leadership team, and Safehouse, youth group. Jackie coordinates youth retreats, volunteer opportunities, and mission trips as well as assists with Preschool Chapel and Vacation Bible School. Jackie graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where she studied Spanish, Communications, and Sociology. Previously, she spent three years teaching elementary and middle school Spanish. Jackie feels blessed to get to know youth, encourage them in their faith journey and to witness God’s light and gifts shine uniquely in each individual.

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.

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

Combined Summer Worship Schedule | Sundays at 9:30am

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Trina Johnsten

Jason Callon

Liz Swenson

Jackie Bartz

Lori Walter

Sarah Magee

Linda Keim

Joy Novota