Meet the Staff of Grace Lutheran
Pastor
Rev. John Odegard
Phone: 507-735-6816
Email: [email protected]
John Odegard grew up in St. James, MN. He was a carpenter for 10 years before changing careers to join Grace Lutheran Church as Minister for Discipleship and Faith Formation in June of 2014. In 2016 John entered the TEEM program, Theological Education for Emerging Ministries and attended Wartburg Seminary, graduating in 2019. Rev. Odegard was called to serve as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church on August 11, 2019.
Pastor John’s work as a carpenter taught him the importance of Christian values lived out in daily life through the ways we treat others. He also learned that when you love something, you will always have more time for it, which is what led him to a career in ministry. His time working as a carpenter also shaped his perspective and preaching style, where he seeks to connect complex issues of faith with everyday life here and now.
John lives in Mankato, MN with his wife, Jenna and their two daughters. He can often be found helping out at Bumbelou, the children's boutique created and owned by his wife. He also enjoys camping, canoeing, woodworking, and driving his classic pickup among other hobbies. One of his greatest passions is building community in and with the neighborhood around the church itself. He especially enjoys the time he spends reading to children in the community and volunteering with schools. Getting to know new people and learning about their lives brings joy to Rev. John’s work at Grace.
Rev. John Odegard
Phone: 507-735-6816
Email: [email protected]
John Odegard grew up in St. James, MN. He was a carpenter for 10 years before changing careers to join Grace Lutheran Church as Minister for Discipleship and Faith Formation in June of 2014. In 2016 John entered the TEEM program, Theological Education for Emerging Ministries and attended Wartburg Seminary, graduating in 2019. Rev. Odegard was called to serve as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church on August 11, 2019.
Pastor John’s work as a carpenter taught him the importance of Christian values lived out in daily life through the ways we treat others. He also learned that when you love something, you will always have more time for it, which is what led him to a career in ministry. His time working as a carpenter also shaped his perspective and preaching style, where he seeks to connect complex issues of faith with everyday life here and now.
John lives in Mankato, MN with his wife, Jenna and their two daughters. He can often be found helping out at Bumbelou, the children's boutique created and owned by his wife. He also enjoys camping, canoeing, woodworking, and driving his classic pickup among other hobbies. One of his greatest passions is building community in and with the neighborhood around the church itself. He especially enjoys the time he spends reading to children in the community and volunteering with schools. Getting to know new people and learning about their lives brings joy to Rev. John’s work at Grace.
Community Engagement & Communications Director
Seanna Harris
Phone: 507-345-4248
Email: [email protected]
Parish Administrator
Kathy Mork
Phone: 507-735-6807
Email: [email protected]
Organist and Music Director
Chuck Hoogland
Email: [email protected]
Maintenance and Grounds
Jordin Johnson
grounds@gracemankato.org
Seanna Harris
Phone: 507-345-4248
Email: [email protected]
Parish Administrator
Kathy Mork
Phone: 507-735-6807
Email: [email protected]
Organist and Music Director
Chuck Hoogland
Email: [email protected]
Maintenance and Grounds
Jordin Johnson
grounds@gracemankato.org