Pastor John Zahrte came to Our Savior in July of 1988 as the Associate Pastor and in 1994 accepted the call to serve as Senior Pastor. Pastor Zahrte graduated from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI, in 1984. He completed his pastoral training at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, in 1988. He and his wife, Karla, have three children: Timothy, Stephen, and Hannah. Pastor Zahrte enjoys spending time with his family, playing all sports and going fishing whenever he can get a free moment. Above all, Pastor Zahrte enjoys serving the Lord and is passionate about bringing people into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Jerry Rosamond has served at Our Savior since 1998. He and his wife, Kathy, have two children, Josh and Sara. When he was 22, Jerry recommitted his life to Jesus Christ by the Spirit’s power. Jerry received training at Concordia University, St. Paul, where he received his degree as a Director of Christian Outreach (DCO). Currently, Jerry oversees our small group ministries, adult Christian education, and all forms of outreach. Jerry has a love for all people and is unswerving in his dedication of sharing the Good News of Jesus with everyone he meets.

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Fred Limmel has served Our Savior in many different roles since July 1988.  He and his wife, Tammy, the kindergarten teacher at Our Savior Lutheran School, have three children: Angela, Stephanie, and Michael.  Fred graduated from Concordia College, Seward, NE, with a BS in Elementary Education and a minor in music.  Fred  directs all the church choirs.  Fred enjoys spending quality and quantity time with his family, gardening, reading, and visiting with friends.  Above all he enjoys serving Jesus with the gifts and abilities given to him in teaching and music.

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Favorite Bible Verses: Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." And of course the Christmas Gospel story from Luke 2:10-11 " I  bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."

Greatest Joy in working at a Chrsitian Church/School:  The daily encounters wintessing the growth of God\\\'s Kingdom, and His grace being spread through the generosity of those in the community and beyond our borders.

Significant life experinces that led you to Our Savior: We had only lived in the community less than a year, when I heard about the job opening in Our Savior\\\'s Church Office through our church in Eden Prairie. It was the perfect fit for our family that I was able to work so close to home. Soon after, our family became even more integrated  into the community of Excelsior, by becoming members at Our Savior. I have been working at Our Savior Since September 2001 and can clearly remember receiving the news about the 9/11 attacks after only a few days on the job. 

Hobbies: I enjoy running outside in the summer, hiking in the fall, cross country skiing in the winter and cleaning my house (really, I do enjoy and take pride in this!). When we are not watching our children\\\'s athletic events, we spend family time boating, bicycling or watching films together.

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[bio]

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Favorite Bible Verse: Very difficult to pick just one, but I was struck recently by Psalm 13 - even in the depths of David\\\'s anxiety and anguish, he sings God\\\'s praises, trusting in His mercy and salvation.

My greatest joy in working in a Christian School/Church: Helping to lead God\\\'s people in worship, with so many gifted people who are willing to serve the Lord with their time and talents.

What led you to OSLCS? After overcoming some anxiety about meeting new people, I start attending here regularly in early 2009. I felt strongly moved to contribute my musical talents to the contemporary worship service, and rejoice that God used this to keep me attending regularly, despite the occasional resurgence of anxiety threatening to push me away. I look forward to the ways God will use my new role here to continue my growth in faith and fellowship!

Hobbies: Playing, recording & listening to music; working with computers; helping family & friends with computer/technology issues; following current technology news (particularly related to Apple).

Other stuff: My position at OSLCS is part-time. For my full-time job, I\\\'m a Data Synchronization Specialist at Supervalu. I work with suppliers to transmit their item data & costing to Supervalu\\\'s systems. So the next time you\\\'re in a nearby Cub Foods store looking at the items on the shelves, chances are the dimensions & weights of those items (and the cases they shipped to the stores in) have come through the systems I work with!

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Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 1:37 ”For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Greatest joy in working in a Christian School/Church: It’s rewarding to see children and families worshipping Jesus and growing together, I like to be a part of that. I was an elementary teacher for many years so kids have been a natural part of my life for a long time!

Significant life experiences that led you to OSLCS: As a young child I developed a relationship with Christ at age 5  while in Sunday School.  My mom was diagnosed with M.S. shortly after I was born and as a family we needed lots of strength to deal with all of the challenges that brought.  My mom’s faith had a great part in all of our faith journeys, I found much comfort in God’s word and promises. All of his promises are just as relevant today. I grew up in a Lutheran Church and I hope to be a part helping kids walk with Jesus.

Hobbies outside of work: Life is busy, I love music and reading as well as biking and other outdoor activities.  I also work part time for a Financial Firm.

Other stuff : My husband and daughter also attend Our Savior. We also have 2  pets as part of our family, Max (cat) and Rosie (dog).  We love to be a part of Our Savior!

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Favorite Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:4- A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.

My greatest joy in working in a Christian School/Church: I love working in the Christian atmosphere because I have the freedom to bring Christ into the children’s lives.

Significant life experiences that led you to OSLCS: After moving to the Lake Minnetonka area, we were looking for a church as a family that would be welcoming for all of us and OSLCS was it!

Hobbies outside of work: Outside of work I play piano as much as possible. I also like to be outdoors as much as possible either swimming, walking my dog, or just hanging out outside.

Other stuff:I have a brother who is very close to my age. He and I hang out with the same friends, so we’re together a lot. My parents always invite our friends to come hang out at our house! My dog, Ziggy, is a miniature schnauzer and he is the excitement in our lives and full of energy!

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