Hi! My name is Jennifer Schneider. I look forward to spending the next year as your vicar! I want to hear your story, walk with you through life’s highs and lows, learn from you, explore with you new ways of thinking and living into God’s love and mercy in the church and world, and offer you myself and my passion for ministry and life in faith.
I grew up in Owatonna. As a youth, I was active in my church (chimes and handbells, church camp, VBS volunteer, and youth group. I graduated from Owatonna High School in 1995.
I attended Mankato State University, where I was active in Lutheran Campus Ministry, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, and the Honors Program. I graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations, minoring in Urban Studies.
I enrolled at Luther Seminary and pursued Diaconal Ministry. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Cross-cultural Ministry in 2001. In my first call, I served as the Director of Lay Ministry at Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina. As an ordained deacon in the ELCA, I served various calls including China Service Ventures, Southeast Asian Ministry, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in St. Paul, and Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley.
Sensing the Spirit tug on my heart, I returned to Luther Seminary to expand my skills in pastoral ministry. Further coursework, a unit of clinical pastoral education (chaplaincy internship at North Memorial Level 1 Trauma Center in Robbinsdale), and an internship at Oak Knoll Lutheran Church will round out my training. I will graduate in the summer of 2025 with a Master of Arts degree in Lutheran Studies, seeking ordination in the ELCA as a pastor on the Word and Sacrament roster.
I am married to my best friend, Don. He is a chemist at HB Fuller. This year, we celebrate 15 years of marriage. We have two daughters who are both middle schoolers. As for me, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing games, baking, gardening, hiking, biking, being crafty, and relaxing in my hammock.
I look forward to meeting you soon!
In the peace of Christ,
Jennifer Schneider
Kommentare