St. John's Staff
Vicar Anthony Windau
Hello! Welcome to St. John’s Lutheran Church in beautiful Mendota, Illinois.
My name is Anthony Windau, the vicar at St. John’s. I came here in January 2022 as a seminary intern, learning from Pr. Ken. After completing my program, I joined as the staff vicar, continuing my work with the Youth program and assisting in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. In January of 2023, at the announcement of Pr. Ken’s retirement, I was appointed as the Interim minister. In this new role I will help St. John’s in the transitional period as it searches for a new full-time pastor.
When I’m not working, I spend time with my dogs (aka the girls), Daisy and Chick. They’re on a weight loss journey right now, so I try to take them on walks more than usual. I’m also finishing school, online, at Wartburg Seminary. When I’ve got free time, I do some woodworking. Finally, my fiancée, Riley, is serving a congregation in Omaha, Nebraska as their seminary intern.
I have loved my time in Mendota so far, and look forward to continuing to serve you all until August 13th.
Peace!
My email is
awindau@wartburgseminary.edu
What is a “vicar?” This is a good question, as “vicar” isn’t a word typically used. I describe it as an old-timey word coming back into style. It is used to describe a student pastor or a pastor-in-training. It denotes that the learner is not yet ordained and emphasizes ongoing development. So, I’m the vicar because I have not yet finished seminary and am not ordained, but I am called to ministry. Also, the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA has made me a SAM—synodically authorized minister. Meaning I am allowed to preside over baptisms and Holy Communion for St. John’s while I serve as the interim.
My name is Anthony Windau, the vicar at St. John’s. I came here in January 2022 as a seminary intern, learning from Pr. Ken. After completing my program, I joined as the staff vicar, continuing my work with the Youth program and assisting in preaching, teaching, and pastoral care. In January of 2023, at the announcement of Pr. Ken’s retirement, I was appointed as the Interim minister. In this new role I will help St. John’s in the transitional period as it searches for a new full-time pastor.
When I’m not working, I spend time with my dogs (aka the girls), Daisy and Chick. They’re on a weight loss journey right now, so I try to take them on walks more than usual. I’m also finishing school, online, at Wartburg Seminary. When I’ve got free time, I do some woodworking. Finally, my fiancée, Riley, is serving a congregation in Omaha, Nebraska as their seminary intern.
I have loved my time in Mendota so far, and look forward to continuing to serve you all until August 13th.
Peace!
My email is
awindau@wartburgseminary.edu
What is a “vicar?” This is a good question, as “vicar” isn’t a word typically used. I describe it as an old-timey word coming back into style. It is used to describe a student pastor or a pastor-in-training. It denotes that the learner is not yet ordained and emphasizes ongoing development. So, I’m the vicar because I have not yet finished seminary and am not ordained, but I am called to ministry. Also, the Northern Illinois Synod of the ELCA has made me a SAM—synodically authorized minister. Meaning I am allowed to preside over baptisms and Holy Communion for St. John’s while I serve as the interim.
Melissa Nosalik - Office Manager
Melissa joined the St. John's staff in early 2022. Since then, she has proven herself indispensable as the office manager, keeping track of documents, helping organize events, and heading up the Education Ministry Team. She has two great kids, a husband, and a dog.
Her email address is melissa@stjohnsmendota.org |
Susan Garner - FinanceSusan manages all financial aspects for St. John's ministry. Susan is a native of Oglesby, IL and received a degree from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR. She has been involved in church and Christian ministry most of her adult life, and served as a Missionary in Belguim. Before coming to St. John's, Susan directed programs for the homeless and was Finance Manager for the AFL-CIO in Memphis, TN. Susan speaks fluent French and loves to travel and sing.
Her email address is susan@stjohnsmendota.org |
Laura Zimmerman - Secretary
Laurie has been the secretary at St. John's since 2010 and she enjoys the variety of responsibilities that come with the position. Whether answering the phone, greeting visitors, or creating the bulletins or newsletters, she feels that the best part of the job is developing relationships with our members.
Laurie and her husband Curt were married at St. John's and their three boys - Grant, Mark & Cole - have all been very involved in the youth program and activities. Laurie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. Her email address is laura@stjohnsmendota.org |
St. John's Staff Members
James Younger - Praise Band Director
Delle Vercimak - Choir Director
Vicki Wujek & Delle Vercimak - Accompanists
Kevin Wohrley - Media
Karyn Bock, Rob Guardiola & Dawn Kendall - Custodians
Delle Vercimak - Choir Director
Vicki Wujek & Delle Vercimak - Accompanists
Kevin Wohrley - Media
Karyn Bock, Rob Guardiola & Dawn Kendall - Custodians
Church Council
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Ken Ladenburger, President
Todd Zimmerlein, Vice President Roberta Wendel, Secretary Jeff Simonton, Treasurer (appointed by Council) |
Dorothy Brandner
Gary Duttlinger Carole Eich Dawn Kendall |