Pastor Jacob Burkman - Interim Pastor

Pastor Jacob grew up as a staunch agnostic in Park Rapids, MN.  He attended St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, where he started as an instrumental music education and physics major.  But he found community in the student congregation at this ELCA college, spending three years serving on the council, and, over his first two years, changed his major fields of study to theatre and mathematics (with education).  After spending a year teaching high school math in Adrian, MN, he went to graduate school in mathematics at the University of Hawaii--Manoa, graduating with an M.A.… Still, he didn't find satisfaction in that field.  He found satisfaction and belonging at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.  Pastor Jacob returned to Minnesota to attend seminary at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, graduating in 2011. He was ordained on pi day (3/14), 2013. Following seminary, Pastor Jacob served as a chaplain resident at Yuma Regional Medical Center, Yuma, AZ; pastor of Hope Lutheran in Riverside, CA; pastor of First Lutheran Church, Pine River, MN; and interim pastor at Grace and Emmanuel Lutheran churches in Sandstone, MN.  Pastor Jacob is also presently serving as the interim pastor at Braham Evangelical Lutheran in Braham, MN.  

Outside of church life, Pastor Jacob is busy being a new dad to Hannah and getting ready to be a new pet parent.  He also enjoys spending time with family, cooking, watching the Twins, and traveling.

Favorite Bible Passage (or at least one of them): Exodus 18:13-18

Gladys Nelson - Office Manager

Email: brunswicklc@gmail.com

Gladys has been a member of Immanuel since 1971.  She has been a resident of the Brunswick area all her life and even attended the Immanuel Lutheran Vacation Bible School during the 1950's, held at the Brunswick school.  She has served on many committees in the church, taught Sunday school for several years and is the Cemetery Secretary/Treasurer.  Gladys has been the Office Manager at Immanuel for twelve plus years.  She enjoys working with all members of the church, especially the youth who are so excited to learn more about God's love for them.  It is a blessing to be part of Immanuel's church family and our "Beacon of Light" ministry in the community.  In her spare time, Gladys enjoys quilting, scrapbooking, genealogy and travel.  She lives on a farm with her husband, Jim, where together they host an annual "Heritage Days" threshing show.  

Favorite Scripture - Psalm 118:24: This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Katie Nelson - Pianist

Immanuel has been blessed to be accompanied in song by Katie for many years. She enjoys creating music and loves that such music fills her and those who hear it with joy. “It is my gift to be able to praise God.” When not at work or at the keyboard, Katie enjoys playing card games and going to sporting events and zoos.

Favorite Scripture - Psalm 41