Pastor Erin began serving with the people of First Lutheran in August 2021. She previously served as co-pastor and then lead pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota. A native of Nebraska (born in Grand Island), she grew up in Brookings, SD. She graduated from South Dakota State University in 1996 with a BA in Spanish and Political Science. She received a Graduate of Christian Studies in 2004 from Regent College in Vancouver, BC, and her M.Div. from Luther Seminary in 2015. She has been married to Cory for almost 20 years, and they have a 15-year-old daughter, Katarzyna. In ministry, Pastor Erin is passionate about helping others see and experience God’s grace in their lives.

Pastor Andrew began serving First Lutheran in November 2023. His previous calls were to Zion Lutheran outside Lincoln and as the transitional senior pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran in Millard. Pastor Andrew grew up and graduated high school from Gothenburg, received at BA in Youth and Family Ministry from Midland University and an MDiv from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. He is married to Lori, who is also a pastor, and currently serving Bethany Lutheran in Ruskin, NE, and First Presbyterian in Superior, NE. His favorite food is coffee.

Marsha Anderson began her ministry as Visitation Pastor at First Lutheran in May, 2012. Previously, she served congregations in Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Nebraska City, Nebraska, until she retired in December, 2010. She attended Californial Lutheran University, University of California in Santa Barbara, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley and was ordained on July 15, 1983. She loves getting together with friends and family, reading (mysteries, romances, and spirituality), playing Scrabble and Dominoes and doing counted cross-stitch. She is a certified Spiritual Director with background in the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory and the Enneagram. She loves making connections with people and helping people connect with what is important to them, especially their journey with God.

I come to First Lutheran from Chambersburg, PA, where I served as Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry for 16+ years. I felt welcomed and part of the First family from the first day. I am excited about the opportunities to work with youth and families of all ages. I am married to Kent Hardel who previously worked at Camp Carol Joy Holling (my only previous introduction to Nebraska). I am a graduate of Penn State University with a B.S. in Dairy and Animal Science and am also a Gettysburg Seminary Youth Ministry Certification School graduate. In my spare time I enjoy music, movies, gardening, crafts, board games, camping and sports. I like to play softball and volleyball and I cheer on the Penn State Nittany Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Phillies. 

I have been a member of First for almost 27 years.  I’ve taught all grades of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I recently retired from East High where I taught Social Studies and Family Consumer Science for 13 years. I spent my first 12 years here in Lincoln teaching at Huntington Elementary, grades 1, 4,and 5. Before that, I was a 3rd grade teacher in Lubbock, TX. I am endorsed to teach K-12, so am well versed in the younger congregation. I have a daughter, Madison, who lives in Laramie, WY, and works for the University of Wyoming in the engineering department. FaithTrek families will find Sundays fun and vibrant with an engaging way to teach and instill Christ in our younger congregation!

Masako is married to Boyd. Together, they enjoy serving our energizing worship community. She loves solid, yet lively liturgical worship services at First Lutheran Church. She is the organist and directs handbell choir, small ensembles and coordinates the music program.

Boyd is excited to be at First Lutheran and to lead the choral program. He enjoys people developing their hidden talents – singing to the glory of God. He recently retired from Nebraska Wesleyan University where he taught voice and directed two choirs. He likes to compose choral music and has many pieces published. He enjoys family time.

A member of First Lutheran Church since 1988, Kathleen served first as our part-time Communications Coordinator, starting in November of 2015, and in December of 2020, accepted the call to serve full-time as our Communications Director. “First Lutheran Church is so rich in ministry with many faith-filled stories to be told and shared with the First Lutheran and larger community. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share the good works of First Lutheran Church!” Kathleen has been an active volunteer at First Lutheran in many capacities over the years. Her two adult children, Christopher and Rebecca, were baptized, raised and are also active members of First Lutheran. Outside of church, Kathleen has her own consulting, training and coaching business. She has traveled to all 50 states and 4 other countries for her work. In her spare time, she enjoys videography, cooking, outdoor yardwork and watching the Kansas City Royals.

Hello, I am Mandy West.  I am honored to be the Parish Coordinator, meeting and greeting our members and visitors to First Lutheran Church.  I enjoy music, baking and spending time with my family.

I’m a Native of Michigan, but have lived in Lincoln, NE most of my life. I am a long-time member of The United Lincoln Latvian Ev. Lutheran Church where I serve as Secretary on the Church Council. In my free time I love to be outdoors and to travel, especially to warm sandy beaches! I am excited to be a member of the staff at First Lutheran Church.

Wyatt moved to Lincoln in 2018 to attend UNL, where he completed his Bachelor’s and Masters in Accounting. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors and volunteering. He spends a lot of time on the pickleball courts and would love to introduce the sport to anyone interested!

Bryan is a long-time member of First Lutheran. Bryan and his wife, Sandy, are both retired. They have two children who live in Lincoln and Omaha and five grandchildren. Bryan enjoys exercising, golf and working in the yard in his spare time.