OUR PEOPLE
Pastor David Klemm
Pastor David Klemm
When I was a teenager, someone said, “You should become a pastor!” First thought, “Are you kidding me, you do not really know me at all!” Sure, I loved God, but a Pastor? I don’t think so! Well, the Lord had different plans, I finally became a Pastor, but at age 38, and after a career as a liquor store owner. Sure, not the typical path into ministry, but it was God’s plan for me.
I love being a pastor because I get to share God’s grace and His love for each one of us. And that is what I want people to understand, that they are loved and the “most important” person to God. To understand that God loves them deeply. That Jesus actually died for them and rose again for them, because of His LOVE for them.
I came to Peace 10 years ago and what drew me to this place was the people. Peace is not just a church or a community of faith; it’s more like Family. The people here are not perfect, and we are not a perfect church, BUT, the people here love the Lord and love each other. Our goal at Peace is to share God’s love with all people, helping them to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Oh, that academic stuff that should be in here, like that I am a graduate of Concordia University, Ann Arbor, with a B.A. and also graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, with a Master of Divinity degree. I should probably should also include that I was pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wisconsin, for the first 9 years of ministry.
Deacon Jim Schurig
Deacon Jim Schurig
My wife and I have been members here at Peace for more than six years. When we came here, we were both amazed at the loving reception that we received! I was told that this is a “family of faith.” I couldn’t agree more! It is great to see that the people here love Jesus and love each other too!
I have been a life-long Lutheran. I have served my Lord in many capacities. Some of them include: Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Elder, choir member, vice chairman of the congregation, and Youth Director.
Here, I get to work closely with Pastor. He has become a good friend. I get to share ministry with him. I love to work with children and share the Gospel with them. One of my favorite things in ministry is to teach His little lambs in Children’s Messages. To see their faces light up when they hear that Jesus loves them is simply awesome!
I grew up in Fraser. My wife and I are blessed with three adult children and six grandchildren. I have been a Deacon since 2012. My ministry verse is Micah 6:8, ". . . what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Mrs. Holly Nelson
Director of Family Life
Mrs. Holly Nelson, Director of Family Life
I entered into ministry as a Family Life Director because I have a passion to teach families of every walk of life about Jesus, helping families learn to teach their children and grandchildren, and teach Jesus to others.
“Even when I am old and gray,
do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18
Here in Shelby Township, it is important for us, as Christians, to be lights in our community. Peace does that. Peace is a part of my family, and the community at Peace continues to greet my kids and makes our family feel special and loved by Jesus, through the people here. Here at Peace, my ministry continues to be focused on all ages. I work closely with the kids in KidZone (4 years - Grade 4), Junior Youth Ministry (Grades 5-8), High school youth (Grades 9-12), Parents, Grandparents, and adults in every walk of life. I believe it is important for all of us to have continued spiritual growth and a firm foundation when the hardships of this world draw at us.
“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” Isaiah 7:9b
This year, at Peace Lutheran School, I have the privilege of being the 5th-8th grade choir teacher. Through weekly rehearsals, students are given the opportunity to use their God-given voices to sing His praise and proclaim His word in song. Music itself, and especially the sung Word, has been a vital part of Christian worship throughout the centuries, and we are proud of this great heritage that we will now pass along to the next generation. I look forward to working with these youth.
Here in Shelby Township, it is important for us, as Christians, to be lights in our community. Peace does that. Peace is a part of my family, and the community at Peace continues to greet my kids and makes our family feel special and loved by Jesus, through the people here. Here at Peace, my ministry continues to be focused on all ages. I work closely with the kids in KidZone (4 years - Grade 4), Junior Youth Ministry (Grades 5-8), High school youth (Grades 9-12), Parents, Grandparents, and adults in every walk of life. I believe it is important for all of us to have continued spiritual growth and a firm foundation when the hardships of this world draw at us.
I have been in ministry as a Family Life Director for over 10 years. I graduated from Concordia Nebraska (Go Bulldogs!) with a Bachelors of Arts in Music, emphasis in Outreach, and a Director of Christian Education Certification. I previously served the people at Trinity Lutheran in Gardnerville, NV (near Lake Tahoe, not anywhere near Vegas) before being called to ministry here at Peace Lutheran in Shelby Township, MI.
Mrs. Diane Evanson
Financial Secretary
Mrs. Diane Evanson, Financial Secretary
My name is Diane Evanson and I feel blessed to be a part of the Peace staff. I am a lifelong Lutheran, attended St John Fraser Lutheran School and Lutheran High School North. My husband and I are members of St John Lutheran Church in Rochester. Previously I worked at Trinity, Utica for 19 years in the church office. I am excited about my new role at Peace and I look forward to meeting the students and families.
Mrs. Kim Domerese
Office Assistant
Mrs. Kim Domerese, Office Assistant
I am excited to join the staff at Peace! My husband and I discovered this community in the summer of 2020 while exploring alternative education options for our younger daughters. When the office position opened, I jumped at the chance to work where my girls now spend most of their days. My career experience is mainly in veterinary medicine as a licensed veterinary technician, but I welcome the change.
We are a military family. My husband was an active duty Marine for almost 15 years. We have been married for nearly 2 decades and have 3 beautiful and headstrong daughters. The oldest followed in her dad’s footsteps and is currently an active duty Marine.
I grew up in Warren and attended East Detroit Public Schools. My husband is from Florida, but somehow, after our many moves to several different (and warmer) states, I convinced him to settle here in Michigan when he finished his active duty service several years ago. We love spending time with friends and family, and after so much time living long distances away, it feels good to be home!
Mrs. Talayna Redford
Office Assistant
Mrs. Talayna Redford, Office Assistant
Mrs. Kelly Wilks
Office Assistant
Mrs. Kelly Wilks, Office Assistant
Ms. Jessica Franckiewicz
Media Liaison
Ms. Jessica Franckiewicz, Media Liaison
Growing up, I am blessed to have been raised in a supportive Christ-centered family, and I am also blessed to have been raised in the Christian community of Peace Lutheran Shelby. Peace has been my second home since the age of 4, when my parents and I became members and I started Preschool. I attended Peace through 8th grade, went on to high school at Lutheran High School North and I am now finishing my education at Michigan State University. When I think of Peace, I think of family. I love that I have been given the opportunity to continue to share the family aspect of Peace and the love of Christ everyday through my work, all while continuing to grow in my faith.
Mr. Carmelo Ferrante
Maintenance
Mr. Carmelo Ferrante, Maintenance
I grew up in a very small town in Italy called Messina, where I played soccer and attended barber school at age 11. I came to America and worked for Chrysler for 35 years. In fall of 2007, my family and I found Peace, and Mr. I began working for Peace in 2012. I enjoy gardening and repairs and remodeling of my home. “At Peace, everyone is like a one big family. My faith is strengthened more each and every day seeing how Christ moves in everyone.” – Mr. Carmelo Ferrante
Mrs. Judy Franckiewicz
Custodian
Mrs. Judith Franckiewicz, Custodian
Peace Shelby was the answer to prayers for a house of worship starting in 2004, when our child entered preschool.
After retiring from 20 years with the Kmart Corporation, it made sense to me to give back to our Peace community when there was an opening position for the part- time custodian.
During my time here at Peace, I have made wonderful connections through the years. I look forward to many more years of support and fellowship serving at Peace Shelby.