Pastors of Lutheran Church of Our Savior:

Pastor August Stahnke – January 1960 to January 1973

The LCMS called Pastor Stahnke in December of 1959 to oversee and pastor the development of a new church in Orcutt, CA. He led the first service in the parsonage garage on Pentecost Sunday May 22, 1960. Pastor Stahnke’s wife, Lena May, served the church as the first organist. Under Pastor Stahnke’s leadership Stahnke Hall was built and served as the main sanctuary. Pastor Stahnke retired in 1973.

Pastor James Zimmermann – January 1973 to 1981

Pastor Zimmermann and his wife, Sandy, came to LCOS in January 1973. Pastor Zimmermann oversaw the building of Have Hall and the remodeling of Stahnke Hall. In 1981 Pastor Zimmermann accepted a call to Vacaville, CA.

Pastor Hilton Schlecht – October 1981 to May 1988

Pastor Schlecht continued improvements to the church buildings including the addition of a kitchen to Stahnke Hall, the extension of Have Hall, and the building of the Administration building. Pastor Schlecht faithfully served the congregation until his retirement in May of 1988.

Pastor James Zielke – October 1988 to January 1999

Under Pastor Zielke’s leadership, the new church sanctuary was built and the Service of Dedication was held on June 5, 1994. The “old” sanctuary (Stahnke Hall) was decommissioned on May 29, 1994, with a ceremonial movement of the Bible and the vessels to the new sanctuary. It was given the name of our founding pastor.

Pastor Stephen Eckert – March 2000 - Present

Pastor Eckert and his wife, Caydee, moved from St. Louis, Missouri, with their two daughters, Sarah and Deborah. During the first year of Pastor Eckert’s tenure at LCOS, Upward Bound Preschool was founded. The congregation has continued to grow in spirit and discipleship under his loving and caring leadership.

Pastor Robert Feller – 1999-2000

Pastor Feller was sent by the Synod to serve as an interim pastor while our congregation sought a new called pastor.

Pastor Henry Blanke

Pastor Blanke and his wife Verna joined the church in 1986. When Pastor Schlecht retired, Pastor Blanke served as vacancy pastor from May to October, 1988, when Pastor Zielke was then called. Pastor Blanke served as an assistant to both Pastors Schlecht and Zielke.

Pastor Martin Steyer

Pastor Steyer and his wife, Teddi, joined our congregation in September of 1999. Pastor Steyer serves as an assistant to Pastor Eckert, particularly in the visitation of shut-ins and calling on visitors who have attended church services at LCOS.

Pastor Philip Sievers

Pastor Sievers and his wife, Doris, joined LCOS in February of 2007. Pastor Sievers serves as an assistant to Pastor Eckert, especially in the preaching of the Word whenever sermon support is needed.

Directors of Children’s Education:

Bonnie Green —1980 to August 1997

Bonnie Green directed choirs of all ages from God’s Kids to Sanctuary Choir. She founded the Young Inspiration, Prisms, Kingdom Singers, God’s Kids, and Handchimes. She dedicated herself faithfully to the youth of this church for many years until her family moved in August of 1997.

Peter Librojo — December 1998-1999

Peter accompanied the youth on a mission trip to Mexico to build houses for those in need. He provided the youth with many other opportunities to serve the church until he resigned in 1999.

Scott Jonas — 2002 - Present

Scott was called as DCE in 2002. He and his wife, Ann, moved to Orcutt with their two daughters, Faith and Grace. Scott has organized houseboat trips, the National Youth Gathering, winter retreats, Vacation Bible School, and family camping trips to enhance our church’s youth and their families.

Organists - Lutheran Church of Our Savior:

Our service to the Lord has been enhanced by the blessings of so many wonderful organists. They include:

May Stahnke, Brian Strohman, Dorothy Schlecht, Cathy Smith, Joy Heuchert, Tussy Bangert, Betty Schlueter, Jean Janssen, and Erika Ramsey

Upward Bound Preschool Director:

Molly Williams — August 2000 - Present

Molly was called to direct the church’s new mission of Upward Bound Preschool. In December of 2000 the preschool opened its doors with an enrollment of 12 students in a half-day program. Today the preschool has an enrollment of 60 children per day, with a total enrollment of over 90 children. The preschool has expanded to encompass two buildings and employs a staff of 14 teachers.

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