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Hi, my name is Charlotte Melady and I am the newest member of the secretarial team at St. James, having been here for 4 months. As well as general office duties I am responsible for Sunday Bulletins and special event bulletins. I enjoy the work I do here in the office.

I am married and have three children. I have two sons are grown and my daughter Nisha attends St. James School.

I am here to serve the congregation, so if you have any questions please feel free to call me.

I have 15 grandchildren, 3 of which attend St. James.

Hello, I am Amy Dombkowski and I teach 6th grade Religion, 6th-8th grade Social Studies, and 1st-8th grade Art here at St. James Lutheran School. I am also the sponsor of St. James Lutheran National Junior Honor Society and R.O.C. (Representatives of Christ) which is the student council. I have been at St. James Lutheran School since 1994 and it has truly been a blessing.

I received my BS from Indiana University in 1992. In 1999, I received my Colloquy from Concordia University.

St. James Church Staff
Senior Pastor Reverend David French pastorfrench@stjameslaf.org	Hello, my name is Pastor French and I’m the pastor at St. James. I have served at St James since 1992 and received my Masters of Divinity with an emphasis in Practical Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne Indiana. I received my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nutritional Science from the University of Connecticut in 1982. I enjoy preaching and teaching and God has blessed with me many opportunities to do both for young and old alike. If you have any questions about St. James, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, teaching of the Christian faith and so on please feel free to contact me via e-mail. God’s Blessings as you tour our site.
Associate Pastor Reverend Michael Salemink pastorsalemink@stjameslaf.org	I come to St. James and Lafayette from Iowa (small-town Wilton, where I was born and raised for eighteen years), by way of Illinois (suburban River Forest, where I graduated magna cum laude from Concordia University with a B.A. in Theology and Biblical Languages), Indiana (urban Fort Wayne, where I attended Concordia Theological Seminary, LCMS), Michigan (suburban Dearborn, where I married my wife at Guardian Lutheran Church), Ohio (rural Edgerton, where I served as field worker during a vacancy at Zion Lutheran Church), Iowa again (big-town Le Mars, where I served my vicarage [internship] at Grace Lutheran Church), Indiana again (still Fort Wayne, where I received my M.Div.), and Minnesota (unincorporated Webster, where I served my first parish, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran). God introduced me to Heather, my wife (a Michigander), at River Forest, and has given us two boys (Christian in 2003 and Nathan in 2005) since our wedding in 2000. I enjoy music, pop culture, sports, people, surfing the internet, and addressing pastoral opportunities with creativity and artistry.
Assisting Pastor (Retired) Reverend Merlen Wegener merlen@usinternet.com
Director of Youth & Outreach Mr. David Probst dprobst@stjameslaf.org	Hello, I am Dave. I am the Director of Christian Education at St. James Lutheran Church. I have been on staff at St. James since July of 2000. I am directly responsible for all youth activities and Evangelism opportunities. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management at Southwest Missouri State. I went on from there to get my DCE Specialist Degree at Concordia University in Seward, NE. If you have any questions or comments about Youth Programs or Evangelism programs at St. James, please feel free to call me at the Church Office or contact me via email.
Director of Christian Education Mrs. Jennifer Probst daveandjen@insightbb.com	Hello, my name is Jen. I am the Director of Christian Education here at St. James. I graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Youth and minor in Theology. My ministry began at St. James in July of 2000. I am responsible for Christian Education Programs for infants to adults, Women's Ministries and I am also the St. James web master. I am pleased that you are visiting our web site. If you are interested in any of the ministry opportunities I am responsible for please feel free to contact me.
Business Manager Mr. Mark Richeson MarkR@stjameslaf.org	The Business Manager is the person who manages the churches financial resources. I am responsible for accounting for all funds, records of giving, payment of invoices, collection of fees, purchasing, and payroll. I work with the Boards of Education, Church Properties, Stewardship, and Human Resources as well as the Parish Planning Council. Please come in to see me if you have any questions or if I can be of service to you in any way.
Lead Church Secretary Mrs. Debra McDole debm@stjameslaf.org	Hi! My name is Deb, and I am the lead secretary in the church office. I am entering my 7th year as secretary, and I enjoy being part of this exciting ministry team. I am responsible for church correspondence, announcements, newsletters, maintenance of the database & church calendar, and all record keeping. I work closely with the Pastor and DCEs. I encourage you to browse our web site, and I invite you to join us for worship! In my free time (what is that?), I enjoy spending time with my husband, children and grandchildren.
Church Secretary Mrs. Charlotte Melady charlottem@stjameslaf.org	Hi, my name is Charlotte Melady and I am the newest member of the secretarial team at St. James, having been here for 4 months. As well as general office duties I am responsible for Sunday Bulletins and special event bulletins. I enjoy the work I do here in the office. I am married and have three children. I have two sons are grown and my daughter Nisha attends St. James School. I am here to serve the congregation, so if you have any questions please feel free to call me.
Custodial Supervisor Mrs. Daphine Prather	Hello, I am Daphine Prather. I have been a member of St. James for almost 30 years. I am starting my 8th year of working at St. James. I am married and have 4 children: David, Kristi, Karri and Jessica. Three of my children are married. Jessica is attending Purdue University, majoring in Education. I have 8 grandchildren. I am very close to my immediate and extended family.



St. James School Staff
Principal Mr. Randy Strakis principal@stjameslaf.org	It is a pleasure to serve St. James Lutheran School as principal. This is my 34^th year in the teaching ministry. I previously served parishes in Junction City, Kansas and Seymour, Indiana. My wife, Kathy, and I have been blessed with three wonderful children. Daughter, Wendy Petersen, resides in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, with husband Ben and children Clayton and Ava. They attend St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Our son, Jonathan, works at Duke Energy in Plainfield and attends Our Shepherd. My youngest son, Joshua, will graduate from Purdue University this spring with a degree in Computer Information Technology. Kathy is a Title I teacher at Klondike Elementary.
School Office Manager Ms. Jo Blye job@stjameslaf.org	Hello, my name is Jo Blye. I am the school secretary here at St. James. St. James has been not only my church home, but my place of employment since 1982. My duties include clerical work not only for the school, but also for Mr. Strakis, the principal. My position is a multi-task position from answering telephones and typing to minor first-aid for students. Of my 6 children, 4 are St. James graduates. I have 15 grandchildren, 3 of which attend St. James. St. James is not only a wonderful place to worship, but a fine educational facility too. If you have any questions, please call the school office, 765/742-6464 or e-mail me . I will be happy to answer your questions. If I can't answer them, I will find an answer for you.
Development Center Director Mrs. Julie Grott julieg@stjameslaf.org	Hello, I am Julie Grott. I am a member of St. James and am starting my 6^th year as the Childcare Director. I attended Purdue University. I am also the teacher for our new 2 year old Preschool class. I was lead teacher 5 years in ECDC previous to these positions.
Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Brenda Arden brendaa@stjameslaf.org	Hello, my name is Brenda. I am the Preschool 3s and Pre-Kindergarten 4s teacher/director. I graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I have a concentration in early childhood and a minor in mathematics. St. James offers many exciting Christ centered educational opportunities for young children through our early childhood program. Please browse our website and discover the dynamic ministry of St. James Lutheran Church and School. If you are interested in information about our early childhood program, please feel free to contact me.
Kindergarten Teacher Ms. Melissa Roberts melissar@stjameslaf.org	Hello, I am Melissa Roberts. I graduated from Indiana University Northwest with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education in 1993. I have been working on my colloquy through the Concordia University Education Network for the last 3 summers and will finish this fall. I have been at St James since 1996. I have previously worked as the director of the day care and the after school care program at St James and a 1st grade teacher. I am really excited about our new all day kindergarten program!
First Grade Teacher Miss Lydia Roland lydiar@stjameslaf.org	Hello, my name is Lydia. I am the first grade teacher at St. James Lutheran School. I graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Arts degree. My major was elementary education, my minors were math and science. I am licensed by the state of Indiana. First grade is an incredible year for growing. Along with growing in our faith, we spend much of our day becoming readers and writers. Our days are also busy with math, and other curriculum subjects. It is a blessing to me , as I watch and observe first graders grow and blossom. Our God's love and gifts shines in each of these children. God's Blessings to you.
Second Grade Teacher Mrs. Joann Dietel joannd@stjameslaf.org	Hello, I am Joann Dietel. In 1966, I received a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois. I came to St. James congregation in 1966, serving as 2nd grade teacher, children’s choir director and assistant organist. I began the Kindergarten program and served also as teacher in the lower and middle grades until 1976. I have been the second grade teacher and Cherub Choir Director since 1986.
Third Grade Teacher Mrs Cara Hamilton chamilton@stjameslaf.org	Hi! My name is Cara Hamilton. I am the third grade teacher at St. James. I graduated from Concordia University in 2002 with a Bachelor's degree elementary education with a concentration in music. Besides teaching, I accompany the messenger choir (3rd-5th grade choir), sing in the adult choir and play handbells at St. James. If your have any questions feel free to contact me.
Fourth Grade Teacher Mrs. Christina Whiteaker chrissyw@stjameslaf.org	Hi! I am Mrs. Whiteaker, and I am in my second year of teaching at St. James. I grew up in Lafayette and attended St. James school for 8 years, graduating from there in 1994. I received my B.A. in Elementary Education from Purdue University in December 2003. In August, 2003, I married my best friend in the world, Tim Whiteaker. We share our home with an adorable Miniature Dachshund puppy named Sosa, and we enjoy taking her for long walks and playing catch with her. My other hobbies are reading and running.
Fifth Grade Teacher Mrs. Caren Bunch
Science & Technology Teacher/Sixth Grade Homeroom Dr. Lois Campbell loisc@stjameslaf.org	Hello. My name is Lois Campbell – known to my students as Dr. C. I am the science teacher for grades 6-8 and the technology (computer) teacher for grades PrK-8. I graduated from Purdue University with a double major in Elementary and Special Education, and multiple minors, including science. I lived for 4 years on the Navajo Indian Reservation in the Southwest and was a special education teacher for grades K-4. Since that time, I have completed both my Master’s and Ph.D. in science education from Purdue University and spent some time at Penn State as a professor in science education. After my children were born, I returned to the regular classroom and most recently have been enjoying teaching science and technology at St. James. Please, visit my website at http://TeacherWeb.com/IN/StJamesLaf/DrCampbell/ for further information about me and my classroom!
Language Arts Teacher/Seventh Grade Homeroom Mrs. Sandra Thibodeau sandrat@stjameslaf.org	Hi, I’m Sandra Thibodeau, and this is my fourth year at St. James. I grew up in Portage, WI, where I attended St. John Lutheran School. In December of 2003, I graduated from Concordia University, Seward with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in English. God has blessed me with 2 wonderful children – Alexander, who attends IADT in Chicago, and Nicole, who is a junior at Jefferson High School.
Physical Education/Health and Eighth Grade Homeroom Mrs. Kristine Ripke kris@stjameslaf.org	Mrs. Ripke is a member of St. James and attended St. James from 1987-1990. She has been working as an obstetrical nurse since 1990 , and she is excited about being back in teaching this year. She is married to Jerry Ripke (a former 4^th grade teacher at St. James) and has 5 children; Caleb, John, Joel, Peter, and Anna. Mrs. Ripke’s hobbies include camping, hiking, and visiting historic sites.
School & Instrumental Music Director Mr. Jake Rogers jaker@stjameslaf.org	Mr. Rogers is originally from Lafayette and is a past St. James graduate. He is a 1995 graduate of Harrison HS and a 1999 graduate of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He and his wife, Annie, were married in July of 1999, and are the proud parents of 2-year old son, David. They are expecting the arrival of their next baby this September. Mr. Rogers will be starting his 4^th year of teaching, and his first at St. James. His teaching assignments will include: Little Lambs Choir, Messenger Choir, JH Choir, Beginning Band, Advanced Band, 3^rd & 4^th Gr. Recorders, 7^th & 8^th Gr. Bells, 6-8 Hand Chimes, and instructing the Brass, Woodwind, and String Ensembles within the Church. In the next few years, Mr. Rogers will be working on his Masters Degree in Education and his colloquy. When he is away from the podium, Mr. Rogers enjoys playing his trumpet, golfing, and relaxing with his family. Mr. Rogers and his family are very excited and happy to be “back at St. James”.
Social Studies, Art & Religion Teacher Mrs. Amy Dombkowski amyd@stjameslaf.org	Hello, I am Amy Dombkowski and I teach 6th grade Religion, 6th-8th grade Social Studies, and 1st-8th grade Art here at St. James Lutheran School. I am also the sponsor of St. James Lutheran National Junior Honor Society and R.O.C. (Representatives of Christ) which is the student council. I have been at St. James Lutheran School since 1994 and it has truly been a blessing. I received my BS from Indiana University in 1992. In 1999, I received my Colloquy from Concordia University.
Parish Music & Librarian Mrs. Martha Trautmann marthat@stjameslaf.org	Hello, my name is Martha Trautmann and I am currently the Parish Music Director. My responsibilities consist of directing both the Adult Choir, Adult Hand Bell Choir, and the Lambs Choir (Pre-K and Kindergarten) which enhance our worship services throughout the year. I also, coordinate the school-wide library program with the help of many wonderful parent volunteers. We have many wonderful musical opportunities available to you if you are interested: Adult Choir which meets each Thursday evening at 7:15 p.m., Adult Hand bells which meets on Thursdays as well but at 6:00 p.m., Brass Choir meets every other Tuesday in the evening. Throughout the year there are many opportunities for small groups to sing such as the Men's Choir and the Women's Choir. We have also begun a new ensemble called the Rudiments of Faith. This group meets every Tuesday evening at 5:30 for rehearsal and serves as the worship leaders for our blended worship service at 11:00 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month. If you are interested in any of these music options, please feel free to let me know at either 423-1616 or 742-6464. There is always room for another voice in the choirs where there is great fellowship and musical growth opportunities available to you!
Title 1 Teacher Mrs. Carol Huth carolh@stjameslaf.org	Hello, I am Carol Huth. I received my B.A. degree from Purdue University in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education. I have done substitute teaching and worked as a customer service representative in an insurance agency. For 3 years, I served as a teacher’s aide for 1st grade and Pre-K. This year marks my 6th year as Title I teacher and Resource teacher.
Head Cook Mrs. Rhonda Moya
Assistant Cook Marleen Maassen