About
Scott Searl, Senior Pastor - Growing up I was told the Vikings were an expansion team!
Even though I’ve lived most of my life here in Minnesota, my dad is from
Wisconsin and I was brainwashed from an early age. In addition to regularly
giving grief to Vikings fans, I enjoy playing golf, boating and reading a good
book from time to time. I’ve got a Golden Retriever named Luther who comes to
work with me regularly. He’s likely the first one you’ll meet if you stop by my
office. I’m a Luther College graduate and a graduate of Princeton Theological
Seminary out east. Looking forward to meeting you and hearing your story.
When asked, "What are you most excited about this year at SOTH?" Scott says: This year our worship will focus on a new schedule of Bible readings called “The Narrative Lectionary.” In the course of nine months we will walk through, in order, the major stories of the Bible. If you were to come to worship every week starting in September you would gain a significant overview of the overarching Biblical story. It’s going to be fun, and it’s going to be great to hear the Bible the way it was meant to be read.
Emily Koski, Director of Contemporary and Youth Music - Emily has her BFA in Musical Theatre from Viterbo University and her Masters in Vocal Performance from Wichta State University. Prior to working at Shepherd, she toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre, performed in many musicals and worked for several churches singing, directing and playing piano. Outside of church, Emily also works for US Bank, teaches voice lessons, sings for special events and is excited to be planning her wedding for Fall of 2011!
When asked, "What are you most excited about this year at SOTH?" Emily says: I am excited to see how using the new Narrative Lectionary will inspire us all to take a fresh look at a variety of music and worship styles. I love exploring new and fresh ideas!
David Surdez, Director of Music and Organist - I was hired to serve as organist and to direct one of the children's choirs in September of 1981. In 1983 I assumed the position to which I currently hold. I am the director of the Chancel Choir and play the organ for the traditional worship services.
In 1979 I received a B.S. in organ performance and vocal music education from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, and in 1980 took graduate studies at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where I served as a graduate teaching assistant, teaching class piano to music majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. My experience includes teaching vocal music in both public and private schools, K-12, and prior to service at Shepherd of the Hills I served as assistant organist at First Congregational Church, Sioux Falls during college, and as the primary organist at Salem Lutheran Church, Springdale, Arkansas.
When asked, "What are you most excited about this year at SOTH?" David says: Resuming rehearsals with the Chancel Choir and leading the traditional worship service…and of course playing that wonderful Holtkamp pipe organ!
Adam Teske, Youth Director - Adam was raised in Mauston, WI (near Wisconsin Dells). He has a little sister. In high school he
worked at Noah's Ark - so he may have pushed you down a water slide. Went to Luther College for music, but changed to the study of Religion - with an emphasis on Christian and Zen Buddhist dialogue. Adam met his wife, Kara at college and they were married in 2010. After college worked in Minneapolis and southeastern Iowa. Is now a student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, studying to be a Pastor.
When asked, "Why be a youth director?" Adam says: Youth are amazing! They have so much talent and faith that is often overlooked in the church. Ministry is centered around building relationships with peers, adults and Christ through service.
Shawn Wacholz, Administrative Assistant
Kevin Wicks, Custodian - I was born in Madison, MN. My wife, Jean is from there too, I have always known her! We have two adult sons, Joel (24) living and working in Chicago and Karl (21) who will graduate from the University of Iowa this December. We still own Jean’s family farm in Madison and periodically go there for weekends and holidays. I have been a member of SOTH for thirty years.
When asked, "What are you most excited about this year at SOTH?" Kevin says: The congregation seems to be more active than in recent years.
I was hired to serve as organist and to direct one of the children's choirs in September of 1981. In 1983 I assumed the position to which I currently hold. I am the director of the Chancel Choir and play the organ for the traditional worship services. In 1979 I received a B.S. in organ performance and vocal music education from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, and in 1980 took graduate studies at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where I served as a graduate teaching assistant, teaching class piano to music majors in the College of Arts and Sciences. My experience includes teaching vocal music in both public and private schools, K-12, and prior to service at Shepherd of the Hills I served as assistant organist at First Congregational Church, Sioux Falls during college, and as the primary organist at Salem Lutheran Church, Springdale, Arkansas.
