Staff
Rev. Dr. Damon D. Laaker, Pastor
A graduate of Christ Seminary – Seminex, Pastor Laaker has served Grace for the last 25 years. Heralding from Western Nebraska, Laaker began his ministry in Omaha on the northside. He now serves on the near south side in an urban area.
Pastor Laaker received his undergraduate training at St. Pauls College, Concordia, Mo. earning an A.A. degree in 1972. He received his B.A. degree from Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, In. in 1974. He graduated from Christ Seminary, St. Louis, in 1978 with an M. Div. degree. He received his Doctor Of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in May 1995.
Pastor Laaker was called to serve half-time at Grace and half-time on the Nebraska Synod ELCA Staff as Director of Lutheran Metro Ministries in October 2000.
Benhi !Khabeb, Secretary
Benhi !Khabeb became the part-time office secretary of Grace Church in February of 2009. He brings a genuine desire to serve all people.
Lynda Laird, Organist
Lynda Laird became Grace Lutheran’s Music Leader in August 2009. Lynda brings a comfortable style to music leadership.
Brenda Spahr, Director of Kids At Work
Brenda Spahr became the Director of Grace’s Kids at Work program in April, 2003.
Brian Sutej, Sexton
Brian Sutej began working part-time for Grace in November 2006.
Virginia McGill, Health Ministry Coordinator
Virginia McGill began as the Health Ministry Coordinator for Interfaith Health Service in mid-January 2004. Virginia brings a wealth of knowledge and connectivity to this work. Her position is a cooperative venture with sponsorship by Immanuel Health Systems, One World Community Health Center, and the core churches of Interfaith Health Service.
David Nange and Titus Duli, Sudanese Ministry Leaders
David Nange and Titus Duli are dedicated leaders that have a passion for helping the Mabaan community in Omaha and beyond. We are blessed by their leadership.
Last Sunday, we had the wonderful opportunity to hear guest pastor Angela Khabeb preach at our church in Mineola, IA. We really connected to her sermon and her children’s talk. We recently moved to this area, and have been looking for a church home. I see that she was an intern at your church last year. Is Ms. Khabeb still at your church, or is she pastoring somewhere in the area? Perhaps we will visit your church this Sunday! Thank you so much! God Bless!