Staff - St. Paul Lutheran Church

Meet our Staff

Interim Pastor

The Reverend Duane O. Salness

God called me to this Intentional Interim Ministry 13 years ago. My wife, Marilyn, and I had lived for nearly seven years in Cordova (Memphis), TN, where I served as Senior Pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church. Extended family needs prompted our decision to return to Minnesota, where we both were born and raised and where our families remained. Bishop Mark Hanson, then-Bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod, suggested that I consider Interim Ministry because of my having been called to serve six congregations of every size over 29 years. The Holy Spirit confirmed my "call" to interim work as St. Paul Lutheran is now my 12th interim contract, the last being Christ the King Lutheran Church in Norcross(Atlanta), Georgia.
Marilyn and I have two children, both living near us in St. Paul, Minnesota. We have also been gifted with three grandchildren, whom Marilyn assists with child-care as much as possible. Therefore, she travels home to St. Paul periodically, interspersed with my trips home. I enjoy playing golf, fishing, hiking/walking, and photography.....all hobbies I hope to exercise here in east Tennessee.

Secretary - Sue Tyler

Sue has been a member of St. Paul since she was a teenager. She has served the church for many years as a volunteer; Youth Coordinator, Sunday School/Confirmation teacher, Council Member. Sue is looking forward to serving the church as secretary and hopes it will enhance the ministry at St. Paul.

Sue enjoys quilting and crafting of any kind. She has helped plan the Create in Me retreat at Lutheridge, which is one of her favorite place to visit.

Minister for Music & Discipleship - Stephanie Luedtke

We welcome to our staff and ministry, Stephanie Luedtke, who will be serving as our new Minister for Music. Stephanie is married to Pastor Eric Luedtke, who is the newly called pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Knoxville and they have two small children Olivia and Elana. Stephanie is a well established church musician, but also someone who has a wide variety of gifts. Stephanie has a Masters of Christian Ministry in Worship Arts from Pacific Lutheran Seminary, Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Religion from the College of William and Mary. In addition she is professionally licensed to teach Instrumental music for grades K-12.

Stephanie has worked in various churches and in public and private school systems. She has a great passion for worship planning, liturgical arts, and involving all ages in the life of public worship.

Choir Director - Marsha Wynn

I was born and raised in a small farming community in Colfax, Wisconsin, baptized at 2 weeks old, and confirmed at 13. I have been a member of a Lutheran church all my life. In 1990 I moved to Maryville and joined St. Paul. In 1991, I took over the choir director position and joined the Worship & Music Committee of which I am currently the chair. I have assisted in Vacation Bible School, Hand Chimes, Youth Choir, Worship Planning, Education Committee, and Sunday School Opening. I have always had a passion for music, through guitar, singing, and other instruments. I am married to Dan Wynn, have 2 boys, Cory (Angela), Chris, 4 grandchildren, Alyssa, Hannah, Nathan, and Jackson, 2 step-grandchildren, Meredith and Rachel, and 3 step-children Dustin, Seth, and Zachary.

Volunteer Ministries Coordinator - Marsha Bryant

Marsha Bryant has a background in psychology, education and engineering. Prior to moving to East Tennessee, she was Director of Coffee County Group Homes for Handicapped Children and Adults and worked at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) in Tullahoma. After finishing her Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering at The University of Tennessee, she worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Marsha is married to Robert Bryant and they have six children and four grandchildren. Two of the children they raised, Hannah and Isaac, are also members of St. Paul. Marsha and Robert enjoy their farm, hiking and vacationing, together. Marsha also loves to read, watch movies and crochet.

Marsha is especially excited about serving St. Paul part-time as their Volunteer Ministries Coordinator. Her ministry at St. Paul is to help equip all people for ministry in the church and in the world.

Custodian - Jimmy Prince