Pastor Jonathan came to St. Paul in July of 2025 after a variety of life and ministry experiences. He has a bachelor’s degree in construction management and Agribusiness (Ohio State), a master’s degree in early childhood education (Ohio State), and attended seminary at Pacific Lutheran Theological seminary. His ministry experience includes youth ministry, serving two congregations in Mansfield (that were consolidated into one new congregation), being a part of the Synod Bishop election committee, serving as the Synod’s Southwest Conference Dean, and serving for a short time as Assistant to the Bishop in the Northeastern Ohio Synod. Missing the depth of relationship found in congregations, Pastor Jonathan returned to congregational ministry and was called to serve St. Paul. He has three children – Lorelai (Ohio State student), Luke (Mansfield Senior High student), and Vivian (Mansfield Middle School student). They share their home with two dogs (Daisy & Holly) and three guinea pigs (Caramel, Oreo & Turnip). When not doing church work, Pastor Jonathan loves cycling, hiking, lake life – especially the Great Lakes, ice-skating, landscaping, and renovation projects.

Laura Constance, Administrative Assistant

Laura was born in Mansfield and graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1994. She attended The University of Findlay, where she received a bachelors degree in Business Administration and played 4 years of collegiate soccer. She loves sports, Jesus and has a passion to serve others. Her family is from Bellville. She loves the village and loves to support local and small business owners. She is married to her best friend, Tom, and reside in Mansfield. Laura has 2 children, Kayleigh and Carson and a step daughter, Kristin. Their family has 2 fur friends, dogs, Remington and Bear. Tom and Laura regularly attend Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield. Some of Laura’s favorite color is purple, and she loves Jesus, coffee, music, and Ohio State football. Her birthday is June 15, and she loves the summer and fall months. She loves to be outdoors, in the woods, and enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. Her favorite holiday is Christmas!

Cheryl Lantz, Contemporary Music Director

Cheryl Lantz directs the Praise Team and leads music at 9:00 am. She and her husband, Gary, have been married 50 years and are lifelong residents of the Clear Fork Valley. They have 2 grown children, Brian and Sarah, and 3 grandchildren, Isaac, Zachary and Aubryn. Cheryl is retired from Clear Fork High School, where she was the office secretary for 31 years. She enjoys camping with her family. Cheryl thinks in music and can come up with a song that fits any situation!

Denise Lang, Traditional Music Director

Denise has been the organist here since she was sixteen, predating the rest of the staff! She is a gifted and dedicated musician! Besides being an accomplished musician, she also enjoys the art of oil painting, which she does with meticulous precision. She lives with her daughter, Amanda, who is an exuberant presence in our midst. We greatly miss her husband Jerry who died in 2010.

Beth Fry, Church Treasurer

Our financial books are kept in perfect order by our treasurer, Beth Fry. She took over as treasurer in 2016. Beth also has worked part-time for Directions Credit Union for 34 years and has served Perry Township as the fiscal officer for 16 years. She is a lifetime resident of Bellville, and life-long member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Beth and her husband, Amos, were married here over 30 years ago and have two grown children and 4 grandchildren.

Jeannie McLaughlin, Custodian

Jeannie is retired from The Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center as a Patient Services Specialist. She is married to her wonderful wife, Sherri. They have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Jeannie loves helping others, and we love having her on staff at St. Paul. She is a canvas painter. Her favorite thing to paint is animals of all kinds.

Church Council:

Chris Laux, President

Mike Bing, Vice President
Bonnie Brenneman, Secretary

Larry Fenton
Deb Ruckman
Tammie Saddler