rev. Dr. jon gathje, pastor
Pastor Jon has served Trinity since the fall of 2018. Previously, he served at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rancho Palos Verdes, California from 2014-2018. He completed his doctoral work at Fuller Seminary in 2020 (wondering about music’s role in faith formation), and loves his wife (Kaitlin), his son (Benny), his five fur-children (Luther, Osito, Penny, Lucy, and Macy), gardening, protesting, taco trucks, and a cappella singing.
julie sandene, director of music/organist
Julie has been a Lutheran church musician for more than half a century! She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with Bachelor and Master degrees in organ performance and is retired from teaching elementary vocal music for the Millard Public Schools. Pictured with Julie is her Siberian Husky, Gracie.
Matthan Mrkvicka, Choir, Bells, and Band
Matthan Mrkvicka has served as Director of Music at Trinity Lutheran since the fall of 2022. He completed his Master of Music in choral conducting at the University of Nebraska in Omaha in 2024 and is the director of choirs at Omaha Bryan High School. Previously, Matthan taught vocal music from 2018-2022 in northwest Missouri after receiving his bachelor’s in Music Education, vocal emphasis from Missouri Western State University. Matthan enjoys a wide variety of music, spending time with his pets, and exploring the Omaha area.