Our Staff
Eric Westlake – Head Pastor
I grew up as an unbeliever, hyper-active, and with a speech impediment. God saved me, gave me a purpose, and allows me to preach. I have been a licensed pastor for the past 19 years. During that time, God has grown the church in both ministry and numbers. I have been married for over 37 years and currently am enjoying my children and grandchildren.
I trust the verses in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, “where we find that God has chosen the foolish and weak things of this world for His purpose.” I praise the Lord that He has chosen me. I like to tell people that “I am one beggar telling another beggar where to find food”. Ministry is about building and encouraging relationships with God and with God’s people. I enjoy using props and illustrations to help keep the Gospel message simple and exciting.
Roger Pahl – Assistant Pastor
My wife, Deb, and I both grew up in the area. We have been married since 1989 and have been blessed with three children, all of which are married. A plethora of grandchildren fill our hearts with joy!! Deb has been a member at OSLC since she was a young girl and is one of the oldest members of our congregation. I have been a member of OSLC since 1998. We currently live in the community of Pine Island where I grew up. Deb and I are very active and enjoy seeing God’s beautiful creations and creativity in our travels.
I took the call as assistant pastor in 2016. A call from God that I ignored at age 18 when I thought it would be better to go to college at the U of M for engineering in the field of robotics. Three years into the program I had the angst to be outside and not be pinned behind the desk the rest of my life. I returned home and worked construction in multiple facets to the point where served as a Building Official in a full time capacity for several cities until I took the full-time pastor position at OSLC in 2023.
There is a great desire that God has placed on my heart to help people draw closer to Him. The greatest of these is to encourage men to grow themselves and their families under God’s direction. With this, we then look forward to what God will do through them to further His Kingdom! I have been so encouraged and thankful for this opportunity to serve God in this capacity.
Debbie Pahl – Women’s Ministry
I grew up in Zumbrota and have attended this church since I was a young girl. I married to my husband, Roger, in 1989. We have three married children, and several grandchildren.
I have been serving the church since 2021. Priory, I worked at Mayo Clinic for almost 10 years.
With God’s help and direction, we can do so much together for His kingdom. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21. So blessed to be a part of this journey.
Tiffany Sanborn – Youth Ministry
I have been an active member in the Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Youth group since 2013. I have a passion for building and equipping youth in their walk with Christ, regardless of where they are in their journey. I love teaching and encouraging students to live a Titus 2 lifestyle. I am married to Taylor and we have three children. The best way to get a hold of me is to call or text me at 507-272-8924.
John Peltier – Youth Ministry
Megan Zillgitt – Children’s Ministry
I was hired as the Director of Children’s Ministry in 2022. I spent nine years as an elementary music teacher until deciding to be a stay-at-home mom. My husband Mike and I have four children and enjoy the excitement and challenges they bring.
It brings me great joy to have this opportunity to build relationships, and support the children’s programs and make music with the kids of OSLC. I enjoy learning alongside the kids of our church, offering a listening ear, sharing failures and lessons learned, and giving support and encouragement as we seek His will, live out our faith and praise God. I loved summer church camp as a child and enjoy singing and leading those songs to this day. I aspire to use my prior experiences and gifts to make Jesus known, and to equip children and their families to grow in faith, give God praise and make Him known to others.
Sara Haugen – Church Secretary
I grew up the youngest of four on a dairy farm by Goodhue. My parents taught by example and their love of God was evident. I married my husband, Tom, in 1983 and we have two sons and three grandchildren.
I was working with an insurance agent for over 26 years when he decided to semi retire and no longer needed my services. I spent time job hunting and was not finding the job I thought I should have. Proverbs 19:21 says “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” I hear that Jan is retiring – maybe that is what God had planned for me all along.
I am enjoying all the activity that goes along with this job. No two days seem the same. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Tammy Poncelet – Treasurer
My husband and I both grew up in the area, married in 1986 and have lived in Zumbrota since 1996 where we raised our 3 children. We are blessed with 10 grandchildren.
I have been working as the treasurer at Our Saviours since 2023.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Thanks for all you give to so many!! Hallelujah you are a blessing & may God continue to bless you!!!
Thanks to Pastors Eric and Roger for all the help before and then leading a wonderful service in memory of Duane. Please extend our family’s thanks to those who provided the wonderful lunch — everything was so great!
Was the service recorded? There are a couple people who have reached out to see if they could watch it as they weren’t available Thursday. Thanks and God bless you all!