Our Team
We each bring unique gifts and talents, but we’re united by a deep love for God and a commitment to genuine connection.
Staff
Eric Westlake
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 over 20 years. During that time, God has grown the church in both ministry and numbers. I have been married for over 38 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.
George Gabrielson
Interim Assistant to the Pastor
I grew up in Welch, MN and graduated from Red Wing High School in 2012. I went on to get a Mechanical Engineering degree and worked as an engineer for almost 4 years. Then God called me and my wife, Amber, to start Jesus Driven, a nonprofit mechanic shop centered on sharing the Gospel. We did that for almost 7 years before the Lord called us to yet another huge change!
I help coordinate men's ministry, teach a Sunday school class, and fill in wherever I am needed. Amber stays at home with our 3 young children. She is a fantastic partner in life, and a wonderful encouragement to me.
Megan Zillgitt
Children’s Ministry and Praise Leader
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.
A favorite verse since my childhood that I still lean on today is John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Ana Helget
Senior Youth Director, Custodian, and Volunteer Coordinator
I was raised in a rural town in Southern Minnesota and I have always been comforted by the small community connections. After graduating high school I moved onto college and lived life only to realize, God had many other plans for me. I had always been a believer in God, but for some time lived without truly knowing him.
My husband and I have four children and throughout the 20+ years of marriage we have grown in Christ together. Seeking His guidance and consistently working on strengthening our faith has been amazing and humbling. I have found joy in life, with knowing God, and who he truly is.
I am blessed to be strengthened in a church that connects the lives of so many. Serving God is what I strive for every day and staying humble strengthens my weaknesses. Building relationships with the youth has been a blessing and I have found more joy in learning with them on their walk with God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Judah Jore
Junior Youth Director
I grew up as a missionary kid along the Nile River in Uganda. I moved back to the states when I was 17, graduated high school from Roger’s Minnesota in 2024, and attended The Free Lutheran Bible College for two years.
My hopes and dreams did not include youth leading, but the Lord had different plans and I found myself moving down to Zumbrota Minnesota to work with the youth at OSLC. I am humbled by the goodness God has shown to me and I am looking forward to see Him continue to work. It is my desire to share in excitement and love for the Lord with the youth I get to work with.
The Lord has given me joy in teaching his word. 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” I am thankful that I can be confident in what I am teaching.
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 have worked at Our Saviour’s Lutheran since 2021. I enjoy 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 11 grandchildren.
I have been working as the treasurer at Our Saviour’s 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
Additional Maintenance Staff
Pat Cluth – Building Maintenance
Steve Hinrichs – IT Coordinator
Stephanie Hornquist – Facilities Coordinator / Volunteer Coordinator
Hollie Jennings – Communications and Media Coordinator
Deacons
Steve Bauer
Mark Debner
Todd Hornquist
Ken Schueler
Council
Matt Dodd - President
Jared Peterson - Vice President
Alyson Albers - Secretary
Tammy Poncelet - Treasurer
Trustees
Michael Farrell
Sam Gadient
Dennis Hinsch
Jeff Moody
Joel Ohnstad