Serving in Christ's Love and Sharing the Good News

Our Staff

The pastors at Trinity Lutheran believe the church is a faith community that excels in bringing the good news of God's unconditional love alive in people's lives.

Pastor Patrick Patterson

Pastor Patrick grew up in Owatonna, MN, and spent many years in the corporate world before being called to ordained ministry. He graduated from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, and later received his Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary. He served as the pastor of administration at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato, MN before being called as their Senior Pastor. He joined Trinity as Lead Pastor in July, 2019. Pastor Patrick seeks to discern God’s mission to help lead into God’s preferred future at Trinity.

Contact Patrick Patterson, Lead Pastor
Phone Extension 216

Pastor Sarah Semmler Smith

Pastor Sarah is originally from New London, MN and was new to the Trinity staff in 2013. After graduating from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, she completed studies at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and served as pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Stanley, WI. Pastor Sarah is energized by helping others see God at work in their lives and nurturing the development of faith in children, youth and families.

Contact Sarah Semmler Smith, Pastor
Phone Extension 217

Pastor Brahm Semmler Smith

Pastor Brahm is originally from Whitewater, WI. He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He served as pastor of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cornell, WI before coming to Trinity in 2013. Pastor Brahm enjoys forming life-giving relationships in faith communities and working with youth.

Contact Brahm Semmler Smith, Pastor
Phone Extension 213

Pastor Natalie Leske

Pastor Natalie was raised in Fridley, MN. She studied Elementary Education at St. Cloud State University, then served as an ELCA missionary in Cameroon, W Africa as teacher and director of the American School. She attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Natalie has served in the NW Synod of WI in various calls for over 20 years. She is excited about her new position as Pastor of Care and Concern at Trinity. Natalie is passionate about life long learning and finds it gratifying to teach Christian Spiritual Formation at the NW Synod of WI’s Lay School of Ministry and teaching prayer practices whenever she gets the opportunity.

Contact Natalie Leske, Pastor
Phone Extension 215