Staff
Frank Yraguen
Kerri Wenger
Pattie Baker
All of our staff are currently SALMS
Synod-authorized lay ministers (SALMs) are called and authorized to serve their home congregation under the mentorship of a cooperating pastor in the Synod. In their home congregation, SALMs may lead worship, may preside at Holy Communion and baptism, and they complete the same regular ethics and boundary trainings as rostered ministers in the Oregon Synod.
At Grace Lutheran, we have a team of SALMs who lead worship, offer homilies, and enjoy community outreach with their ELCA congregation locally and around the region. The Grace Lutheran SALM team members serve as volunteers and do not receive monetary compensation from the congregation or the Oregon Synod. SALMs must be re-authorized by the Oregon Bishop on a yearly basis.
More InformationFrank Yraguen
Frank is an octogenarian who was raised Catholic and never planned to be active in lay leadership of any church, but he became a Lutheran when he was married to his wife Patty 57 years ago. His career has included five years in the Marine Corps, time as Malheur County's District Attorney, and over 44 years as an Oregon judge.
Kerri Wenger
Kerri was a professor and education researcher who prepared rural teachers for diverse students for over 20 years. Now she happily helps run her husband's mobile veterinary practice and tries to keep track of all the creatures on their small farm. She and her husband Dave have two young adult children who were raised in Vale.
Pattie Baker
Pattie came to Grace Lutheran looking for peace with her young family. She has brought her trademark enthusiasm and humor to all aspects of her life, including work as an accountant, as a sales representative for agricultural products, time spent running businesses large and small, and her current endeavors keeping mama cows and many other animals on her farm happy and healthy. Pattie also enjoys her work as an advocate for the ageing and the homeless.