Making Disciples by linking lives to Jesus Christ
Studying His Word • Sharing His Story • Showing His Love • Serving His Community
We are located in a rural setting just outside of Elk River, Minnesota in Sherburne County. Our school engages learners in preschool to eight grade. All children are welcome at our school. To begin your student’s educational journey you do not need to be a member of St. John Lutheran Church or any other church. We welcome all children to join us for a Christ centered education.
At St. John Lutheran School we have been committed to providing a quality Christian education to children in the area since we started a one-room school house in 1888.
We strive to provide a loving, Christ centered education with technology to prepare your child for an ever changing world.
We all want the best for our children – including the best education. That is why at St. John Lutheran School Elk River, your child will receive not only the best academics, but more importantly, training in Christian living. You can rest assured that if you invest in your child’s education at St. John, your child will be prepared both academically and spiritually for the challenges that await in the high school years and beyond.
St. John Lutheran Church is part of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). The LCMS is a mission-oriented and Bible-based denomination that confesses the Christian faith in the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The LCMS believes in the Triune God, who created all that exists; became man to suffer, die, and rise again for the world’s redemption; and brings people to faith and new life through His Word and Sacraments.
St. John Lutheran School is a ministry of St. John Lutheran Church which fosters faith and learning by linking lives to Jesus Christ. As a Christian school, we integrate our Christian beliefs into everything we teach, and our curriculum includes daily teachings from God’s Holy Word. St. John Lutheran School exists to help ground our students in living the Christian faith as taught by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We teach about the Bible, faith, and Salvation. We believe that:
- The Bible is the source and basis for all our beliefs. (2 Tim. 3:15-17)
- All people and all faiths are to be shown respect. (Matthew 22:39)
- Only through faith in Jesus Christ can people be saved. (John 3:16)
We teach about God. We believe that:
- God is the Almighty, loving creator of everything and everyone. (Genesis 1:1)
- God is one God, but three equal persons (Triune). He is God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit – not three Gods but one God. (Matthew 28:19)
- God is the Judge before whom all people will give an account for the lives they lead. (2 Cor. 5:10)
- God is a Savior (Jesus) who died for our sins and arose from the dead. (Acts 4:11-12)
- God is the Author of the Bible who, through the Holy Spirit, inspired men to write what He wanted to communicate to humankind – especially who He is, His truths, and how He has come to the rescue of humankind through the work of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 3:16)
- God is Love. He loves all people perfectly and completely. (1 John 4:9-10)
We teach about people. We believe that:
- People are created individually and specially by God, male and female. (Psalm 139:13-16 and Genesis 1:27)
- People are loved always and completely by God. (John 3:16)
- People are expected by God to live lives of holiness and perfection. (Matthew 5:48)
- People are unable to obey God perfectly (everyone sins). (Ecclesiastes 7:20)
- People are forgiven their sins and given the gift of everlasting life in heaven only through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:23)
- People are unable to earn God’s favor or forgiveness; rather we receive faith and forgiveness through the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- People, sadly, will be condemned to eternal suffering if they do not have faith in Christ. (Matthew 13:49-50 and John 14:6)
We teach about relationships. We believe that:
- People should submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)
- People should tell their friends how much the Lord has done for them and how he has had mercy on them. (Mark 5:19)
- Marriage is a holy union, created by God, and is intended to be between one man and one woman. (Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:7, Ephesians 5:31, Corinthians 7:2)
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Our Staff
St. John employs Christian teachers who are licensed by the State of Minnesota Department of Education. Several teachers have earned or are working toward graduate degrees. In addition to full-time teachers and administrative personnel, St. John support staff includes band and piano instructors, classroom aides, and school lunch personnel.
Administration
Eric Voigt
Pastor Eric Voigt has an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. He received his master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Eric is married to Jennifer, and they have four children. They live in Elk River.
He continues to learn about historical events and enjoys reading and sports.
Jennifer Hall
Jen Hall has an undergraduate degree in elementary education and Director of Christian Education from Concordia University in St. Paul and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. Jen and her husband Tim live in Maple Grove. They have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren.
Jen enjoys reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
Michelle Gueldner
Leah Beck
Leah Beck has a degree in elementary education from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Leah and her husband, Josh, have three daughters and live in Elk River.
Leah enjoys reading and spending time outside.
Dave Langhoff
Dave has a Culinary degree from Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, is a native of Richfield Minnesota and has resided in the Elk River area since 2018.
Dave shares his free time with his family and 3 dogs, Momo, Merida and Molly.
Dawn Hanson
Our Staff
St. John employs Christian teachers who are licensed by the State of Minnesota Department of Education. Several teachers have earned or are working toward graduate degrees. In addition to full-time teachers and administrative personnel, St. John support staff includes band and piano instructors, classroom aides, and school lunch personnel.
Administration
Eric Voigt
Pastor Eric Voigt has an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. He received his master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Eric is married to Jennifer, and they have four children. They live in Elk River.
He continues to learn about historical events and enjoys reading and sports.
Jennifer Hall
Jen Hall has an undergraduate degree in elementary education and Director of Christian Education from Concordia University in St. Paul and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. Jen and her husband Tim live in Maple Grove. They have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren.
Jen enjoys reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
Michelle Gueldner
Leah Beck
Leah Beck has a degree in elementary education from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Leah and her husband, Josh, have three daughters and live in Elk River.
Leah enjoys reading and spending time outside.
Dave Langhoff
Dave has a Culinary degree from Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, is a native of Richfield Minnesota and has resided in the Elk River area since 2018.
Dave shares his free time with his family and 3 dogs, Momo, Merida and Molly.
Dawn Hanson
Our Staff
St. John employs Christian teachers who are licensed by the State of Minnesota Department of Education. Several teachers have earned or are working toward graduate degrees. In addition to full-time teachers and administrative personnel, St. John support staff includes band and piano instructors, classroom aides, and school lunch personnel.
Administration
Eric Voigt
Pastor Eric Voigt has an undergraduate degree in history from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. He received his master of divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Eric is married to Jennifer, and they have four children. They live in Elk River.
He continues to learn about historical events and enjoys reading and sports.
Jennifer Hall
Jen Hall has an undergraduate degree in elementary education and Director of Christian Education from Concordia University in St. Paul and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. Jen and her husband Tim live in Maple Grove. They have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren.
Jen enjoys reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with family and friends.
Michelle Gueldner
Leah Beck
Leah Beck has a degree in elementary education from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Leah and her husband, Josh, have three daughters and live in Elk River.
Leah enjoys reading and spending time outside.
Dave Langhoff
Dave has a Culinary degree from Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie, is a native of Richfield Minnesota and has resided in the Elk River area since 2018.
Dave shares his free time with his family and 3 dogs, Momo, Merida and Molly.
Dawn Hanson
Early Childhood Education | Pre-K
Lorna Rudolph
Lorna Rudolph has an undergraduate degree in education from Concordia University in St.Paul MN and a master’s degree in early childhood education also from Concordia University. Lorna and her husband Jim live in Elk River. They have three grown children.
Lorna enjoys reading, gardening and going to antique stores.
Jen Voigt
Jen Voigt has an undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Concordia University Wisconsin and a master’s degree in early childhood special education from Concordia University Wisconsin. Jen also works for LSEM (Lutheran Special Education Ministries), giving students extra one on one support. Jen is married and has four children.
Jen enjoys coaching, spending time outside, playing games and watching her children play sports.
Gloria Tatkenhorst
Cali Hudson
Early Childhood Education | Pre-K
Lorna Rudolph
Lorna Rudolph has an undergraduate degree in education from Concordia University in St.Paul MN and a master’s degree in early childhood education also from Concordia University. Lorna and her husband Jim live in Elk River. They have three grown children.
Lorna enjoys reading, gardening and going to antique stores.
Jen Voigt
Jen Voigt has an undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Concordia University Wisconsin and a master’s degree in early childhood special education from Concordia University Wisconsin. Jen also works for LSEM (Lutheran Special Education Ministries), giving students extra one on one support. Jen is married and has four children.
Jen enjoys coaching, spending time outside, playing games and watching her children play sports.
Gloria Tatkenhorst
Cali Hudson
Early Childhood Education | Pre-K
Lorna Rudolph
Lorna Rudolph has an undergraduate degree in education from Concordia University in St.Paul MN and a master’s degree in early childhood education also from Concordia University. Lorna and her husband Jim live in Elk River. They have three grown children.
Lorna enjoys reading, gardening and going to antique stores.
Jen Voigt
Jen Voigt has an undergraduate degree in early childhood education from Concordia University Wisconsin and a master’s degree in early childhood special education from Concordia University Wisconsin. Jen also works for LSEM (Lutheran Special Education Ministries), giving students extra one on one support. Jen is married and has four children.
Jen enjoys coaching, spending time outside, playing games and watching her children play sports.
Gloria Tatkenhorst
Cali Hudson
Kindergarten – 4th Grade
Rebecca Olson
Becca Olson has a degree in early childhood education. She grew up in NW Minnesota and is the youngest of 3 kids.
Becca enjoys reading, baking with sourdough, rollerblading, and playing volleyball.
Chrissy Sierra
Chrissy and her husband Rene have three children that attend St John. Chrissy has been a teachers aide and has helped teach preschool in her children’s school before attending St John. Chrissy and her family live in Elk River.
In her spare time Chrissy enjoys baking, doing puzzles, and loves family game nights.
Amy Lind
Amy Lind has a degree in elementary education from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Amy and her husband, Matt, have 3 kids who attend St. John. They live in Nowthen.
Amy enjoys reading, playing games, and spending time with her family.
Liz Cerney
Liz Cerney has an elementary education degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. She and her husband live in Brooklyn Park with their dog, Daisy. She enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Fun fact: Her dad teaches 5th grade at St. John.
Deana Ford
Deana Ford has a degree in elementary education from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Mn. She also received her colloquy from Concordia University in St. Paul, Mn. Deana has a son and lives in Coon Rapids, Mn.
She enjoys reading, crafting and spending time with family and friends.
Sheila Swan
Sheila Swan has a degree in elementary education from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. She lives in Spring Lake Park.
Sheila enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, fishing, and traveling.
5th – 8th Grade
Dave Inselmann
David received an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Special Education focusing on twice-exceptionality and giftedness from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He lives with his wife, Cindy, and they have three children. His oldest, Elizabeth, is also the 2nd-grade teacher.
David enjoys coaching engineering and design teams, spending time with his family and friends, and participating in a gaming league with his two sons.
Beth Goldenstein
Beth Goldenstein has a degree in education from Taylor University in Upland, IN. Beth and her husband, Mike, have five children and live in Ramsey.
Beth enjoys sunshine, playing tennis, and playing tennis in the sunshine.
Kelli LaVoie
Kelli LaVoie has a degree in elementary education with a concentration in 5-8 Language & Communication Arts from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Kelli and her husband, Mark, have two daughters who attend St. John. The LaVoie’s call Otsego their home.
Kelli enjoys traveling, reading, music, and spending time with her family.
5th – 8th Grade
Dave Inselmann
David received an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Special Education focusing on twice-exceptionality and giftedness from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He lives with his wife, Cindy, and they have three children. His oldest, Elizabeth, is also the 2nd-grade teacher.
David enjoys coaching engineering and design teams, spending time with his family and friends, and participating in a gaming league with his two sons.
Beth Goldenstein
Beth Goldenstein has a degree in education from Taylor University in Upland, IN. Beth and her husband, Mike, have five children and live in Ramsey.
Beth enjoys sunshine, playing tennis, and playing tennis in the sunshine.
Kelli LaVoie
Kelli LaVoie has a degree in elementary education with a concentration in 5-8 Language & Communication Arts from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Kelli and her husband, Mark, have two daughters who attend St. John. The LaVoie’s call Otsego their home.
Kelli enjoys traveling, reading, music, and spending time with her family.
5th – 8th Grade
Dave Inselmann
David received an undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree in Special Education focusing on twice-exceptionality and giftedness from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He lives with his wife, Cindy, and they have three children. His oldest, Elizabeth, is also the 2nd-grade teacher.
David enjoys coaching engineering and design teams, spending time with his family and friends, and participating in a gaming league with his two sons.
Beth Goldenstein
Beth Goldenstein has a degree in education from Taylor University in Upland, IN. Beth and her husband, Mike, have five children and live in Ramsey.
Beth enjoys sunshine, playing tennis, and playing tennis in the sunshine.
Kelli LaVoie
Kelli LaVoie has a degree in elementary education with a concentration in 5-8 Language & Communication Arts from Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Kelli and her husband, Mark, have two daughters who attend St. John. The LaVoie’s call Otsego their home.
Kelli enjoys traveling, reading, music, and spending time with her family.