About Us
Randall Pekari
Senior Pastor
Welcome!
I love Jesus and can’t wait to introduce you to him if you don’t know him already. I graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin in 1995, and went on to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. As a pastor since 1999, I love helping people grow closer to God and want everyone to know Jesus!
My wife Jessemyn and I have three biological sons, two adopted daughters, and an adopted son. Life is full and wonderful! In the midst of it all, I love to read, kayak, hike, and enjoy pausing to have a cup of coffee with my wife.
Please reach out anytime; I'd love to get to know you as well!
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Johniel John Edward
Vicar & Evangelist
I never imagined serving God as a full-time minister in the United States. I am currently enrolled in the Ethnic Institute of Immigrant Theology (EIIT) program at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. As the Bible says, HIS purpose alone will prevail, and I am privileged to serve God in this part of the world. My role at OSL has allowed me to serve not only the rapidly growing Indian community, but also other immigrant communities by sharing Jesus with them.
I am from Madurai, South India, and grew up in a traditional Christian family. My wife Lalitha and I relocated to Connecticut with our son in 2015, and God blessed us with a precious daughter in 2021.
I enjoy spending time with others and going out with my family and friends. I am an avid soccer fan and enjoy playing cricket, soccer, and volleyball.
What We Believe
Biblical
Based on the authority of Scripture.
Historical
Rooted in the creeds of the ancient church.
Christ-centered
Committed to a standard of teaching outlined in the Lutheran Confessions.
Confessional
Jesus Christ is at the center of all we preach, teach, and live.
Explanation of beliefs
An explanation of our beliefs is found in Luther’s Small Catechism (a brief guide to the Bible and the Christian faith).
Based on Scripture and the Small Catechism, we believe:
The Bible
The Bible is the true Word of God, without error or contradiction, and therefore, is the final authority in all matters of faith and life.
(2 Timothy 3:15-17)
One True God
There is only one true God, who has revealed Himself in three persons (Triune), Father (Creator), Son (Redeemer), and Holy Spirit (Sanctifier).
(Matthew 28:19)
Need for a Savior
Since Adam’s Fall, all people are conceived and born sinful and are completely incapable of saving themselves by good living.
Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:10-12, 23)
Salvation through Jesus
God, motivated by His unconditional love for us, provided for our salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ.
(John 3:16)
Good works, prayer, and holiness of life are the fruit of faith in Christ, not the cause of faith or salvation.
(John 15:5; Hebrews 11:16)
Jesus Christ is True God
Jesus Christ is true God, eternally begotten of the Father, and at the same time true man, born of the Virgin Mary, who lived a perfect life for us, died on the cross for us, rose from the dead for us, now reigns at the right hand of God for us, and will one day come again for us.
(John 1:1-3, 14; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Luke 1:26-38; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-24; Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:14, 17)
Faith and Grace
We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:10).
Faith in Jesus Christ comes by the power of the Holy Spirit as He works through the means of grace – His Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper -- through which the blessings and benefits of Jesus’ saving death and resurrection, namely the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation are offered, delivered, and applied to us.
(John 6:63; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 28:19-20)
Baptism
Baptism, which is water applied in the Name of the Triune God according to Jesus’ mandate and promise, works rebirth and renewal, delivers and applies the forgiveness of sins, joins the baptized to Jesus’ death and resurrection, and grants salvation to all who believe the promise of salvation attached to Baptism.
(Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:25-26; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:21)
Lord's Supper
Lord’s Supper is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given in, with, and under the bread and the wine, for Christians to eat and drink, instituted by Jesus Christ Himself, for the forgiveness of their sins.
Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
Called to Serve
Christians are called to live for Jesus, seeking to serve and honor Him in all facets of life. Life cannot be divided into compartments where Jesus is not present, for He is the author and Lord of all of my life. To know Him is the only way to know what true life is all about, and serving Him is life’s greatest privilege.
(Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 5:1-8; Galatians 5:16-25)
Our Team
Get to know the members of Our Savior's Staff, Executive, and Leadership teams!
Select an image to email the person highlighted.
Gabriela (Gaby) Bromley
Church Secretary/Office Administrator
My role is to oversee the operation of the church office and assist the pastors and staff with a variety of administrative duties. I get to meet a variety of people (in person or via email). I am here to listen and to help!
Tracy Elsass
Ministry & Communications Manager
My role is to facilitate the planing, execution and volunteer support of new and existing ministries, events and initiatives.
I also manage the communications of the church including the weekly announcements, website, Facebook, and Instagram.
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Buttonyouth@oursaviorct.org
Open Position
Youth & Young Adult Ministry Leader
My role is to develop, coordinate, and administer an effective and comprehensive ministry program to our OSL youth and young adults.
Joan Craig
Social Ministries Leader
My role is to serve people and share Jesus outside of OSL by meeting their physical and spiritual needs. In partnerships with East Hartford Youth Services and Langford Elementary School, we provide food, clothing, school supplies, and other support to families identified by those organizations.
Natasha Colton
OSL President
My role is responsible for the Business of the Church and Congregation.
Peter Foxen
OSL Vice President
My role is responsible for Faith Quest/Christian Education, Our Savior Preschool and Child Care, Social Ministry/Missions and Youth Group.
Debra Pease
Administrative Officer
My role is responsible for the day-to-day needs of facilities run by the church, as well as for coordinating projects and programs including volunteer coordination with the Ministry Coordinator.
Monica Tarasek
Recording Secretary
My role is to maintain the minutes of all meetings including Congregational and Leadership Team meetings. I certify all documents/records, including voter rolls for OSL’s permanent record.
Dan Sack
Financial Officer
My role is responsible for the finances of the Church including budgeting and accounting for specific gifts. The financial team coordinates financial reporting for all church ministries including the Bridge & Preschool.
Bob Potterton
Financial Giving Secretary
My role is to record contributions made to OSL, prepare monthly giving reports for the executive team, and prepare year end giving summaries.
Scott Baumer
OSL Treasurer
My role is responsible for paying all OSL bills each month, assisting the Financial Officer with the annual budget, and preparing monthly reports for the Executive Team,
Kent Greenman
Head Trustee
My role is responsible for the real and personal property of the church. I oversee other trustees, providing maintenance and repair service, system upgrades, cost estimates for projects for the church and preschool.
Kathy Thompson
Organist
My role is playing the organ during the Traditional Service on Sunday mornings.
Denise Yoreo
Choir Director
My role is directing the adult choir that sings on special occasions during the Traditional Sunday service.
Andrew Brady
Worship Team Leader
My role is to plan, coordinate, and facilitate the music for the weekly contemporary worship service of OSL.