St. John Lutheran Church
located in the heart of Salem, Oregon
Reverend Terry Merrill,
Vacancy Pastor
Pastor Terry Merrill of Albany is a second career pastor and it was after the military, college and work in the electronics and telephone industries that he received a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN and a Doctor of Ministry from Denver, CO Seminary in Marriage and Family Counseling.
Pastor Merrill has served LCMS churches for 37 years including 10 years as spiritual director working with adjudicated youth in residential treatment. He holds clinical membership with Association for Clinical Pastoral Education from Trinity Medical Center in Minot, ND. Currently, he is working with churches in transition as an Intentional Interim Minister.
Pastor Terry finds joy in relationships formed through his ministry as pastor and counselor, and in being part of a church and school community working together to connect people with Jesus and grow in Christian love toward one another. He lives with his wife, Peggy, in Albany, OR. Together they have five children and 13 grandchildren.
Mission Statement
Our mission at St. John is to "Seek the lost, disciple the found, multiply disciple makers & churches locally and globally."
Community
St. John is a community of Christians and extended families in the community. It is a place for little ones to learn and grow, and families to be blessed through the school. It is a place to worship God, follow Jesus, and love one another through the congregation. Together we serve Salem and beyond.
All are welcome.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (The words of Jesus)