Zion’s Staff
Reverend Janet Crissinger, Senior Pastor
Reverend Jan Crissinger is in good
standing with the United Church of Christ as an ordained teaching elder
(pastor) in the Presbyterian Church, USA and has served in numerous
congregations. Prior to her work as an interim pastor, Pastor Jan served as a hospice
chaplain and as staff chaplain at St. Mayr’s in Duluth and St. Mary’s in
Rochester.
Reverend Jan is the mother of two; Susannah (Gabriel
Aguayo) and Victoria (Trent West) both of who live and work in
Minneapolis. An honors graduate of
United Theological Seminary with bachelor’s degree in philosophy, Jan
thoroughly enjoys reading, writing and research, but find the greatest
happiness in the daily practice of ministry as well as just hanging out with
her family and friends.
Jan has revitalized and sustained Christian
education programs with church youth and has shown a strong desire to continue
to teach the word of God to all ages. Those who Jan has led in the past cannot
say enough good things about her ministry and the way she cares for a congregation.
Pastor Susan Shoon, Minster of Music
I am a retired ELCA Lutheran Pastor/Chaplain with a background in Worship/Music, Youth
Ministry/Visitation/Pastoral Care. I’ve also done Chaplaincy with Ecumen Seasons, Senior Independent Care, Maplewood. Currently, I am part time at Zion Lutheran Church Lake Crystal as their Visitation and Pastoral Care Pastor. Using my gifts of music over the years I have worked as the Creator of the Worship services as well as Director of High School Music at Zion, Anoka; Adult Choir and Praise Band, Christ the Servant, Vadnais Heights; Senior Choir Director,1st Lutheran Columbia Heights.
My husband Tom Schoon, retired engineer, and I moved to Mankato three years ago from the cities to ‘walk’ with his Mom and Dad as they age. Together, 19 years ago, we combined our four sons making a new family, Josh and Andy Madson, Brandon and Matt Schoon. And now we celebrate our year-old grandson Brayden Schoon. I love music events, dance, concerts, sports, swimming, walking, and working on a 60-acre conservancy with friends in Wadena, Mn!
Diane Frauendienst, Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper
Diane came to Zion in January of 2017. Before that, she worked for the City of Norwood Young America as City Clerk/Treasurer and the City of Henderson as Deputy Clerk.
Diane has been married to her husband Tom since 1985 and they have three children, seven grandchildren, and a chocolate lab named Tessa. When Diane is not at Zion, she is taking care of her granddaughters, working as secretary for Centennial Lutheran Church, and volunteering for Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML).
Victoria Manske, Communications Coordinator
Hi, I am Victoria Manske and I have graciously accepted the position of Communication Coordinator here at Zion UCC; Thank you so much for this opportunity. Many of you in church know me as Tor as I have been a member here my entire life. My husband Ben and I have one son, Otto, who was recently baptized into the church as well. I have been involved in this community of ours for years, and currently sit as an Elder on the Church Council. My goal with this position is to help Zion continue to grow, while also helping Diane and Pastor Jan with some of the office work. I will first focus on cleaning up the Zion social media pages and make them a more friendly place to visit, as well as working on the church website. A goal of mine is to make these pages work for us and promote all of the good things happening here at Zion. I will also be using these sites to post any pictures of these fun events so feel free to send them over to zioninfo@zionlesueur.com! I will be available in office Mondays and by phone or email Sunday and Wednesday evenings. I am excited to see where this position will go and to see Zion grow
Jackie Braun, Christian Education Director
My name is Jackie Braun and I am the new Director of Christian Education Program at Zion! I am married to my husband Nate and have two daughters, Harper and Dawson. I am passionate about creating a Christ-centered, inclusive learning environment for all ages. As I step into this new role, my vision for the Christian Education program is to help individuals grow in their relationship with Christ and experience the transformative power of God’s Word. My goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone can learn, serve, and deepen their faith together, while also building strong connections. I am looking forward to working alongside our volunteers, families, and church community to develop an environment where all are encouraged to grow in faith, love, and service.
Additional Staff
Reverand Robert Broeder, Pastor Emeritus
Brian Braun, Music Director
Dustin and Tanya Kahle, Custodians
Sylvia Denzer, Kitchen Supervisor
Musicians: Mary Trimbo, Betty Jo Braun, Art & Barb Straub