Senior High Youth Gathering – CANCELLED

Speaker

Rev. Travis Hartjen

Pastor Hartjen is an LCMS church planter in the north Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Before that he was a DCE who served in Austin and Houston. He loves sharing his life and the great hope of Jesus with those inside and outside the church. He currently co-hosts a weekly podcast, KnownLegacy: By Dads for Dads, and is starting the next church plant in the Argyle, TX area with his wife, Tara, and their four kids.

Speaker

Dani Tietjen

As a storyteller, Dani is the coauthor of “More than a Story” (2013). She travels the country as an inspirational speaker and is active in urban renewal on the north side of Minneapolis. She spends her time heading up a community garden and researching food preservation, as well as the benefits of health and art in underprivileged areas. Dani graduated from Concordia University St. Paul as a Director of Christian Outreach with a focus on Theology and Social Justice.

Musicians

Bread of Stone

Brothers Ben and Bill Kristijanto formed Iowa-based band Bread of Stone in 2004. They have since been joined by bass player Tim Barnes (South Dakota) and drummer Jason Ferris (Ohio) to form a four-piece band. In 2015, the band charted No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Rock Charts with their song Porcelain from their project Not Alone. Bread of Stone is passionate about sharing what God has been doing in their lives, both personally and as a group, wherever they travel.

Speaker

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson

Rev. Dr. Ryan Peterson serves as Vice President of Administration at Concordia University Ann Arbor. Prior to serving in this role, he was the Campus Pastor at CUAA and also a pastor in the St. Louis area. He has degrees from Concordia University Wisconsin, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Ryan and his wife Kristy have four energetic kids and love camping, traveling, and experiencing the adventures of living in Pure Michigan while serving on an amazing college campus.

Entertainment

321 Improv

An evening with 321 Improv is unlike any you’ve been a part of before. It is a unique interactive comedy experience. In each show, the three guys in 321 Improv instantly turn audience suggestions into hilarious scenes. 321 Improv’s aim is “to use comedy to spread a message of true joy that can only have come from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Speaker

Brian Pruitt

Brian Pruitt is a former All-American athlete, author, and entrepreneur. He discovered that people could accomplish just about anything if were willing to display Heart, Attitude, Courage, and Consistency. He has traveled across the United States and other countries equipping listeners with the tools to overcome obstacles to accomplish their dreams.

Musicians

Swen & Dean

Swen and Dean are brothers originally from Northfield, Minn. They love to sing, interact, hang out, and have fun. With their songs and stories, Swen and Dean blend spiritual depth with spirited fun. “We do what we do because of what God has done for us. Singing and sharing are ways of giving thanks.”

Speaker

Rev. Dr. David P. E. Maier

President Maier attended Concordia University Ann Arbor and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Ind. After his Ordination on August 15, 1982, he served as Mission Pastor of Our Savior in Marlette, Mich. as well as Youth Pastor and interim Head Pastor at St. Peter in Arlington Heights, Ill. In 1989, he was called to Our Savior, Lansing as Administrative/Senior Pastor where he served until he was elected President of the Michigan District, LCMS in June of 2009. In addition to serving as Michigan District President, he also serves as Chairman of the LCMS Council of Presidents.

Speaker

Rev. Matt Hauser

Pastor Matthew Hauser currently serves as associate pastor of Peace Lutheran Ministries in Saginaw, Mich. He is married to Briana and they have been blessed with 3 children. When not ministering at the church or school, you can find Pastor Hauser snuggling at home with his kids, playing the guitar or ukulele, or cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Speaker

Pat Maier

Pat Maier enjoys writing, drawing, and “imagining” to inspire others in their walk with Jesus. A pastor’s wife and former Lutheran educator, she believes that the creative use of language and art—when applied to God’s Word—can touch the heart, promote understanding, and bring about joy and connection. She is currently involved in planning and presenting at retreats and women’s events in the Michigan District, as well as teaching about Visual Faith in the Great Lakes area. Pat finds great joy in nature, gardening, and time spent with family. She lives with her husband, David, near Ann Arbor, Mich., where he serves as President of the Michigan District, LCMS. They have four children, three amazing children-in-love, and four grandchildren (so far!).

Musicians

Swenless

These guys can’t wait to meet, hang out, have a blast and seek Jesus with you through worship.

Stephen is a doctor of Chiropractic from Ft. Worth, Texas. He has owned more guitars and attended more proms than you and your friends combined.

Paul is a graphic designer from Minneapolis, Minn. His current kickball stats have him at 88 career home runs.

Ted hails from Maple Grove, Minn. and is a huge Minnesota Vikings fan. He has been a Youth Director, Event Ministry Director, Actor, and currently is a Radio Producer.  Ted is thankful for his wife and two daughters and for the chance to be here with you!

Dean is Swen’s brother and partner in ministry. He loves Reese’s Peanut Butter cups the most. He’s a Marriage and Family Pastor at his church but can’t figure skate. He can’t wait to be with you, again, in Michigan.

Speaker

Blake Lizotte

Blake Lizotte is a center for the Los Angeles Kings. He grew up in Lindstrom, Minn. From 2017-2019, Lizotte attended St. Cloud State University and played two seasons with the Huskies. He signed with the LA Kings in April of 2019. When he is not on the ice, you can find him on the golf course or the lake doing all things watersports!

Speaker

Rev. William (Bill) Yonker

When he’s not enjoying his family or pastoring his congregation, Rev. Bill Yonker loves to travel around the country talking to people about the Lord Jesus. You can also find Pastor Yonker reading or writing, which are his other passions.