Former church secretary to be ordained June 1

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Denise Russell

PERRYSBURG – As Christians around the world celebrate Ascension on June 1, Denise Russell has an
additional reason to celebrate.
She will become a Lutheran pastor and the spiritual leader of All Saints Lutheran in Heartland, MI on
that day. Her ordination will be held at Zoar Lutheran Church in Perrysburg, where she previously served
as a secretary.
At the 3 p.m. service on June 1, Russell will stand among pastors of Northwest Ohio, Lutheran bishops,
choirs, a brass ensemble and members of the four congregations where she worked during her seminary
training – and be ordained.
Rev. Dr. Donald Kreiss, bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod; Rev. Dr. Tim Philabaum and Pastor Ann
Marshall of Zoar Lutheran Church, will preside at her ordination.
The music for the service includes the Zoar Brass ensemble along with Monica Benolkin, violin; Tom
Ritter, bass; Rob Desmond, percussion and Kate Philabaum, organ.
Russell entered seminary as a second-career student, having previously worked as a secretary at the host
church and also previously worked in a corporate grocery as a retail price specialist.
Originally from Elyria, she graduated from Lourdes University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and
then completed her Master’s of Divinity degree at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus.
"As a second-career student I bring the fullness of who I am and all of my life experiences in the
ministry setting," Russell said.
Speaking with excitement about her first parish call, Russell she adds, "God is doing amazing things
in our world today, especially at All Saints Lutheran in Hartland, Michigan. They are a church that
welcomes all who yearn to encounter God. I am honored to lead and join them on their spiritual
journey."
She served four different congregations in the Columbus area during her seminary training.
Russell is married to Brent Russell and has three adult children, daughter Amanda Bauser and her husband
David, son Brian and Jill and their children Kira and baby boy Russell, and also son Alex who will
participate in the service.
A reception in the Family Life Center follows the service. The public is invited to attend.
Zoar Lutheran Church is located on the corner of Indiana and Sandusky Avenues in Perrysburg.

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