Meet the Pastor and Staff

Pastor Les Swenson began his ministry at St. Paul in August 1999. He previously served Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City, Iowa (1993-99), Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven (1983-93), and two congregations in Massachusetts. He is a graduate of Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois, and the Yale University Divinity School, New Haven. Pastor Swenson and his wife Liz live in Old Saybrook. Pastor Swenson serves as chair of the Board of Trustees of the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries.

Tina Bascom serves as Parish Administrator. She is an invaluable resource and help for all who want to know about life at St. Paul.

Donna Vinelli serves as the Ministries Developer and recently became a ChristCare Equipper. In this part-time position, Donna works closely with congregational program ministries to help prosper and grow their work and assist with leadership training. She works closely with the ministriesof the congregation inviting and encouraging deeper and wider participation on the part of members and friends in the life of St. Paul Church.

Ellie Rufleth serves as Youth Ministries Coordinator. She has a BS in Social Work and Family Life Ministry from Concordia College in Bronxville, New York, and is qualified to hold a Lutheran Church Worker certification. She is currently attending the University of New Haven in the Graduate Education program and is interning at Old Saybrook Middle School, as well as coaching field hockey.

Alice Neuman is coordinator of music ministries at St. Paul Church. She plans, leads, and coordinates the music for worship services in partnership with our church musicians, directs the Senior Choir, is developing a music ministry for children, and coordinates special music throughout the year.

Nancy Ballek serves as organist/pianist for the 10:45 worship service. She accompanies the Senior Choir and many other musical ensembles.

John Banker & Al LaPorte, two well known jazz musicians in this region accompany the 8:30 Jazz Mass on Sunday mornings.

Dave Moretti serves as the church sexton making sure the beautiful facilities of St. Paul Church are clean and welcoming to all who enter.