Saint Mark's

I grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota and graduated from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota with a B.A. in Asian Studies in 2005. I then attended Luther Seminary and graduated with a M.A. in Missions and World Christianity in May of 2007.

After graduating with my M.A., I worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional at a local Hmong Charter School for six year, where I met and married my wife, Kao Nou in May of 2011. We welcomed our son, Nathaniel, a year later.

Shortly after, I decided to pursue my call into ministry and went back to Luther Seminary in the Fall of 2014. I graduated from Luther Seminary again, this time with my M. Div., and took a call in Frenchtown, Montana. 

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Our family decided to move back to Minnesota and in the summer of 2018, I was called to walk with the people of Saint Mark's Lutheran. I am happy to be here and I'm excited for what we can do in God's mission for the world.

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In my free time, I like to fish and spend time with my family. I also like to travel and visit museums and old historical places.

I grew up down the road in Stanton and graduated from Randolph High School.  I was married in 1978 to Marv Schaffer and we raised 3 children Brett, Luke & Jessica in Northfield.  We have been blessed with 4 grandchildren Reyce, Jayce, William and Isabella.  We're very fortunate our childred live in Northfield, Randolph and Farmington so we see them often. 

I was raised Methodist, joined the Catholic Church before I got married and after we moved to Randolph in 2005, I had my childhood dream come true of joining Saint Mark's Lutheran Church.  Growing up, my cousins belonged to Saint Mark's Church and now I do too, and it feels like home.

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I grew up in Bloomington, the third of four daughters. I went to Concordia College in Moorhead, where I received a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I've worked with children in various capacities over the years, and am currently a Special Education paraprofessional.

Home now is a place on a few acres, west of Hampton, with my husband Mark. We have two grown children, a daughter and a son. When I'm home, besides music, I appreciate being active outdoors. I like to hike, swim, bike, and cross country ski. I bought a harness for our lab-mix dog a few years ago, and have fun "skijoring" with her. I used to have horses, but have recently become a donkey owner to two large, sweet Jennies named Samantha and June. They are young pets for now, but I hope to take them hiking, and one will be big enough to ride.

Sandy and David live near the church and have been taking care of the church for many years.