Immanuel Lutheran Church

Hello! My name is Tyler Poppen and I will be serving as Immanuel's vicar for the year of August 2011 to August 2012. This will be a year for me to serve Immanuel in many aspects of ministry, and it will also be a great year of experience during my seminary education.

I am originally from Milbank, South Dakota and I graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Environmental Management before moving to St. Louis in June of 2009 for seminary. In October of 2009, I met my wife Katie, who is getting a doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She is originally from Carlsbad, New Mexico. We recently married in the seminary chapel on May 7, 2011.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing piano and organ (I have served as music director in a few congregations), and walking, biking, and hiking with my wife.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Concordia University in Chicago. More recently I received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. September 2011 will mark the anniversary of my third year as Principal, here at Immanuel Lutheran School. From the very moment that we first came to Immanuel, everyone was very warm and welcoming – they are like my second family! Immanuel Lutheran School and Church has been a great blessing to me and my family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' My close family includes my wife, Emily, our son, Aidan and our daughter, Neve.  In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family. 

My educational background began at: St. John’s Lutheran College, Winfield, KS with an Associates degree; and continued on to Southwestern College in Winfield, KS where I was awarded a Bachelors degree. I was granted call status by Concordia University, Mequon, WI, in 2008.  Some of the areas that inspire me working at Immanuel, is the teamwork, the fellowship and the support of fellow faculty and staff members. Working with young students and watching them learn and grow is very rewarding. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” I have three wonderful daughters: Rebecca – 24, Christine - 21, and Jessica – 19. My hobbies include, music, sewing, baking and spending time with my daughters.

My educational background is from Northern Illinois University where I received a bachelors degree; and Benedictine University where I earned my MBA. What I love about Immanuel is the positive atmosphere displayed not only by teachers and staff, but also by the students. There is a loving and genuine concern for the well being of everyone in our community. My favorite Bible verse is 'Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise' Philippians 4:8 I am blessed with a loving family. I'm married to Steve and we have two girls: Anna and Sara.  Both attend Immanuel Lutheran School.  My hobbies include gardening, reading to my girls and enjoying my husband's company.  

My educational background is interesting; but does not truly reflect my job as a church secretary. I have a bachelors in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the College of the Ozarks. I have received so many blessings as the church secretary. The people I work with are incredible - extremely dedicated to their vocations and to their Lord. Having the opportunity to work with our church and school families is also a wonderful part of my job. My favorite Bible verse is 'The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?' from Psalm 27:1 I am originally from SW Missouri. I came from a large family of six sisters and one brother. My husband, Garry, and I have two children – Lydia, 23, and Alex, 20. Both of our children are graduates of Immanuel. I have a lot of interests (probably none of them very interesting to anyone else). I like to read (when I can stay awake).

I began my service to the church as a second grade teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Memphis, Tennessee in the fall of 1979. After two years of teaching I enrolled at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Upon graduation my degree was awarded in 1985 and my first Call into the pastoral ministry was to Faith Lutheran Church and School in Ft. Lauderdale. I served there for seven years before accepting the Call to Immanuel in Washington in 1992.