Pastor Grams
Jeff’s childhood: Jeff was born in Peoria, Illinois on February 9th and baptized on March 30, 1969. His family lived briefly in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin before settling for ten years in Houston, TX where they attended Trinity Lutheran in Spring/Klein. Pastor D. Beltz confirmed Jeff, and it was during this instruction that he first felt the strong desire to become a pastor. During High School, Jeff’s family moved to Ringwood, New Jersey, where they were members of Christ the King Lutheran Church. It was during this time that Jeff first met Kimberly Dale Carlton, his future wife.
Education: Jeff received a degree in Theology and Humanities from Valparaiso university in 1991. Jeff received his theological training from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Jeff sang in the Lutheran Hour Chorus as well as touring with the Concordia Seminary choir. Jeff served his vicarage at St. John’s in Scottsbluff under the supervision of Pastor Mervyn Bauer. He received his Masters of Divinity degree and was then ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry on July 9th, 1995.
First Call and Kids: Upon graduation from seminary in May 1995, Jeff received his first Call to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulda, Minnesota where he was ordained on July 9, 1995, and served for five years. Pastor and Kim were also blessed with two beautiful daughters. Hayley, born July 9, 1996; and Krista, born February 11, 1998.
Our Families: Pastor Grams’ parents currently reside in Jacksonville, IL; where Sharon is a homemaker and church/community volunteer, and Gary is a professor emeritus at Illinois College where he used to teach organic chemistry. Pastor’s brother, Joel, is a financial planner in Westlake, Ohio. Kim’s sister, Bev, lives near Columbus, Ohio with her husband Erik and son JD.
Our Interests: Pastor Grams’ hobbies include listening to audio books and discussing theology, as well as playing video games with friends. Kim is the director of the Theater Opportunity for Youth (TOFY) in the summer for Theater West at WNCC. At other times she is a stay-at-home mom, and a freelance children’s writer with one book published “Smedly and the Sprinkle Machine”. Besides writing, she enjoys tea, dance, vocal music, and performing in community theatre.
Right Now: Our whole family rejoices as we continue serving the Lord at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Scottsbluff for over 20 years. The congregation continues to be blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ and is a blessing to our family. We thank God for His people in this place! Pastor Grams rejoices to be part of the Wyoming District, where he continues to find additional opportunities for service and personal growth.