Pastors & Staff

Mark Nelson

Administrative Pastor

Mark and his wife, Jane, have two children, James and Lillian. Mark’s vision for Trinity is to become a leader in multiplying extended families of God on mission serving their neighborhoods and networks. After 11 years in the corporate marketplace, Mark’s household felt called to Kingdom work where they could realize eternal significance and impact. He began a career at the Ford Motor Company in various engineering and manufacturing leadership roles. He completed an master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Michigan and Executive Education from Stanford University. He received his M-DIV from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and has served at Trinity since 2007. Mark enjoys family, discipleship, fishing, hiking, nature, gardening, cooking, historical sites, Chicago Bears, Fighting Illini, and NASCAR. Email: pastornelson@trinitypeoria.com   

Matthew Synnott

Associate Pastor

Matthew Synnott serves as Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church. His joy is to see the Word of God impact the lives of the family of God at Trinity. Matt has served at Trinity since the summer of 2012, following his graduation from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Prior to that, he graduated from Texas A&M with a bachelor’s degree in Communication in 2007. Since settling in Peoria, Matt met and married his wife, Anna, and they have four children, William, Michaela, Justin and Theodore. In his spare time, he enjoys getting in touch with his Texas roots through smoking meat on his barbecue pit, pulling for Texas A&M and Texas Christian University, and dancing to country swing with his wife. Email: pastorsynnott@trinitypeoria.com 

Scott Rauch

Director of Christian Education

Scott Rauch is married to Joan and dad to Micah and Hannah. He serves (since 1998) with Trinity’s disciples in the Peoria-area as Director of Christian Education, providing servant leadership with children’s, youth and adult ministries. Scott has served as a DCE since 1986 after graduating from Concordia University – Nebraska. He also has a master’s degree in Adult Education and is a KINDLE Associate. Scott enjoys soccer and music and time with family and friends. Email: scottmrauch@trinitypeoria.com 

Peter Wykert

Cantor

Peter Wykert came to Trinity in 2017 as its cantor. He is a graduate of Concordia University Chicago with a degree in music. As cantor, Peter is in charge of music programs, including directing of the Sanctuary Choir, Bells of Joy and Trinity Brass. He is married to Aleah, and in his spare time, Peter enjoys writing and recording country music. He is originally from Lyons, Illinois. His parents, Tom and Vicki, are both Lutheran school teachers, as is his sister, Rebecca. His younger sister, Rachel, is in high school. Email: peterwykert@trinitypeoria.com 
 

Joy Graham

Office Manager

Joy Graham has been office manager at Trinity for more than 10 years and feels blessed to work with its great staff and wonderful parishioners. She and her husband, David, have one son, Conner. She enjoys running, reading and watching her son play soccer. Joy is originally from Omaha, Neb., and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Email: jgraham@trinitypeoria.com
 

Kerri Blicharz

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Kerri joined Trinity’s staff in August, 2013  and has been a part of its worship community since 2010. She and her husband, Scott, are parents to Emily, Allison and Chris. Kerri graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and she worked for nearly 30 years as a newspaper reporter and copy editor before coming to Trinity. When not involved in family activities, she spends her time enjoying in books, photography, knitting and music. Email: tlc@trinitypeoria.com