Our Staff
Jonathan Kolander, Pastor
Hi there. Thanks for taking the time to look into our ministry here at Victory.
God’s mercies are new every morning – these words taken from Lamentations 3 serve as a great source of comfort and motivation in life, and in particular for the ministry. I have had the privilege of serving congregations in Michigan, Wisconsin, California, and Florida. It is a joy to meet and serve people from across this Country, a Country (as with the rest of the world) which is in need of hearing about Jesus Christ.
God’s mercies are new every morning – these words taken from Lamentations 3 serve as a great source of comfort and motivation in life, and in particular for the ministry. I have had the privilege of serving congregations in Michigan, Wisconsin, California, and Florida. It is a joy to meet and serve people from across this Country, a Country (as with the rest of the world) which is in need of hearing about Jesus Christ.
My wife, Jenny, and I are excited about the ministry opportunities here at Victory, and also the opportunities Victory supports through our National Church Body – the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Jenny and I have four grown children.
We look forward to celebrating God’s daily new mercies with you here at Victory.
Jarrett Mielke,
Staff Minister
Hi, I’m Jarrett Mielke, Staff Minister at Victory! I grew up in Sarasota, Florida. I attended Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin, and was encouraged there in my consideration of public ministry. I went on to Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota for four years, where I finished my course of study in May, 2023. For my last semester, I served as an intern at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. The experience encouraged me in my walk of faith and gave me ministerial experience, though I still have much to learn. In May, 2023 I received a call to serve at Victory and began doing so in July.
In my free time, I enjoy learning foreign languages, woodworking, and photography. In October, 2023, I married my wife Leah. Together, we enjoy watching movies, playing games, and baking. We look forward to welcoming you to Victory!
Anne Grotefend, Preschool Director
Hi, I’m Anne Grotefend, Director of Victory Preschool! Welcome! My goal is to create an environment that, first and foremost, introduces students to the love of their Savior, Jesus; secondly, meets students at their level and builds a foundation for success in all areas of development; finally, creates a close-knit family of students, parents, and staff in Christ!
I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I was 4 years old and am thankful to be fulfilling that calling in my life! I received my B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in 2005, and in 2015 completed my Masters in Education – Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction through Concordia University. I enjoy interacting with diverse groups of learners and gained experience with a variety of cultures while serving Christ the Lord Lutheran Preschool in Houston, Texas (2005–2010), teaching PreK and Kindergarten at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Belmont, California (2010–2020), and now in Jacksonville (2020–present).
In August 2023, I married my husband Steven, and we are settling into the Mandarin area of town. Our hobbies include camping, puzzles, baking, 3-D printing, and more. I am blessed to serve this community and look forward to partnering with your family!
Contact Us
Pastor Kolander
Office: (904) 642-8900
Cell: (414) 510-0971
Email:
pastork@victorylutheran.org
Staff Minister Jarrett
Office: (904) 642-8900
Cell: (941) 735-6962
Email:
jmielke@victorylutheran.org
Director Anne
Office: (904) 642-8900
Cell: (904) 955-1926
Email:
director@victorypreschool.org
