Graceful People
Rev. Dan Johnson, Pastor
Pastor Dan - or "Dan" - came to Michigan and to Grace Lutheran in 2005 from northern Illinois, having served several ALC and ELCA congregations there. He was born in Rugby, ND, which is famous mostly for being the geographical center of North America. He therefore considers himself "well centered".
Dan's hobbies tend to receive attention in fits. They include photography, pottery (building and sculpting more than throwing), biking, hiking and backpacking, gardening, and a bit of guitar and piano. He and wife Cathy used to enjoy cross-country skiing, but snow that lasts is now quite rare.
Dan and Cathy have two beloved daughters: Lara, who at this date is working on a degree in pharmacy, and Signey (deceased), who was a nature and animal lover par excellence.
Favorite bible verse: Matthew 9:13 "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.'" So central to the person of Jesus, and there is a lifetime of learning in this call.
Favorite song line: "Shower the people you love with love." - James Taylor
Among most admired (living) persons: Bill McKibben and Vandana Shiva.
Overarching concerns: Preserving the biosphere for future generations, social justice.
Loretta Cetkovic, Music Director
Loretta Lanning Cetkovic, a native of Michigan, is a pianist, organist, and music teacher in Lansing, Mich. She manages an active studio and performs frequently in Michigan as a soloist and collaboratively with local players, such as the Con Anima Duo with cellist Igor Cetkovic.
Loretta completed her graduate studies at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich., studying piano performance and pedagogy with Dr. Alexandra Mascolo-David and Dr. Adrienne Wiley. While at CMU, she was awarded a graduate assistantship and inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honors society, also serving as Co-President of the MTNA Collegiate Chapter. She completed undergraduate studies at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., studying piano with Van Cliburn medalist Aviram Reichert and pedagogy with Dr. Helen Marlais.
Loretta, a Founding Teacher in the Music Development Program, has taught music in private schools in Grand Rapids, in Central Michigan University’s Community Music School, and the Stella Royce Piano Camp in Grand Rapids.
Currently, Loretta is director of Lansing-based Dynamics Music School, and Visiting Instructor of Group Piano at Alma College. Loretta serves as President of the Capital Area Music Teachers Association and as Chair of the Performing Arts Students of the Lansing Matinee Musicale. Loretta also serves as Music Director for Grace Lutheran Church in Lansing, Mich.
As Music Director at Grace, Loretta directs the Grace Choir, plays each worship service at Grace, and plans several musical events each year, including the 12th Night Carol Festival, the Lessons and Carols Service, Spring Concert, and the Summer Hymn Sing. Loretta also teaches the Grace Keyboard Lab and the keyboard track for the Grace Sacred Music Camp.
Pastor Dan - or "Dan" - came to Michigan and to Grace Lutheran in 2005 from northern Illinois, having served several ALC and ELCA congregations there. He was born in Rugby, ND, which is famous mostly for being the geographical center of North America. He therefore considers himself "well centered".
Dan's hobbies tend to receive attention in fits. They include photography, pottery (building and sculpting more than throwing), biking, hiking and backpacking, gardening, and a bit of guitar and piano. He and wife Cathy used to enjoy cross-country skiing, but snow that lasts is now quite rare.
Dan and Cathy have two beloved daughters: Lara, who at this date is working on a degree in pharmacy, and Signey (deceased), who was a nature and animal lover par excellence.
Favorite bible verse: Matthew 9:13 "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.'" So central to the person of Jesus, and there is a lifetime of learning in this call.
Favorite song line: "Shower the people you love with love." - James Taylor
Among most admired (living) persons: Bill McKibben and Vandana Shiva.
Overarching concerns: Preserving the biosphere for future generations, social justice.
Loretta Cetkovic, Music Director
Loretta Lanning Cetkovic, a native of Michigan, is a pianist, organist, and music teacher in Lansing, Mich. She manages an active studio and performs frequently in Michigan as a soloist and collaboratively with local players, such as the Con Anima Duo with cellist Igor Cetkovic.
Loretta completed her graduate studies at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich., studying piano performance and pedagogy with Dr. Alexandra Mascolo-David and Dr. Adrienne Wiley. While at CMU, she was awarded a graduate assistantship and inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, the national music honors society, also serving as Co-President of the MTNA Collegiate Chapter. She completed undergraduate studies at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Mich., studying piano with Van Cliburn medalist Aviram Reichert and pedagogy with Dr. Helen Marlais.
Loretta, a Founding Teacher in the Music Development Program, has taught music in private schools in Grand Rapids, in Central Michigan University’s Community Music School, and the Stella Royce Piano Camp in Grand Rapids.
Currently, Loretta is director of Lansing-based Dynamics Music School, and Visiting Instructor of Group Piano at Alma College. Loretta serves as President of the Capital Area Music Teachers Association and as Chair of the Performing Arts Students of the Lansing Matinee Musicale. Loretta also serves as Music Director for Grace Lutheran Church in Lansing, Mich.
As Music Director at Grace, Loretta directs the Grace Choir, plays each worship service at Grace, and plans several musical events each year, including the 12th Night Carol Festival, the Lessons and Carols Service, Spring Concert, and the Summer Hymn Sing. Loretta also teaches the Grace Keyboard Lab and the keyboard track for the Grace Sacred Music Camp.
Susan Gabel - Church Office Administrator
Sue has been working with children for the last five years and decided it was time to get back to working in an office. She has three daughters, Jennifer, Amanda and Heather. She has 2 wonderful son in laws and is a very proud grandma to Liam. She likes to go to the beach, going to the gym and the best time of all is taking care of Liam. Thank you for the opportunity to work for Grace Lutheran Church and look forward to meeting everyone.
