Leadership

Pastor Joe grew up in Elk Grove before moving away for college and going on to serve congregations in Ohio, Illinois, and Iowa. He returned home when he was called to be a pastor of St. Peter’s in 2015. He has been married to his wife, Mary, since 2003 and they have four kids: Lily, Jacob, Hannah, and Matthew. Joe is a die-hard fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Giants. He likes to run, workout, explore, and discuss sports and theology in his spare time. Most of all, he loves Jesus and His Church, spending time with his family and friends, and tacos!
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”-Romans 5:8

Brad has attended St. Peter’s since birth, being baptized and confirmed in his childhood. Brad felt God calling him into Youth Ministry in 2006 has been serving here ever since. From answering deep questions, to teaching, leading worship, and making sure he wins any games he can against kids, Brad has a big heart for God’s youth. He desires to help youth in their faith so they are able to go into adulthood with a firm foundation of Christ to stand on. Brad and his wife, Joanna, have been married since 2014 and have three kids: Jackson, Jeremiah, and Joshua. Fun fact: Brad used to be in a country band with his two siblings and a few friends for several years! Brad loves his family, friends, is also a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan, camping, hiking, fishing, quoting movies, and cheesy dad jokes.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”- Psalm 23

Veronica has been a part of the St. Peter’s since she was born. Baptized and confirmed, she has grown up and grown in her faith at St. Peter’s. She has been married to her husband, Jay, since 1997 and together they have four kids: Kayla, Faith, Daniel, and Kris, who all attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School from preschool through 8th grade. Veronica has a passion for coming alongside families as they teach their children about God and helping them grow in their faith. She has been in Children’s Ministry since 2010 and continues to be in awe of how God works in children’s lives. She also works for St. Peter’s Lutheran School as Hot Lunch Coordinator and Sound Technician. Veronica loves her family, His Church, San Francisco 49ers, watching movies, and classic rock n roll (just don’t ask her about Guns N Roses!). She also loves tacos… are you sensing a theme with our staff?!
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Eric grew up in Sacramento and went to college at American River, Davis, and Sac State. He was a certified auto mechanic for 10 years before joining his brother in two franchise businesses: 7-11 and Famous Amos Cookies. He was married for 10 years before his wife passed suddenly in 1997. As Facility Manager for the last 20 years, his primary responsibilities are inspecting and repairing plumbing, electrical services, managing janitorial duties and serve the needs and security of the campus. In his spare time, he enjoys reading the Bible, music, playing golf, and, of course, food!
"for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." - James 1:20

Mary Dapelo joined the St. Peter’s team in 2018. Mary grew up as a missionary kid in Bangladesh before receiving her B.A. in Behavioral Science and Psychology and a diploma in Biblical Studies from Concordia University and the Lutheran Bible Institute in Irvine, CA. Mary and Joe have been married since 2003. She has been homeschooling their four kids for much of the last 9 years. Most importantly, she loves her husband (yes, he wrote this) and tacos!

Arla spent her first 13 years of life in Orangevale, where she began her faith journey, being baptized at 5 years old. Arla moved to the SF Bay Area with her parents, where she lived for 36 years before moving back to the Sacramento area in 2004. She has been married to her husband Jack, since 1991. They have a “yours mine and ours” family with 7 children and many grandchildren. Arla enjoys sewing, reading, writing, is a novice gardener, and has recently begun strength training. Arla retired from corporate America in October of 2023. Not wanting to be idle, she stepped into the role of Member Care Coordinator when she saw the need. Serving the congregation at St. Peter’s and striving to ensure that each person feels connected to the congregation and cared for, is her favorite part of the role she serves as the Member Care Coordinator at St. Peter’s. Arla has a passion for the unity and bond of the Believers.
“For just as the body is one and has many members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – Jews or Greeks, slaves or free – and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”  - 1 Corinthians 12: 12 - 13

Bethany has called St. Peter’s home since she was 3 years old. She went through St. Peter’s Lutheran School, and she has been active in Youth Ministry, worship team, choir, and Vacation Bible School. She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, and she is beginning her master’s degree in school counseling. She honored to serve the members and visitors of St. Peter’s since 2020 and is thankful for a supportive church family. In her free time, she loves hanging out with her friends and family, photography, long walks, weight training, and aimlessly walking around Target or Old Navy. She has a passion for the Lord and His Word, and she has a passion for youth as they grow in faith. She also loves…tacos!
 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9