Kelli has served as Campus Pastor at LCM-IU since July, 2006. She is an IU alumna ('94) and holds a bachelor's degree in sociology. Kelli received her Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary in 2000 and then served congregations in California and Pennsylvania. Kelli is married to Jeff (they met as students at LCM-IU) and is mom to Natalie, 6, and Matthew, 4.
As a campus pastor, Kelli especially enjoys: walking alongside students who are discovering their unique passions and gifts; helping students put those gifts to use in the world; being there for students in times of need; equipping others to engage in authentic, ongoing conversation with the Word; and watching the LCM-IU community grow and evolve.
Kelli's interests outside LCM include holistic approaches to health and wellness, books & movies, home renovation, and hanging out with Jeff and the kids.
Jeff has served as LCM-IU Campus Minister since July, 2006. An IU alumnus ('94), he put his Bachelor of Science in Science Education to use teaching middle school science for six years (in Iowa and California) before heading to graduate school. In 2005 he received a Master of Arts in Ministerial Studies from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, and was consecrated as a Diaconal Minister in the ELCA in March, 2007. Jeff is married to Kelli and loves being Natalie's (6) and Matthew's (4) Dad.
As campus minister Jeff brings a passion for helping students learn where their gifts fit in this world, finding outlets to put those gifts to use, seeking and creating social justice, reflecting on and practicing Lutheran theology, and engaging in political advocacy.
Outside of his work with LCM, Jeff likes to relax with a good book, multiple genres of music, or a good movie. He also enjoys playing basketball and other sports. One can also regularly find him engrossed in an IU basketball or Chicago Bears football game on the television, but most of all he loves goofing around with his kids.
Carolyn Sowinski
Office Administrator
Carolyn has worked for LCM for more than 9 years. Her duties include a little bit of everything: compiling databases and Listservs of our students, board, and donors; keeping students informed of activities at LCM; writing the spring newsletters; and finding volunteers from St. Thomas Lutheran Church to cook the delicious Sunday Student Lunches each week. The Campus Ministry Team and the Board of Directors rely on her help in many other ways as well.
Carolyn and her husband Jim moved to Bloomington more than 22 years ago and have been members of St. Thomas ever since. She sings both in the St. Thomas church choir and in the Bloomington Chamber Singers. In the past she has been the St. Thomas Sunday School Coordinator and a member of the St. Thomas Church Council. Carolyn holds a B.A. in History from St. Olaf College, and M.A. degrees in American History and Library Science (with a concentration in Archival Management) from the University of Wisconsin—Madison. She's currently working on a Mankell family history project.
Rachel Erie continues her Master degree in Vocal Performance at the Jacobs School of Music this year. Her passions include baking (especially chocolate), laughing, singing, dancing, snowboarding, golfing, swimming, playing with animals, and anything that involves friends. She has been an active member of LCM for the past two years and has greatly enjoyed the learning she has accomplished as well as the wonderful friends she has made. She looks forward to working as a Peer Minister again this year and helping with service projects and outreach. She also can't wait to bake more pies! Rachel is also a member of the Lutheran Student Movement. LSM is a group for college-age students to gather together in faith. She encourages everyone to check it out at lsm-usa.org
Rachel Erie
Peer Minister
Rebekah Sims
Peer Minister
Rebekah is a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music and an Outside Field (BSOF) - clarinet performance and English in the Jacobs School of Music. She is an avid reader and also enjoys listening to NPR, cooking English and Indian food, and writing. At LCM-IU, Rebekah is looking forward to working with the Muslim Student Union for more dinners and service projects together and lots of fun at Late Nights! Rebekah's Peer Minister concentrations include undergraduate outreach and interfaith/ecumenical outreach.
