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!
Katie Seelman, Preschool Director
Hi! My name is Mrs. Katie! I strive to create a loving, nurturing, and educational environment built on the foundation that Jesus died for all! My biggest passion in education is building relationships with families and teaching them the love of Jesus.
I received my B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in 2016 and my Master’s in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2020. I have experience working with children of all ages! I taught at Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI from 2016 to 2022. Over the course of those years, I taught 3rd grade and 5th through 8th grade. I also served as Lead 3s Teacher and Assistant Director at a child care center in Virginia from 2022–2024 before moving to Jacksonville.
My husband, Jake, and I moved to Jacksonville in May of 2024 with our two cats, Luna and Patches. We enjoy going to the beach, the zoo, and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy playing piano and reading books in my spare time.
It is a blessing to be able to serve as director and a lead teacher here at Victory!
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 Katie
Office: (904) 642–8900
Cell: (904) 955–1926
Email:
director@victorylutheran.org
