Rev. Rosalina (Rosy) Rivera was called to be our Pastor in June 2022. She is a graduate from Lenior-Rhyne University, having earned a Bachelor of Music Education, with a concentration in voice. She graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA in May 2013.
She was ordained in July 2013 and has previously served at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pflugerville, TX from 2013-2017 serving as their Associate Pastor. While serving in TX she assisted in starting the non-profit organization, UP which is an organization which offers programming for adults with mental and physical disabilities. She also served as a solo Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Lorain, OH from 2017-2022. She has served on the NEOH Synod Council and was the President of the Lorain Clergy Association while serving in her last call.
Her family lives in AZ, NC and MA, but she considers North Carolina (besides GA) home. Her toy chihuahua, Sassy, can be often seen roaming the hallways of the church. Sassy loves people and is often the first to greet you if you come by for a visit! Her hobbies include playing guitar, adult coloring books, knitting, fishing and camping.
Melina, Thurmond, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator and
Office Coordinator
Melina (Mel) is a long time Lutheran and native Illinois. She has worked administratively with her home church, college campus ministries, and the ELCA Youth Gathering. Her long time love for kids blossomed from her fourteen years at church camp. When she isn’t busy planning the next youth activity, you can catch Mel hiking trails, kayaking, hammocking, or knitting.
Thomas Eisnor is our Director of Music Ministry and is our organist and choir director. He directs our chancel choir, Jubilate Ringers, beginner bells, and Shepherd’s choir. Thomas studied voice and organ performance at Gordon College, and Emory University. He is the grand prize winner of the Atlanta AGO scholarship competition for the year 2006, and the first recipient to be invited back as a judge. When Thomas isn’t making music he can be found anywhere on the water, fishing, skiing, or sailing.
Pam Weinelt studied piano, violin and voice at Newberry College and Kennesaw State University while completing her degrees in Accounting. She has participated in a variety of performance groups including Newberry Madrigals performing ensemble (piano), the Atlanta Youth and Cobb Symphonies (violin), and several small jazz and performance ensembles (piano, vibes/bells, bass) in college. She was Director of Music at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Roswell from 1986-1998 before accepting the position of Praise Team Coordinator for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1999.
She is a long-standing leader of the congregation. She has a professional background with over 10 years experience in corporate accounting. Over the last 15 years, Carrie has specifically worked in nonprofit accounting with faith-based organizations.
Donna has been a member at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for many years. She has been actively involved with many of our youth programs including Confirmation, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and a regular Sunday Servant. She and her husband have 5 children, who have also grown up attending Good Shepherd. Donna loves spending time with her family playing games, doing crafts and enjoying the outdoors. She loves technology and helping people understand it.
Aaron and his family have been members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since 1997. Aaron has been blessed to work as the custodian since 2006. Aaron has been helping with the music for Vacation Bible School for many years. Aaron loves music and has been singing with the Praise Team since 2002. Aaron enjoys going to the movies, playing games, and going on vacation with his family.
Staff
Pastor Rosy Rivera
Rev. Rosalina (Rosy) Rivera was called to be our Pastor in June 2022. She is a graduate from Lenior-Rhyne University, having earned a Bachelor of Music Education, with a concentration in voice. She graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA in May 2013.
She was ordained in July 2013 and has previously served at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pflugerville, TX from 2013-2017 serving as their Associate Pastor. While serving in TX she assisted in starting the non-profit organization, UP which is an organization which offers programming for adults with mental and physical disabilities. She also served as a solo Pastor at First Lutheran Church in Lorain, OH from 2017-2022. She has served on the NEOH Synod Council and was the President of the Lorain Clergy Association while serving in her last call.
Her family lives in AZ, NC and MA, but she considers North Carolina (besides GA) home. Her toy chihuahua, Sassy, can be often seen roaming the hallways of the church. Sassy loves people and is often the first to greet you if you come by for a visit! Her hobbies include playing guitar, adult coloring books, knitting, fishing and camping.
Contact Pastor Rosy
Melina, Thurmond, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator and
Office Coordinator
Melina (Mel) is a long time Lutheran and native Illinois. She has worked administratively with her home church, college campus ministries, and the ELCA Youth Gathering. Her long time love for kids blossomed from her fourteen years at church camp. When she isn’t busy planning the next youth activity, you can catch Mel hiking trails, kayaking, hammocking, or knitting.
Contact Melina
Thomas Eisnor, Director of Music Ministry
Thomas Eisnor is our Director of Music Ministry and is our organist and choir director. He directs our chancel choir, Jubilate Ringers, beginner bells, and Shepherd’s choir. Thomas studied voice and organ performance at Gordon College, and Emory University. He is the grand prize winner of the Atlanta AGO scholarship competition for the year 2006, and the first recipient to be invited back as a judge. When Thomas isn’t making music he can be found anywhere on the water, fishing, skiing, or sailing.
Contact Thomas
Pam Weinelt, Praise Service Coordinator
Pam Weinelt studied piano, violin and voice at Newberry College and Kennesaw State University while completing her degrees in Accounting. She has participated in a variety of performance groups including Newberry Madrigals performing ensemble (piano), the Atlanta Youth and Cobb Symphonies (violin), and several small jazz and performance ensembles (piano, vibes/bells, bass) in college. She was Director of Music at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Roswell from 1986-1998 before accepting the position of Praise Team Coordinator for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in 1999.
Contact Pam
Carrie Escamilla, Bookkeeper
She is a long-standing leader of the congregation. She has a professional background with over 10 years experience in corporate accounting. Over the last 15 years, Carrie has specifically worked in nonprofit accounting with faith-based organizations.
Contact Carrie
Donna Garges, Media Coordinator
Contact Donna
Aaron Frink, Custodian
Aaron and his family have been members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church since 1997. Aaron has been blessed to work as the custodian since 2006. Aaron has been helping with the music for Vacation Bible School for many years. Aaron loves music and has been singing with the Praise Team since 2002. Aaron enjoys going to the movies, playing games, and going on vacation with his family.