For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
The start of a new school year is an exciting time, but for many children, it can also be a source of stress. Too many students begin the school year without the basic school supplies they need to learn and succeed.
Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn invites you to join us for our Annual Backpack Drive and help make a difference in the life of a child.
There are several ways you can participate:
Donate new school supplies from the School Kit Supply List below and drop off your donations at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn.
Make a monetary donation through our online giving link to help us purchase school kit supplies and support this important ministry. Donate to Annual BackPack Drive
Encourage family and friends to join you in supporting this effort and helping children begin the school year prepared and confident.
Through our partnership with Lutheran World Relief, the backpacks assembled through this drive not only serve children in our local community but also reach students and families around the world, providing encouragement, hope, and the tools they need to begin the school year with confidence.
Every backpack is more than just school supplies. It is a reminder that someone cares, believes in a child’s future, and wants them to succeed.
School Supply Wish List
Please include the following in each School Kit:
4 wide- or college-ruled 70-sheet notebooks (approximately 8”× 10½”)
Please do not include loose-leaf paper.
1 ruler (30 centimeters, or one with centimeters on one side and inches on the other)
1 pencil sharpener
1 pair of blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades are ideal)
5 unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers (secure together with a rubber band)
5 black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel pens; secure together with a rubber band)
1 box of 16 or 24 crayons
1 eraser (approximately 2½”)
1 sturdy drawstring cloth backpack (approximately 14” × 17” with shoulder straps; please do not use standard backpacks)
Together, we can help children start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.
Thank you for your generosity and for supporting Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn’s Annual Backpack Drive.
Pastor Khader Khalilia was born and raised in Bethlehem, Palestine, the very town where Jesus was born. He was baptized and nurtured in the Greek Orthodox tradition, where he was shaped by the richness of ancient liturgy and sacramental life. Over time, he was drawn to Lutheran theology, particularly its evangelical catholic expression, grounded in the Word, the sacraments, and the theology of the cross.
He attended Talitha Kumi Lutheran School and earned a Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies and Christian education from Bethlehem Bible College. In 2005, he was invited by the Evangelica Lutheran Church in America to continue his theological education. He received his Master of Divinity from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California, and was ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament in January 2009.
Pastor Khader first served as Associate Pastor of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in San Mateo.
California. In October 2013, he was called to serve as Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, where he continues to lead the congregation in worship, preaching, and community ministry with joy and dedication.
He currently serves as Dean of the Southwest Brooklyn Lutheran Conference. Pastor Khader Khalilia represents the Metropolitan New York Synod on the New York Council of Churches, and serves on the Board of the Arab American Association of New York. He is actively engaged in several local and national organizations, contributing his voice to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.
Pastor Khader is passionate about proclaiming Christ crucified and risen, celebrating the sacramental life of the Church, and building bridges of justice, compassion, and understanding among people of different cultures and faiths.
He also leads regular pilgrimage trips to the Holy Land, inviting others to walk where Jesus walked and to encounter Scripture in new and transformative ways.
He proudly calls Brooklyn home and finds deep joy in its vibrant, diverse, and resilient community. In his free time, he enjoys reading, cooking, working out, biking, and sharing meals and stories with family and friends.
Come and be part of the Grace community, where faith is lived, love is shared, and all are welcome.
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Charbel Zgheib
Salam Arabic Lutheran Pastor
At Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, we are blessed to have Rev. Charbel Zgheib as our Pastor of Salam Arabic Ministry. Rev. Zgheib also founded Salam Radio Station, the first Arabic online ecumenical radio platform, and serves as pastor of Salam Arabic Church. Born and raised in Lebanon, his Catholic upbringing and deep commitment to justice, compassion, and human dignity shape his ministry every day.
With over twenty years of experience, Rev. Zgheib is a mission developer and church planter within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He is passionate about building inclusive faith communities that nurture spiritual resilience. He also champions holistic mental health care, especially for vulnerable and frontline populations.
Rev. Zgheib's academic journey reflects his commitment to both faith and psychology. He earned a Master's in Clinical Social Psychology from the Lebanese University in 2007, followed by a Master's in Theological and Pastoral Studies from Antonine University in 2010. He graduated from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2020. His education and ministry experience span Lebanon, Syria, and the United States, bringing a truly global and multicultural perspective to his work.
Throughout his career, Rev. Zgheib has led meaningful programs for organizations like ABAAD MAAN Foundation, and the Justice and Mercy Association. He has developed and managed initiatives focused on gender equality, interfaith cooperation, prison reform, and psychosocial care. His work with the United Nations and various non-governmental organizations includes training, counseling, and program management-equipping frontliners with trauma-informed care, self-care, and community healing strategies.
In addition to his ministry and humanitarian work, Rev. Zgheib has over 20 years of media experience. He has hosted impactful talk shows on Voice of Charity and Charity TV in Lebanon, sharing messages of hope and faith. Fluent in Arabic and English, and French, he brings a unique blend of spiritual depth, clinical insight and cultural understanding to every aspect of his ministry. Whether preaching, counseling, or serving on the front lines of humanitarian efforts, Rev. Zgheib’s work is always guided by a heartfelt commitment to faith, justice and human dignity.
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Mary Masterson
Administrative Assistant
Mary is the steady hand behind the scenes at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn. As our Administrative Assistant, she manages communications, prepares bulletins, coordinates the Pastor’s schedule, and handles bookkeeping. Her attention to detail helps ensure that the daily rhythms of church life run smoothly.
Her quiet dedication supports the heart of our community. By tending to the practical needs of the church, Mary creates space for worship, fellowship, and ministry to flourish. Her work may often go unnoticed, but its impact is felt in every part of our shared life.
You won’t find her photo here. Mary prefers to stay out of the spotlight. But if you’ve visited Grace Lutheran recently, you’ve likely seen her smile, received her help, or simply experienced how well everything runs.
With grace and consistency, Mary helps hold our community together. Her presence is a quiet strength, reminding us that every role, whether visible or behind the scenes, is part of the sacred work of building a church where all are welcome.
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Leticia Milla
Director of Youth
Leticia Milla brings energy, creativity, and deep compassion to her role as Youth Director at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn. She also serves as Communications Assistant for the Metropolitan New York Synod, helping share stories that connect and inspire across the wider church.
Originally from Brazil and now living in New York City, Leticia brings a global perspective shaped by her experiences in Brazil, the United States, and Germany. Her passion for youth ministry is rooted in years of leadership work that centers young voices and nurtures their faith journeys.
Leticia holds degrees in Church Music and Religion, and her background as a musician continues to shape her creative and relational approach to ministry. Whether she’s leading worship, planning youth gatherings, or uplifting others through communications work, Leticia helps build inclusive spaces grounded in grace, empathy, and the Gospel.
At Grace Lutheran, she helps young people feel seen and supported, guiding them to grow in faith and leadership. Her work reminds us that ministry is both local and global, and that community can be woven across cultures, languages, and generations.
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Pedro Acevedo
Building Care Manager
Pedro cares for the space we call home with dedication and steady hands. As Building Care Manager at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, he helps ensure that our church remains a safe, welcoming place for worship, community, and service.
From preparing the sanctuary to maintaining the building’s daily needs, Pedro’s work supports everything we do together. His attention to detail and quiet presence make a difference that’s felt by everyone who walks through our doors.
Pedro may not always be in the spotlight, but his care is woven into every corner of our space. He helps create an environment where people can gather, connect, and grow in faith.
In every task, Pedro reflects the grace we strive to live by. His steady presence is a reminder that behind every vibrant church is someone making sure the lights are on, the doors are open, and the space is ready for all.
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Kirsten d'Aquino
Music Director
Kirsten D’Aquino brings artistry, dedication, and deep faith to her role as Music Director at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, a position she has held since the early 1990s. A gifted organist and vocalist, Kirsten has shaped the musical life of our congregation for over three decades, enriching worship through her thoughtful leadership and exceptional musicianship.
A graduate of The Juilliard School with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organ performance, Kirsten joined the Grace Lutheran community early in her career. She made Brooklyn home, raising a family while cultivating a ministry of music that has inspired generations.
Beyond her work at Grace, Kirsten has served in multiple musical roles across New York City. She founded and directed a volunteer choir at Holy Innocents, played for midweek Latin Masses, and performed in renowned venues including Alice Tully Hall, St. John the Divine, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Her ministry has also extended to Washington, D.C., where she organized music for Latin Masses during the March for Life at St. Mary, Mother of God.
Kirsten is a member of The Renaissance Street Singers and continues to explore new creative paths. She is currently preparing for an operatic role in Monteverdi’s Orfeo, expanding her expression of sacred and classical music.
Rooted in a lifelong faith, Kirsten sees her musical gifts as a way to grow spiritually and help others do the same. Whether she is leading hymns on Sunday morning or singing in the community, her work reflects a passion for beauty, reverence, and service.
Originally from Long Island, Kirsten has lived in New York her entire life. Alongside her love for music and her devotion to her children, she finds joy in cooking, gardening, and cultivating beauty in all areas of life.
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Celina Randazzo
Cantor
Celina Randazzo brings passion, artistry, and a blossoming international career to her role as cantor at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn. Her versatile voice and dynamic performances enrich our worship and music ministry, connecting classical opera with community expression.
Currently a Young Artist at OperUs Young Artist Academy in Trieste, Italy, Celina prepares to perform at the historic Palazzo Gopcevich in 2025. Her repertoire spans from bel canto arias to contemporary works, reflecting her broad musical interests and deep commitment to her craft.
Celina earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, cum laude, from CUNY Queens College’s Aaron Copland School of Music. Her operatic roles include Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel, Flora in The Turn of the Screw, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, and Lisette in La rondine. She has also been a featured soloist in concerts and galas, performing arias from La traviata, La bohème, and other beloved works.
Her early training at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts included leading roles such as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray. She has appeared on prestigious New York stages including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden, and has performed the National Anthem for major league baseball teams.
At Grace Lutheran, Celina’s artistry helps build a vibrant and inspiring music ministry grounded in grace and community. Her journey reminds us that music is a bridge connecting tradition, culture, and faith across generations.
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Christina Swanson
Cantor
Christina Swanson brings versatility, creativity, and passion to her role as a cantor at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn. Equally at home in opera, musical theater, concert, and performance art, Christina enriches worship with her dynamic voice and artistic spirit.
Based in New York City, Christina’s broad experience spans stages large and small. She recently appeared in a Theatre Row reading of The Dressmaker’s Story and has performed with arts organizations including Utah Festival Opera, Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, Opera MODO, Hudson River Opera, and the Oratorio Society of New Jersey. As a dedicated chorister, she is on the roster of the New York Philharmonic Chorus and the Choral Chameleon Ensemble.
Christina co-founded Killer Queen Opera, an emerging company supported by the Brooklyn Arts Council and the Alliance of Resident Theaters. She produces chamber operas and cabarets, and recently premiered an original performance art piece, Where My Grandmothers Live in My Body, at the Spark Theater Festival in NYC.
She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance with an Advanced Pedagogy Certificate from New York University, where she also served as an Adjunct Voice Instructor. A passionate educator, Christina teaches Vocal Arts at City School of the Arts and maintains a private voice studio.
At Grace Lutheran, Christina’s voice and artistry help build an inclusive, vibrant space grounded in grace and community. Her work reminds us that music can connect us across genres, cultures, and generations, inviting all to experience the joy of worship and artistic expression.
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Jackson Emmett Schroeder
Cantor
Jackson Emmett Schroeder serves as cantor at Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, where his voice brings grace, reverence, and depth to our worship services. With a gift for expressive performance and a heart for sacred music, Jackson helps create a worship experience that uplifts and inspires.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Jackson now calls New York City home. He holds degrees from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and McGill University’s Schulich School of Music. His performance highlights include roles such as Pirelli in Sweeney Todd, the Witch in Hänsel und Gretel, and solo appearances at Boston Symphony Hall.
His training has taken him around the world, including studies at the Franz Schubert Institute in Austria and an apprenticeship with Sarasota Opera, where he covered the role of Peppe in Pagliacci and performed in multiple mainstage productions.
A dedicated student of voice, Jackson has studied under renowned teachers Frank Kelley and John MacMaster. He brings that same care and excellence into every performance, whether on stage or in service of the church.
At Grace Lutheran, Jackson’s presence in our music ministry enriches the spiritual life of the congregation. His voice helps lead us into reflection, praise, and a deeper sense of connection with God and one another.
With energy, humility, and artistry, Jackson reminds us of the sacred power of music to stir the soul and strengthen our community.
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Collin Ellsbury
Cantor
Collin Ellsbury brings experience, artistry, and a care for liturgy to Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn. Collin embraces his role as a meaningful expression of community, worship, and service.
Collin was recently seen in concert with Alan Menken and the NYU Broadway Orchestra under the direction of Ted Sperling at the Jack H. Skirball Center For The Performing Arts. He performed "Out There" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame as part of the overall concert "Celebrating the Genius of Alan Menken," and is deeply grateful for his opportunity to have performed this music with its composer.
Collin called Fort Dodge, IA, his home for most of his life before living and learning in Illinois, Oklahoma, and now New York City. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Classical Vocal Performance and Music Theater and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Political Science, summa cum laude, from Oklahoma City University.
Collin is also a recent graduate of New York University, having finished his Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Post-Master's Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy in May at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. While at NYU, Collin served as an Adjunct Instructor of Voice, teaching non-music major students about the voice and music.
Collin has performed roles spanning the opera and music theater canon, including The Baker in Into the Woods, Schaunard in La bohème, Inspector Javert in Les Misérables, Manfred in Two Remain, J. Bruce Ismay in Titanic, J.J. Peachum in The Threepenny Opera, and Guglielmo in Così fan tutte. He has performed at many venues, including Radio City Music Hall, the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, the Iris Cantor Theatre, and the John M. Hall Auditorium.
At Grace Lutheran, Collin assists a music ministry grounded in artistry and community. He fosters a welcoming space where music becomes a bridge between personal expression and spiritual connection. Motivated by a passion to serve, Collin continues to develop as both an educator and worship leader dedicated to supporting others through his gifts."
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Deacon Eric Johnson
Deacon
Deacon Eric Johnson was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Scandinavian parents and has been part of the Lutheran community since his baptism at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Ditmas Avenue. He was confirmed in 1975 at Flatbush Church of the Redeemer, affirming his lifelong commitment to Christ.
Throughout his life, Deacon Eric has been actively involved in several Brooklyn congregations, including Holy Trinity Lutheran and St. John, St. Matthew, Emanuel Lutheran Church. Over the years, he has taught Sunday School, served on church councils, led building projects, and frequently assisted in worship as an assisting minister.
In 2003, Eric married Tammy Cogen, and together they have shared more than twenty-two years of faith, love, and partnership. Called to serve the Church through the diaconate, Eric completed Synodical Deaconate Training from 2013 to 2017. He was set apart as a Deacon by Bishop Robert Alan Rimbo and faithfully served congregations in Brooklyn before joining Grace Lutheran Church of Brooklyn, where he now serves. He has accepted a call to serve as a Synod Deacon.
Deacon Eric Johnson is committed to faith, service, and community. He brings compassion, dedication, and joy to every aspect of ministry and welcomes all to grow in Christ and experience God’s love.
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Tammy Johnson
Program Director of Development
Tammy Johnson was raised in Brooklyn, where she grew up in her family’s business and learned early the importance of responsibility, consistency, and sound financial management. That foundation shaped her disciplined approach to leadership and her understanding of what it takes to sustain an organization over time.
She earned a Bachelor from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. In 2003, she assumed ownership of her family’s business, leading its operations and financial oversight for a decade. Managing a multi-generational neighborhood business required careful stewardship of resources, long-term planning, and accountability to employees, customers, and community partners. That experience continues to inform her work at Grace Lutheran, where sustainability and trust are essential to the church’s ongoing ministry.
For more than two decades, Tammy has been an active and dedicated member of St. John-St. Matthew Emanuel Lutheran Church. She served 18 years as Treasurer and multiple terms on Church Council, working closely with pastors, finance committees, and ministry leaders to develop budgets, oversee expenditures, and strengthen financial accountability within the congregation.
As Program Director of Development, Tammy builds upon decades of financial stewardship and congregational leadership. She works to strengthen the church’s financial systems, support strategic planning, and ensure that Grace Lutheran’s resources are positioned to sustain its ministry and future growth.
Her leadership reflects more than two decades of trusted service, disciplined oversight, and a proven commitment to strengthening the operational and financial foundation of the church.
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Avery Davidson
Baritone
Avery Davidson brings a thoughtful and collaborative spirit to his work as a musician and conductor. With a background that spans piano, cello, voice, and conducting, he approaches music as both a craft and a shared human experience, one that invites connection, listening, and meaningful expression.
His artistic path has taken him through formative programs such as the North Carolina Governor’s School, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and the Bel Canto in Tuscany Festival, where his musicianship was developed with care and purpose.
As a performer, he has appeared in leading concert venues and has sung as a soloist in major works including Mozart’s Requiem and Duruflé’s Requiem. In 2025, he took part in the Cleveland premiere of Blind Injustice, a project that reflects his commitment to music that engages both artist and audience on a deeper level.
Alongside his work as a performer, Avery is an emerging conductor with a growing sense of vocation. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in orchestral conducting at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studies under George Manahan. His work as a conductor includes receiving the Best Orchestra award at the 2022 North Carolina Triangle Rising Stars competition and founding Revolutionary Orchestra Inc., a nonprofit ensemble dedicated to collaborative music-making. He has further developed his craft through programs such as the ICI Czech Workshop and the Miami Music Festival, and through study with conductors including Leonard Slatkin and Mei-Ann Chen.
Formed through the mentorship of his teachers, mentors, and family, he continues to approach his work with a spirit of curiosity, discipline, and service. He draws particular inspiration from his father, Harry Davidson, whose life in music continues to shape his own. Avery looks ahead with a desire to make music that is thoughtful and generous, and to contribute meaningfully to the life of the musical community.
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Shadin Nassar
Shadin Nassar is a Palestinian Christian International Law and Diplomacy practitioner, dedicated to leveraging legal frameworks to advocate for marginalized communities and promote sustainable development through cross-cultural and intersectional approaches. Holding a BA in International Law and Human Rights, along with an MA in International Law and Diplomacy, Shadin has made significant contributions to various NGOs and academic institutions in Palestine and beyond. Her work has been instrumental in driving intersectional advocacy campaigns that amplify the Palestinian voice and prioritize the empowerment of women and youth across multiple spheres. She is also a published researcher, with scholarly contributions that engage with international legal frameworks, decolonial and intersectional methodologies, and pressing questions of human rights, justice, and transnational advocacy. Shadin proudly serves as the Middle East and North Africa Regional Associate at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, working with the MENA Desk to accompany partners across the Middle East and North Africa region, strengthening relationships grounded in mutuality, deep listening, and shared witness, with a particular emphasis on the longstanding partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL).Shadin's family runs the Tent of Nations (www.tentofnations.com) which is an educational and ecological family farm southwest of Bethlehem, Palestine.
