St Paul Staff

Pastor Don Richard went into the Air Force as soon as he could. He spent 20 years in the Air Force and lived in California, Idaho, Turkey, Iraq, England, and Tucson while he was serving his country. After retiring from the Air Force, Pastor Don finished his Bachelor’s Degree at Concordia Wisconsin St. Louis campus. After receiving his degree he continued his education at  Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. In his final year, he was sent for his vicarage (like an internship) at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sherwood, OR. Upon completing the seminary program Pastor Don was ordained and became the pastor at St. Paul. He has been Pastor at St. Paul since 2010.

Pastor Don Richard is grateful to be able to support our Preschool staff in their goal of teaching the children about the love of Jesus. He does that by visiting their classroom, playing on the playground with them, and leading weekly chapel services for the children in the St. Paul sanctuary. If you come to chapel you may very well see Pastor Don sitting on the ground in front of the altar with the children. He sometimes even plays the piano for their praise songs.

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Pastor Kiessling was born in Albion, Michigan.  His father passed away when he was thirteen.  His moved with his mother and twin sisters to Hickory, North Carolina where he attended St. Stephens Lutheran School.

After high school he ventured out to St. Paul Lutheran College, Concordia, Missouri.  It is there that he met his wife, Maxine, who became a Lutheran school teacher.

He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1967.  The Lord led them to Hamilton, Montana where he served for 31 years.  He had the opportunity to start two new mission congregations in the area.  He also served in various District positions.

In 1998 Pastor Kiessling came to Concordia University in Portland as Director of Church Relations.  Most recently he served as interim pastor at Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School in Beaverton.

Pastor and Maxine have three children and four grandchildren.  Their daughter Julie and her family live in Kansas City, Missouri.  Another daughter, Jill, and her family live in Beaverton.  Their son Mark and his wife live in St. Louis.

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Preschool Teacher – Leslie Abbott

Leslie Abbott is St. Paul’s lead teacher and director. She taught 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd grade in California for over 10 years. Leslie could not be more excited to spend time and share her talents with St. Paul’s young students.

Leslie has a true passion for working with young learner! Leslie brings a respectful, kind, caring and positive approach to the classroom. She teaches to the “whole child” which supports and nurtures all areas of students’ development and learning. Leslie strives to make sure every student feels a sense of safety and belonging at St. Paul.

She and her husband Curtis attend St. Paul Lutheran Church, are active members, and both of their children, Benjamin and Kaitlin, recently attended and graduated from St. Paul Preschool.

Leslie enjoys spending time with family, making photo books, nature hikes, going to the beach, swimming, taking care of animals and cooking.

Email Leslie