Pastor Ned O’Donnell
PastorEdward (Ned) O’Donnell received his Master of Divinity degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia and was ordained by Bishop E. Roy Riley of the New Jersey Synod in 1993. He has served as a congregational Pastor, as well as in healthcare and hospice settings. He also brings to ministry a background in Clinical Pastoral Education supervisory training. His breadth and depth of experience includes both urban and suburban locales. Rev. O’Donnell became pastor of the East Bay Lutheran Parish’s Lutheran Ministry to Nursing Homes in 2014. In this ministry and the diverse facilities it encompasses, In 2017, Rev. O’Donnell became part-time pastor of Trinity, bringing his gifts and experiences in ministry to serve in this capacity. Pastor Ned brings his passion to serve as an advocate to those in need, his experience in providing spiritual care to those who suffer, and his skills as a preacher, educator and volunteer coordinator.
As a theologian, Rev. O’Donnell views himself as a progressive Lutheran who is respectful of others’ experience of the Divine, while remaining grounded in the knowledge of the God who has called him through ordination to serve in the name of Christ. Pastor Ned understands that Lutherans have a unique way of understanding God’s grace-filled and merciful work in the world. He has been profoundly touched by Christ’s promise to always be with us – even through the worst of times – and by the privilege of ministering to others during those moments.
On a personal note, Pastor Ned grew up in New York and New Jersey. He is a graduate of Upsala College in NJ. He was married briefly and, after a divorce when his son, Keith, was 18 months old, Pastor Ned became a single parent. A few years later, he came out as a gay man and eventually moved to San Francisco in 1995.
In 2021, Pastor Ned married José Pérez Santos. They presently make a home together in Oakland. Keith and his wife now live in nearby Sonoma County. Pastor Ned loves spending time with family, and when not enjoying outdoor activities – swimming, sailing and kayaking, hiking and biking – he enjoys going to a movie or play, or dancing and listening to an eclectic variety of music.
Jon Gallo
Music DirectorJon is a music director based in Oakland, CA. He started at Trinity in 2011 under Pastor Brian Stein-Webber, followed by Pastor Dani Fey in 2013. In 2017, he founded the WE ARE OAKLAND benefit concert with the Trinity Music Ministry, bringing together artists and community members to raise funds for organizations serving youth, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness in our city. As of 2023, there have been eleven WE ARE OAKLAND concerts, and over $55,000 raised for those in need. Learn more.
In addition to leading the Trinity Music Ministry, Jon is an active music director and accompanist in the Bay Area, working with companies such as Mountain Play, SFBATCO, SFArtsED, YMTC, American Conservatory Theater, 42nd Street Moon, Bay Area Musicals, and more. He also plays regularly at wine bars, weddings, and special events.
Jessica Fleischman
Office AdministratorJessica Fleischman is Trinity’s Office Administrator. These days, she is able to work from home, but is available to be in the office by appointment. Get in Touch with her via an email message or leave a voicemail message at (510) 836-3135.
In addition to being our Office Administrator, Jessica manages the office of another Lutheran Church in Alameda and also works as a preschool teacher. She lives with her husband and son in Alameda, where she has lived most of her life. In her spare time, she enjoys crafting, culinary arts, reading, and being with her family.