Senior Pastor
Currently in search process for this position.

Pastor Kurt Hoover - Associate Pastor

Pastor Kurt Hoover grew up in Pella, Iowa and spent four summers on the camp EWALU staff. He attended Luther College in Decorah and received his Masters of Divinity at Luther Seminary in St. Paul.

Prior to coming to St. John, Pastor Hoover served his first call in Montevideo, Minnesota as an assocate pastor for a large congregation.

Kurt and his wife, Molly, are the parents of one daughter and their Chow-Akita mix dog.

Carolyn Martin - Pastoral Care Ministries

Carolyn leads St. John's pastoral care ministries, which include the Befriender program, nursing home and home visitations, Prayer Shawl ministry, funeral preparation and prayer requests as well as providing resources and opportunities for adult ministries.

Katie Houts - Worship and Music Ministries

Katie conducts the Chancel Choir and Ensemble Choirs. She is also responsible for planning music for special worship services and works closely with the Worship Huddle coordinating the musical design of the worship services.

Pam Jenkins - Director of Preschool Ministries

Pam serves as the director for the preschool program as well as teaches the five-morning preschool class. Her passionate support of preschoolers and their families is evident in the expansion of the program under her direction.

Pam graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a double major in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.

Ryan Houts - Student Ministries

Ryan leads St. John's ministries with junior high and senior high students. Ryan's major responsibilities include confirmation, CHAOS, Big House, Bible studies, LUGs (student small groups) and mentoring the youth involved in the student-led Twilight Resurrection services.; Ryan believes in Christ-centered, cutting edge relational youth ministry driven by a deep understanding of our rich Lutheran heritage – a message of the gospel of grace.

Ivy Hall - Business Administrator

Ivy oversees financial and personnel matters for St. John. She also leads all business operations and oversees facility maintenance.

Jenny Hemesath - Executive Secretary/Communications & Service

Jenny is responsible for the production of all the written and electronic communication including the weekly and monthly newsletters and website. She also coordinates the details for those seeking baptism, marriage or membership. Jenny also handles the details of service projects that benefit our community as well as missions worldwide.

Annette Freeseman - Children and Family Ministries

Annette oversees all children’s ministry functions including Sunday School, WOW (Witnesses on Wednesday), Club 56 and Vacation Bible School. She works closely with Marissa Dodd on this ministry.

Marissa Dodd - Children and Family Ministries

Marissa oversees all children’s ministry functions including Sunday School, WOW (Witnesses on Wednesday), Club 56 and Vacation Bible School. She works closely with Annette Freeseman on this ministry.

Chris Tripolino - Young Adult Ministries

Chris serves young adults (18-35). His duties include programming for QuarterLife's many offerings like Game Nights, TAB, and Bible studies. Chris is also a partner on staff teams for St. John's worship, student and music ministries. Some of the things Chris deeply values are community, history, and service.