Staff & Leadership

Peter W.
Marty
Senior pastor
Sara
Olson-Smith
Associate pastor
Katy
Warren
Associate pastor
Kelsey
Fitting-Snyder
pastor in residency
Joshua
Kestner
pastor in residency
Ron
Huber
Visitation pastor
Karen
Strusz
Preschool director
Andy
Langdon
Director of youth ministry
Christine
Vincent
Youth Ministries Intern
Kendra
Thompson
Pastor of children and family life
Eyreka
Barnes
Children's ministries assistant
Beth
Laureijs
Pastoral residency administrator
Dana
Welser
Neighborhood school partnership coordinator
Teresa
Whitbeck
Childcare team leader
Chris
Nelson
Director of music ministries & organist
Bill
Campbell
Contemporary music director
Linda
Allebach
Assistant organist
Nathan
Windt
Chorale director
Dan
Pepper
Youth choir director
Margaret
Thompson
Children’s choir director
Sara
Harless
Children's choir director
Katie
Casey
Children's choir director
Ann
McGlynn
Director of communication
Lauren
Brown
Artistic director
Destiny
Ellingsworth
Communications Intern
Karen
Holden
Book Corner manager
Todd
Byerly
Operations director
Paula
Durham
Business manager
Jennifer
Garvey
Receptionist
Becky
Harper
Senior pastor’s assistant
Carrie
Bowman
Business office assistant
Marcia
Robertson
Giving ministry coordinator
Angie
Vaaler
social worker/counselor
Matt
Spencer
Building manager
Harris
Schneekloth
Campus & grounds
Jim
Akright
Custodial & maintenance
Paul
Caldwell
Host
Terry
Haru
Host
Ron
Mullen
Weekend host
Nick
Peterson
Weekend host

Joshua 5:9-12

9Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day.

10While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal they observed the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho.11On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain.12The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.

Psalm 32

1How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered!

2How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit!

3When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away

Through my groaning all day long.

4For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;

My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.

Selah.

5I acknowledged my sin to You,

And my iniquity I did not hide;

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”;

And You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Selah.

6Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found;

Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.

7You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble;

You surround me with songs of deliverance.

Selah.

8I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;

I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

9Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,

Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,

Otherwise they will not come near to you.

10Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.

11Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;

And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

2 Corinthians 5:16-21

16Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Himin this way no longer.17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.18Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,19namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.21He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Luke 15:1-32

The Lost Sheep

1Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him.2Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3So He told them this parable, saying,4“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?5“When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.6“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’7“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

The Lost Coin

8“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?9“When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’10“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The Prodigal Son

11And He said, “A man had two sons.12“The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them.13“And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey into a distant country, and there he squandered his estate with loose living.14“Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to be impoverished.15“So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16“And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him.17“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!18‘I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight;19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’20“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.21“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet;23and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;24for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.26“And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be.27“And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’28“But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.29“But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;30but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’31“And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.32‘But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

Isaiah 43:16-21

16Thus says the LORD,

Who makes a way through the sea

And a path through the mighty waters,

17Who brings forth the chariot and the horse,

The army and the mighty man

(They will lie down together and not rise again;

They have been quenched and extinguished like a wick):

18“Do not call to mind the former things,

Or ponder things of the past.

19“Behold, I will do something new,

Now it will spring forth;

Will you not be aware of it?

I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,

Rivers in the desert.

20“The beasts of the field will glorify Me,

The jackals and the ostriches,

Because I have given waters in the wilderness

And rivers in the desert,

To give drink to My chosen people.

21“The people whom I formed for Myself

Will declare My praise.

The Shortcomings of Israel

Psalm 126

1When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion,

We were like those who dream.

2Then our mouth was filled with laughter

And our tongue with joyful shouting;

Then they said among the nations,

“The LORD has done great things for them.”

3The LORD has done great things for us;

We are glad.

4Restore our captivity, O LORD,

As the streams in the South.

5Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

6He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,

Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Philippians 3:4-14

4although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:5circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

7But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.8More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,9and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,10that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;11in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.13Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

John 12:1-8

Mary Anoints Jesus

1Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.2So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at thetable with Him.3Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.4But Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples, who was intending to betray Him, *said,5“Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and given to poor people?”6Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box, he used to pilfer what was put into it.7Therefore Jesus said, “Let her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of My burial.8“For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me.”

Isaiah 50:4-9

4The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples,

That I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.

He awakens Me morning by morning,

He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

5The Lord GOD has opened My ear;

And I was not disobedient

Nor did I turn back.

6I gave My back to those who strike Me,

And My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard;

I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting.

7For the Lord GOD helps Me,

Therefore, I am not disgraced;

Therefore, I have set My face like flint,

And I know that I will not be ashamed.

8He who vindicates Me is near;

Who will contend with Me?

Let us stand up to each other;

Who has a case against Me?

Let him draw near to Me.

9Behold, the Lord GOD helps Me;

Who is he who condemns Me?

Behold, they will all wear out like a garment;

The moth will eat them.

Psalm 31:9-16

9Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;

My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also.

10For my life is spent with sorrow

And my years with sighing;

My strength has failed because of my iniquity,

And my body has wasted away.

11Because of all my adversaries, I have become a reproach,

Especially to my neighbors,

And an object of dread to my acquaintances;

Those who see me in the street flee from me.

12I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind;

I am like a broken vessel.

13For I have heard the slander of many,

Terror is on every side;

While they took counsel together against me,

They schemed to take away my life.

14But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD,

I say, “You are my God.”

15My times are in Your hand;

Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.

16Make Your face to shine upon Your servant;

Save me in Your lovingkindness.

Philippians 2:5-11

5Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,6who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.8Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.9For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,10so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Luke 23:1-49

Jesus before Pilate

1Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate.2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.”3So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.”4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.”5But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.”

6When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.7And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.

Jesus before Herod

8Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him.9And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing.10And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently.11And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate.12Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other.

Pilate Seeks Jesus’ Release

13Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people,14and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him.15“No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.16“Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”17[Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.]

18But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!”19(He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.)20Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again,21but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!”22And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.”23But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail.24And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted.25And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Simon Bears the Cross

26When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.

27And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him.28But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.29“For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’30“Then they will begin TOSAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, ‘FALL ON US,’ AND TO THE HILLS, ‘COVER US.’31“For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

32Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.

The Crucifixion

33When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.34But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.35And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”36The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,37and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”38Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

39One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!”40But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?41“And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”42And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”43And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour,45because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.46And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.” Having said this, He breathed His last.47Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.”48And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts.49And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.

Jesus Is Buried

Peter W. Marty

Senior pastor

Pastor Marty leads the staff and congregation to be a faithful community of God’s people. From the pulpit or with the well-turned written phrase, he focuses his leadership energies on guiding the congregation’s vision and giving shape to the spiritual lives of St. Paul people.

In addition to his passion for congregational life and the people of St. Paul, Peter serves as publisher of The Christian Century, the flagship journal of Protestant thinking in America. He speaks and preaches at churches and conferences across the country, and from 2010-2016 was the lead columnist for The Lutheran magazine. Pastor Marty is author of a book of reflective essays entitled The Anatomy of Grace (Augsburg/Fortress, 2008). A separate volume – The Christian Faith from a Lutheran Perspective – is available in the church’s bookstore.

In 2010, Pastor Marty was named “Parish Pastor of the Year” by the Academy of Parish Clergy. From 2004 to 2009, he was host of the national radio program Grace Matters.

Prior to his arrival in Davenport in 1996, Pastor Marty served congregations in Kansas City, Chicago, and St. Paul, Minnesota.

Peter and his wife Susan, are the parents of two grown children, Jacob and Rachel, both living in the Denver-Boulder area of Colorado.

For more info on Peter, visit his website.

Email: peter@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 212

Sara Olson-Smith

Associate pastor

Worship, people, and listening to stories form a framework for Pastor Sara Olson-Smith’s passions in ministry. She takes the lead in the church’s caring efforts and young adult connections.

Pastor Sara grew up in Colorado and Wisconsin. She earned degrees from the College of St. Benedict and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Before arriving at St. Paul, Pastor Sara Olson-Smith served two congregations in New Jersey. Prior to that, she served as a youth minister in Minneapolis, and chaplain for the Moscow Protestant Chaplaincy in Russia. In Denver, she worked with homeless Colorado youth through Urban Servant Corps.

Pastor Sara and her husband Clark, also an ELCA pastor, are the parents of Susannah and Amos. They like to travel, read, walk, and discover the joys of parenting.

Email: sara@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 248

Katy Warren

Associate pastor

Compassionate and genuine are among the words that describe Pastor Katy Warren. Katy brings her love for hands-on serving to work with the Mission Board. She believes that adventurous serving is one way to fuel faith.

A native of Papillion, Nebraska, Pastor Katy earned degrees from Gustavus Adolphus College and Luther Seminary. From 2011-2013, Katy participated in the St. Paul pastoral residency program.

Katy’s passions include finding ways to get involved with adventurous mission, caring for others and listening to their stories, and hearing people laugh. Katy loves all things related to college basketball, travel, music, and photography.

Email: katy@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 232

Kelsey Fitting-Snyder

pastor in residency

Kelsey grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Susquehanna University, where she majored in psychology and religion, before going on to seminary at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She enjoys music, sports, reading, being with friends. She is looking forward to learning about all aspects of ministry so that she can become a well-rounded pastor. Kelsey is married to Jon Snyder, a musician.

 

Email: kelsey@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 238

Joshua Kestner

pastor in residency

Joshua grew up in North Carolina, and attended Clemson University in South Carolina. He started studying math, but changed to sociology by the end of his first year. He then went on to seminary at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. He is looking forward to being a part of the intentional learning the pastoral residency program offers, and expanding on his relational skills in ministry. Joshua is engaged to K.D. Gerwig, a nurse.

Email: joshua@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 237

Ron Huber

Visitation pastor

In his part-time position at St. Paul, Pastor Ron connects with the most senior members of our congregation. He focuses especially on people with health concerns or those who are unable to come to church.

Pastor Ron also serves as pastor of two rural ELCA congregations, both named Salem Lutheran in eastern Iowa’s Jackson County. The churches are in the communities of Andrew and Spragueville.

Pastor Ron and his wife Karen have a love for the Northwoods of Minnesota. They are the parents of three adult children.

Email: ron@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 213

Karen Strusz

Preschool director

Karen earned a degree in health care administration from Winona State University. She completed her onsite supervisor credential for the Iowa Department of Human Services. Karen has previous experience as a community educator, assistant administrator of a medical practice, and as an instructor in the child care program at Scott Community College. She also worked at the Child Abuse Council.

Karen enjoys working with children and watching them learn about themselves and the world around them.

Karen is married to Brian. They have two children – Madison and Megan are both former preschool students at St. Paul.

Email: karenstrusz@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 219

Andy Langdon

Director of youth ministry

Andy Langdon, St. Paul’s high-energy youth minister, knows that teenagers are vulnerable humans — and they need the persistent love that only God provides. What are Andy’s tools? A guitar. Pizzas and burritos. Bible stories. A heart for youth from all over the Quad Cities.

Andy focuses on youth, grades 6-12 — but he’s available to all the young people of the church and their families. An ELCA associate in ministry, he served most recently at Prairie Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He has a Master of Arts in youth and family ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Andy and his wife Becky, a writer, are the parents of two little boys, Jacob and Drew.

Email: andy@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 228

Christine Vincent

Youth Ministries Intern

Christine is a senior at Augustana College, majoring in religion and political science. She recently returned from her second summer at Sky Ranch, a Lutheran camp in Colorado. She served as a counselor there, facilitating team building activities and Bible studies, and leading day hikes, high ropes course activities and white water rafting. She’s also worked in the child care rooms and helped lead the 2016 youth mission trip at St. Paul. She also has experience as an intern with campus ministries at Augustana.

Christine enjoys being a part of her sorority, Phi Rho. She also participates on the Augustana Alumni Board and Student Government Association. Her parents and siblings live in Bettendorf.

Email: christine@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext.

Kendra Thompson

Pastor of children and family life

How can we make the Bible fun, and get its impact to stick? These are the two questions Kendra asks herself when planning programming for children and families.

Kendra grew up in Missouri, Colorado, Texas and Utah. She earned degrees from the University of Utah, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and her M.Div. equivalent for ordination from Philips School of Theology. Before arriving at St. Paul, Kendra served a variety of churches in a variety of capacities. The common thread has involved learning and working with young people.

Kendra is wife to John, on faculty at St. Ambrose University, mom to Joe, 4, and Andi, 2, and an avid writer. Some of her work can be found online at Think Christian, Tiny Faith, and Cry, Laugh, Snort.

Email: kendra@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 227

Eyreka Barnes

Children's ministries assistant

Eyreka has always felt a strong pull toward helping others. At St. Paul, she works with children from birth through fifth grade. Her love of watching little ones learn and grow also translates into her work as a preschool teacher at Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Eyreka was born and raised in Wisconsin. She is married to Chris and they have two children, Mason and Sutton, who were baptized at St. Paul and have been a part of the children and youth programs.

Email: eyreka@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 310

Beth Laureijs

Pastoral residency administrator

Beth Laureijs oversees all administrative aspects of the pastoral residency program at St. Paul, foster a rich learning experience for participants, and provide leadership that continues to inspire the congregation to be a training center for ministry. Additionally, Beth contributes time, energy, and leadership to the pastoral care team, health and wellness ministries, and other hospitality and congregational endeavors.
A native of Nova Scotia, Beth has previously worked at Habitat for Humanity’s Restore Health & Home and Junior Achievement of the Heartland. She is a registered nurse, and worked in the medical field in Canada. She and her husband, Peter, have three grown children.

Email: beth@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 215

Dana Welser

Neighborhood school partnership coordinator

Dana takes the lead in the church’s partnership with the kids and teachers Madison Elementary and Madison Market, a River Bend Foodbank pantry located in the J.B. Young Opportunity Center. She’s the connecting point with scores of St. Paul people who are involved in making the pantry happen, mentoring, tutoring, and helping Madison students and staff.

Dana’s background in communication and volunteering fuels her passion for serving the church and community. She and her husband Ron are the parents of Jonathan, Lauren, and Jessica.

Email: dana@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 225

Teresa Whitbeck

Childcare team leader

Teresa welcomes children and parents into the Sunday-morning nursery. She supervises and trains the childcare staff.

She is the receptionist at Humility Homes and Services, Inc. Teresa is a lifelong resident of Davenport. She is mom to Kaila and Seth.

Email: teresa@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Chris Nelson

Director of music ministries & organist

At the bench of the St. Paul pipe organ, Chris Nelson expresses the majesty and mystery of faith. His responsibilities encompass all things music: Overseeing choral and instrumental music, accompanying choirs, playing the organ, and working collaboratively to plan worship.

Schooled in church music at Bethany College and Luther Seminary, Chris has served churches in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Minnesota, and Indiana. A member of the American Guild of Organists, Chris presents regional workshops and encourages young organists. He is the college organist and instructor of organ at Augustana College in Rock Island, and plays for a variety of events in the Quad Cities.

Chris is an adventurous cook and values time to kick back with family and friends.

Email: chris@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 214

Bill Campbell

Contemporary music director

Bill is professor of music theory & composition, and chair of the music department at St. Ambrose University. At St. Paul, he directs contemporary music for Open Spirit worship on Sunday mornings.

Before his time at St. Paul, Bill served as musician and music director in Arizona and Oregon churches. Musically fluent in a myriad of contemporary and world music styles, Bill is an accomplished pianist and composes for films, theater, dance, and the concert stage. Bill is married to Michelle and they have two grown children.

Read more on Bill Campbell’s website.

Email: bill@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Linda Allebach

Assistant organist

Linda has served as an organist and choir accompanist for Quad-Cities congregations for many years. She teaches piano in her home to more than 35 budding young musicians.

Linda holds a Master of Arts degree in organ and a sacred music certificate in choral music, hymnody, and history. You’ll spot her on the St. Paul organ bench throughout the year. Linda and her husband Don are parents of three adult daughters and love to sail.

Email: linda@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Nathan Windt

Chorale director

Nathan brings a variety of ecumenical experience, serving Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, and Catholic churches throughout the country.

He has degrees in music education and conducting from North Park University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He is director of choral activities at St. Ambrose University, where he directs two choral ensembles, as well as teaching applied voice, conducting, and choral methods. His areas of specialty include choral-orchestral repertoire, an affinity for eighteenth- and nineteen-century choral literature, and the performance of German and English art song.

Nathan lives in Eldridge with his wife, Amy, and three children, Ethan, Emma, and Ella. More information can be found on his website, www.nathanwindt.com.

Email: nathan@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Dan Pepper

Youth choir director

Originally from the Chicago suburbs, Dan attended Augustana College where he studied music education and sang in the Augustana Choir. He is a vocal music teacher at Sudlow Intermediate and oversees the general music program, Men’s Choir, 6th Grade Honor Choir, and the Ukulele Club. His energetic personality gets youth, grades 7-12, excited about singing at St. Paul.

Dan and his wife, Melissa, are very involved in musical theater in the QCA and can be found on stage at Quad City Music Guild or Countryside Community Theatre. They are parents of a son, Grayson.

Email: pepper@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Margaret Thompson

Children’s choir director

Margaret leads the Cantate choir, a group of growing musicians in grades 4-6. A graduate of Coe College, Margaret teaches music at Pleasant Valley Junior High as well as private lessons. She directed a middle school choir for three years at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids while attending Coe.

Margaret lives in the Quad Cities with her husband, Miles, and son, Christian.

Email: mthompson@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Sara Harless

Children's choir director

Sara Harless is the director of the children’s choir for the littlest of singers, ages 4-kindergarten, the Alleluia Choir.

Sara is a graduate of Ball State University with a degree in early childhood education. She has taught Head Start preschool, and helps lead music for St. Paul’s Vacation Bible School. She also is involved in St. Paul’s Moms’ Morning.

As the daughter of a piano teacher, Sara has played since she was a little girl. She participated in church and school choirs, as well. She loves to sing, and is looking leading the sweet voices of St. Paul kids as they do the same. Sara lives in Bettendorf with her husband, Sean, and children, Annie and Gary.

Email: saraharless@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Katie Casey

Children's choir director

Katie Casey leads the Jubilate Choir. She is the music teacher at Pleasant Valley’s Hopewell Elementary School in Bettendorf. She has a bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in special education from Western Illinois University.

She and her husband, Jimmy Sederquist, live in Bettendorf with their children, Kinley, 5, and Kellyn, 1.

Email: casey@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext.

Ann McGlynn

Director of communication

With a background in newspaper journalism, Ann brings the stories of St. Paul to life. She thrives on helping people make connections, with each other and their faith.

Ann is mom to Nick and Nate, partner to Sean, and a native of DeWitt, Iowa. She is a two-time graduate of the University of Iowa, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s of business administration.

Ann recognizes the privilege she is afforded, and works to confront systems that perpetuate unequal power structures – particularly for refugee women and children in the Quad Cities.

Email: ann@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 239

Lauren Brown

Artistic director

Design. Photography. Digital media. These are the components of Lauren Brown’s days. Her keen eye and enthusiastic spirit bring life and color to photos and slideshows. She manages the church website, and collaborates on a number of print resources too.

Lauren’s efforts help communicate the color and texture of St. Paul life – and reach out to people in the community. A graduate of Wartburg College, Lauren enjoys an active life in the Quad Cities with her husband Tony and daughter Meredith.

Email: lauren@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 223

Destiny Ellingsworth

Communications Intern

Destiny is a junior at Western Illinois University and attends her classes at the Quad Cities campus. She majors in marketing and plans to obtain her master’s of business administration. She is a member of the Public Relations Network of the Quad Cities and enjoys attending their meetings and workshops. As a lifelong member of St. Paul, Destiny is ecstatic to be more involved with the church and help showcase all of the wonderful things taking place.

Destiny’s family includes her mother, Marcia, and sibling, Perry. She was born and raised in Davenport and loves being a part of the Quad Cities community.

Email: destiny@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 246

Karen Holden

Book Corner manager

Karen’s meaningful mission is to lead the daily operations of our congregational bookstore. She has an eye for the resources that ground our lives in faith, support fair trade, and offer delight.

Karen and her husband Mark, a sales manager, are the parents of two adult children and grandparents of four.

Email: bookcorner@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 242

Todd Byerly

Operations director

Todd is responsible for guiding operational details that assist staff effectiveness and strengthen congregational events. He provides the administrative leadership for matters connected with contracts, employment, and with buildings and grounds projects. He also is responsible for tech support for worship and events.

Todd, who is married to Lori Byerly, is retired from J.W. Koehler Electric in Davenport. He is president of Empower Tanzania, a nonprofit organization. He and Lori were ELCA missionaries in Tanzania from 2004-2009.

Email: todd@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 256

Paula Durham

Business manager

Paula brings expertise in public accounting and financial management to St. Paul. She oversees the financial affairs of the church, manages the computer network, and works closely with office support staff. She partners with a finance committee comprised of St. Paul members.

Paula is the mother of two adult sons and grandmother of two. She is an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Muscatine, where she makes her home. You will find her on her bike during her free time.

Email: paula@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 226

Jennifer Garvey

Receptionist

Jennifer is the welcoming voice on the other end of the phone when you call the church office. She also coordinates office volunteers, manages the extensive church calendar, and brings a flair for hospitality ministry.

Jennifer is the mother of Bridget, a young adult. She loves tap dancing and flea market shopping.

Email: jennifer@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 210

Becky Harper

Senior pastor’s assistant

Becky provides strong support for Pastor Peter Marty. She takes the lead in producing Connections, St. Paul’s weekly newsletter, and worship bulletins. In addition, Becky manages all in-house printing and maintains records for pastoral care.

Becky and her husband Brad, an occupational therapist, are the parents of Jacob and Maggie.

Email: becky@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 211

Carrie Bowman

Business office assistant

Carrie focuses on membership and visitor records, bulk mailings, accounting assistance, and secretarial support. With a background of working in bank trust departments, as well as nonprofits, Carrie loves the detail work of helping make an office function smoothly.

She and her husband, Jerry, live in Davenport and have two adult children. Carrie enjoys playing tennis, reading, hiking, and traveling.

Email: carrie@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 243

Marcia Robertson

Giving ministry coordinator

Marcia leads the passion-filled stewardship initiatives at St. Paul. Retired from Tech Systems, she uses her keen organizational skills and love for St. Paul to grow a spirit of extravagant generosity.

Marcia and her husband, Doug, a dentist, have three daughters. They also enjoy time spent with their grandchildren.

Email: marcia@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext.

Angie Vaaler

social worker/counselor

Angie Vaaler serves as St. Paul’s social worker/counselor, working with St. Paul, Madison Elementary School, and neighborhood families.

She is a graduate of Luther College, with majors in psychology and Russian language & culture. She spent a year in the Lutheran Volunteer Corps working at a rape crisis center. Being part of an intentional community engaged in social justice and surrounded by social workers, she was inspired to pursue a master’s degree in social work at the University of Iowa.

Through volunteer, education, and work experience she has had exposure to inpatient, partial hospital, and outpatient settings, predominantly in community mental health. In addition, she’s worked with survivors of sexual abuse, refugees seeking resettlement, and helped develop a repatriation program for victims of trafficking.

Angie serves on St. Paul’s Mission Board and as facilitator for the Pattern’s pre-marriage classes. She’s a licensed social worker in the state of Iowa.

 

Email:
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 312

Matt Spencer

Building manager

Matt Spencer works with part-time maintenance and security staff, overseeing general cleaning and building maintenance. You’ll notice Matt regularly on Sunday mornings, serving up donuts, coffee, and welcome.

Matt’s wife, Robin, is a business teacher for the Muscatine Community School District. They are the parents of two adult children and grandparents of four. In his spare time, Matt enjoys working with his hands on “anything mechanical” and spending time with his grandkids.

Email: spencer@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 235

Harris Schneekloth

Campus & grounds

Harris cares for the building campus that serves St. Paul’s seven-days-a-week ministry. The exterior grounds, property budget management, and facility contracts are his focus. He’s a familiar face behind the donut counter on Sunday mornings too.

Harris and his wife Donna, a retired school nurse, have three adult sons and are proud grandparents.

Email: harris@stpaulqc.org
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. 302

Jim Akright

Custodial & maintenance

Jim is one of the staff members who keeps St. Paul clean and comfortable. He is tops at taking care of the floors that endure a lot of beautiful feet, as well as managing a vigorous cleaning schedule for the spaces of St. Paul.

Jim is married to Tina, and together they have five kids. They enjoy traveling to Hawaii and camping.

Email:
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Paul Caldwell

Host

Paul is the second of the duo of weekend hosts who ensure all who enter the doors feel at home. He is a retired production welder from Hansaloy Corp. Paul and his wife, Karen, live in Davenport with their therapy poodle, Gus. Paul likes to cook, bicycle, garden, read, walk Gus, and ride his scooter.

Email:
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Terry Haru

Host

Terry is a retired compliance officer for Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, Illinois. He is married to Elaine Olson, and the two enjoy spending time with their grown children and grandchildren.

Terry enjoys traveling, reading, and genealogy. He is working to learn Spanish and exercises regularly. He was born in California, and spent his teen and young adult years living in Hawaii, which he considers home.

Email:
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext.

Ron Mullen

Weekend host

Ron Mullen is one of two kind and friendly hosts who greet and guide on weekends. During the week, he is a materials manager at Trinity Logistics Corporation. He and his wife, Karin, have two daughters, a son-in-law, and a granddaughter. He enjoys photography and building and launching high-power rockets.

Email:
Phone: 563-326-3547 Ext. -

Nick Peterson

Weekend host

Nick is a familiar face around St. Paul, as he was active in youth activities during his high school years. Nick is a graduate of Davenport Central High School, and attended Black Hawk College.

Being outdoors is what makes Nick happiest, in particular times spent snow skiing/boarding and hiking in Yellowstone National Park. You will most often see Nick on Sunday mornings, greeting people and offering hospitality with the St. Paul golf cart.

Email:
Phone: Ext.