Familiar faces, new roles

The business office at St. Paul is in a season of change: a new face, a new title, and a farewell.

Welcome Rachel Wollett, business office assistant

Rachel and her family came to St. Paul in 2011, looking for more youth programs.

“St. Paul had exactly what we were looking for,” Rachel said.

Her mother, Mary Brown, made the move too. Rachel’s children, Ben, 23, and Arlo, 21, were both confirmed here, and Rachel served as a confirmation leader when they were younger.

Before joining the staff, Rachel worked as a hairstylist, which Rachel called “the most fun and also extremely challenging.” For five years Rachel also worked as a para-educator at Bettendorf High School with students with special needs.

“I liked that because I was there with my son the whole time he was there,” Rachel said.

Rachel and her husband, Joe, a St. Paul host, celebrate 27 years of marriage this month.

Away from work, Rachel loves vintage and resale shops, yard sales, and the farmers market. Movie date nights, especially mysteries and thrillers, are a family favorite. Lately she’s been getting into crafting more. She loves decorating for holidays and has taken up diamond painting.

Rachel already knows the St. Paul front desk, having filled in for receptionist Jennifer Garvey, and managed the Book Corner this summer into early fall during manager Andrea Spencer’s paternity leave.

“Now I’m everywhere,” Rachel jokes.

Rachel brings her positivity to brighten the second floor of the church.

“I’m never in a bad mood. I’m happy, friendly, and willing to help. I’m a team player,” Rachel said. “If my friends had to choose three words to describe me, they would say: friendly, loving, and positive.”

Rachel finds herself excited to come to work each day.

“When I first started coming here, it felt like I was meant to be here. I look forward to meeting more St. Paul people.

Being around happy people excites me,” Rachel said. “This is a place where I want to go to work. Everyone is so welcoming. It’s nice to come to a place where everyone is hospitable and supports each other.”

 

Tony Runkle’s role expands

Tony Runkle has a new title: stewardship coordinator.

From October through January, Tony leads the congregation’s giving ministries. He plans, coordinates, and implements the annual stewardship program, oversees the financial pledging process, and manages pledge records and follow-up strategies. He also collaborates with communication staff to inspire stewardship and foster a spirit of gratitude.

Tony will become a more permanent fixture in the St. Paul business office throughout the year. He is taking on additional business office responsibilities, including accounting and financial coordination.

 

Farewell, Allison Winter

St. Paul bid farewell to business office assistant Allison Winter at the end of September. Allison joined the business office in July 2022 and has spent her time at St. Paul maintaining records, coordinating bulk mailings, assisting with accounting, and supporting staff wherever needed. In the past year, she helped strengthen the Karibu Market partnership with Tapestry Farms and supported Saturday evening fellowship efforts.

Allison and her husband, Ken, a former St. Paul visitation chaplain who recently retired from hospice ministry, look forward to spending more time with family in retirement.