"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life." Ephesians 2:8–10
Hello,
When I consider all the ways that God is in constant relationship with us…in the ordinary moments, in our celebrations, and in our struggles, I am grateful. My passion is for all people to know of this amazing grace and for us to participate in God’s creating, renewing, reconciling work in this world!.
Prior to sensing the call to serve as a pastor, my background in Family & Consumer Science and Secondary Education equipped me to work in adult education, sales, marketing and management through Iowa State University Extension, corporations and as an entrepreneur. My call to serve as pastor led me to study at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary where I’ve graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree.
After serving on staff and as a student pastor at 2 other United Methodist churches, I was appointed and joined the pastoral team at St. Paul’s in 2010-2014 as Associate Pastor, and in 2014- present, as Lead Pastor.
If you are visiting St Paul’s, please find me and introduce yourself! I would love to meet you. We hope you’ll find us to be a great place to connect with God and with others who are ready to join you on this journey called life!
Grace & peace,
Pastor Sherrie
"Dear friends, let’s love each other, because love is from God, and everyone who loves is born from God and knows God. The person who doesn’t love does not know God, because God is love. This is how the love of God is revealed to us: God has sent his only Son into the world so that we can live through him." 1 John 4:7-9
I am a native of Iowa; I grew up in Spencer, and most of my family still lives in that area. After graduating from Spencer High School, I attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas as a Biblical Studies major. Following graduation I returned to Spencer, at which time I worked in the school system as a Teacher’s Associate and then as a substitute teacher. After a few years there, an opportunity opened up for me to do what I really love: serve God’s church. I worked for two years as the Ministry Assistant at Grace United Methodist Church in Spencer. With the encouragement and support of that congregation, I began the ordination process and attended Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. During my reading week in the middle of the program at Duke, Stephanie and I were married. As I finished my work at Duke, we returned to Iowa as I was appointed to a three-point charge in southwest Iowa prior to coming to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Since coming to St. Paul’s, we welcomed the arrival of a son, Charles Dean, who can now often be found toddling around the halls of St. Paul’s. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time reading, relaxing, camping and hiking in the outdoors with Stephanie and our two dogs, Pippin and Penny, as well as doing whatever Charles sets out for me to do.
I started at St. Paul’s in July of 2008 after graduating from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Christian Education. I grew up in Minnesota, where most of my family still lives. Currently I live in Cedar Rapids with my adorable rescue dog, Earnest. I am ordained as a deacon and serve as the Minister of Discipleship for Children and Their Families with the goal of every child knowing that they are loved and play a valuable role in the Kingdom of God.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don't rely on your own intelligence. Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Lloyd joined the staff as Associate Minister in 1976 after serving other churches in the Iowa Annual Conference following ordination in 1957. He retired in 1998 but has continued part-time since then as Minister of Congregational Care. He is support staff for many laypersons involved in care-giving ministries within over a dozen teams of various kinds. He enjoys his person-to-person ministry of visitation, counseling, and support. He believes it is both a joy and responsibility for every Christian to be involved in regular worship, on-going spiritual formation or learning, and some type of service or witness in Christ’s name. Lloyd is a graduate of Drew Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree. In leisure time he enjoys reading, woodworking, travel, ballroom dancing and time spent with his wife, Mary, children Jeffrey, Beth, and Ann, and five grandchildren, Jarod, Erica, Hannah, Jacob, and Noah.
"Pursue the goal of peace along with everyone, and holiness as well, because no one will see the Lord without it." Hebrews 12:14
Hello,
My name is Daniel Niyonzima, I am 48 years old. When I felt my call to ministry, I considered how God was directing the way in my life, I recognized my passion for all people to know of His amazing grace. I have many experiences that have helped strengthen my call to ministry, even before God made it clear to me that I was to serve as a Lay Pastor. I worked at the Department of Agriculture & Animal Husbandry in my homeland of Burundi, Tanzania. Working in a refugee camp I worked with the Hospital International Rescue Committee (IRC) as a Laboratory Technician and a Pastor with the United Methodist Church. Here in the United States, I have worked at NCS Pearson as a shipping department scanner analyst, and at the Fareway Grocery Store where I loved my position helping the many people I see. Through my past and current positions, I have gained experience and knowledge in good cooperation with all people and I have grown in my communication skills. I take pride in my friendships and working together with all.
"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Hello,I am so blessed to be part of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church ministry team. My calling to full time pastoral ministry started back in high school as God began to mold me and prepare me for full time ministry. I graduated Moody Bible Institute in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in urban youth ministry.
After college I went into the pastorate in a Baptist General Conference church where I served as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Children for fourteen years. I also was the youth pastor at the Linn County Juvenile Detention for nine years and two as the executive director.
I have been married to my wife Emily for almost seventeen years. We also have three children Jamiesha (15), Jamie (11), and Chloe (8).
My love for Christ and youth have driven me to continue to serve faithfully in youth ministry these last fifteen years. I look forward to meeting your teens and developing a relationship with them as their shepherd. And I look forward to supporting you as parents in raising your children to be all that God desires of them.
