Ryan [He/ They] grew up in Denton, Texas, and used to sneak into jazz clubs and punk rock venues with his friends. Later, in his twenties he spent time sleeping under the stars with homeless neighbors in Dallas. Eventually, when he was a little less mischievous, he met Kristina and they married each other in 2020. They are parents to a funny, fluffy dog named Macrina, and they recently welcomed their first human child, Audrey, into the world in August 2022.
Ryan is someone who is called to listen to a world that is longing to be heard and delights in cultivating spaces of curiosity and wonder. This led him to study spirituality and social justice in seminary at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas and to become a trained spiritual director. Since then, Ryan has worked as a community organizer for non-profits and as a spiritual companion to adults, youth, and children in churches. Ryan is thrilled to join St. Paul’s staff as the associate pastor and to journey alongside this community and neighborhood.
"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. In 2015, I was appointed as the Associate Pastor at St. Paul's. I served in this role for eight years, until I was appointed the Lead Pastor here. During these years, Stephanie and I welcomed the arrival of Charles Dean. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time reading, relaxing, camping and hiking in the outdoors with Stephanie, Charles, and our dog, Penny.
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.
