Rev. Ryan Roth-Klinck, serves as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at St. Paul's UMC. Their work in this role focuses on worship design, neighboring, and discernment. They are responsible for coordinating the church's worship services, which includes writing liturgy, planning the order of worship, and overseeing the logistical aspects of Sunday morning services. Additionally, they work with the congregation to promote good neighboring practices within the church community and in their daily lives. As a trained spiritual director, Ryan leads sessions and provides guidance to individuals, groups, and church leadership in their spiritual discernment and decision-making processes. Originally from Denton, Texas, Ryan has a diverse background that includes experiences such as sneaking into jazz clubs and punk rock shows with friends during their youth. After high school, they ventured to Matamoros, Mexico, and later engaged in community organizing work with nonprofits, including sleeping under the stars alongside unhoused individuals in Dallas. Ryan holds a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology from TAMU - Commerce and a Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology. They married Kristina in 2020, and together they are proud parents to their daughter, Audrey, and a lovable dog named Macrina.
Jonathan joined St. Paul's pastoral staff in 2015 as the Associate Pastor. In 2023, he became the Lead Pastor. Jonathan is a graduate of the Duke University Divinity School and has additional grassroots organizing training. He desires for our church to hold to the ancient faith handed down to us while also acting courageously for the kind of justice that is a mark of God's kin-dom on earth here and now. When he is not at the church, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his spouse Stephanie, Charles, their son, and their dog, Penny.
Rev. Julie Wehner has an impressive background in Psychology from Iowa State University, a Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology. She has also earned a certificate in Spiritual Direction and in August will complete a 2-year program to learn to utilize nature in worship and spiritual direction. Julie has a passion for the care of people and the earth and has led backpacking trips for spiritual purposes. She is also learning to forage her backwoods for additions to her daily salads and teas. Julie grew up in Independence, Iowa, and currently resides there. She has served in various forms of ministry, including neighborhood and outreach with three churches in Springville, pastor of a two-point charge in Mahaska County, Associate Pastor of youth, young adults, and seniors in West Des Moines, family therapist, hospital chaplain at Mercy in Des Moines and Allen in Waterloo, chaplain and bereavement coordinator at UnityPoint Hospice, and now at Meth-Wick as well as St. Paul’s. For fun, Julie likes to hike, camp, play with and train her fur babies, and relax by listening to and observing the birds and wildlife in her backwoods, where she feels deeply connected to God.
Rev. Daniel Niyonzima was raised in Burundi in a devout Christian family affiliated with the United Methodist Church. His early education in agriculture and animal husbandry studies enabled him to practice as a veterinary technician in his homeland while concurrently serving as the lay pastor at Muhene Parish.
The war in his country cut short his studies at the Theological Institution of Mweya in 1993, forcing Daniel to flee to Tanzania, where he worked with the International Rescue Committee as a laboratory technician in a refugee camp. He subsequently served as a local pastor with the United Methodist Church and continued his education at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Tanzania. Daniel became an elder in 2003 and was appointed to lead Karago United Methodist Church.
In 2006, he came to America and relocated to Cedar Rapids with his wife, Perpetua, and their family. He led African worship at the Ecumenical Center, eventually moving services to St. Paul's UMC. From 2011 to 2015, he obtained certificates of completion in lay and licensed ministry.
Daniel was appointed Associate Pastor, African Nationals, at St. Paul's in 2016 and began studies at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. In 2019, he was reassigned as an ordained elder from the East African Annual Conference to the Iowa Annual Conference of the UMC.
Daniel and Perpetua take joy in the eight children God has given them, and they are dedicated to serving God as a family.
Julie Hanlin joined St. Paul’s Early Learning Center staff in 2012. Julie graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from Northwestern College. Julie is an Ambassador for the T.E.A.C.H Early Childhood Iowa program and the Child Care WAGES program and currently serves on the Board at Linn County Early Childhood Iowa. Julie has a passion for high quality early childhood education and believes that access to early learning lays the foundation for school readiness by building the cognitive and social skills children need to do well in school and life, including language, attentiveness, persistence, kindness, and self-regulation.
Becca Nims serves as the Family Ministry Director at St. Paul’s. She joined the staff in 2018 as the Youth Ministry Director. Becca currently oversees the Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. She spent many formative childhood years at St. Paul’s and is thrilled to be back in a staff role. Becca graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Communication. In her free time, she enjoys everything related to Taylor Swift, the Jonas Brothers, and bad reality TV shows.
Celeste Downs joined the St. Paul's staff in 2023 and serves as the Hospitality Coordinator. In 2022, Celeste moved to Marion from Denver, Colorado, with her husband, Simon, and dog, Murphy. They welcomed their daughter, Penelope Jean, in March 2023. Celeste is currently studying to get her Bachelor of Arts in Museum Studies. She enjoys reading, crafting, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Linda Henecke, serves as the Executive Director of the St. Paul's Foundation, and the Director of Ministry support position. Linda brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership ability to our team.
Lana Lodge has been serving as the Church Treasurer for St. Paul's Foundation since January 2023. She has been a member of St. Paul’s UMC since 1994 and is actively involved in various areas of church life, including singing in the Sanctuary Choir and serving in worship and arts ministry. Additionally, she is a member of the Seekers Sunday school class. Lana and her husband, Kevin, raised their daughters, Hannah and Sarah, at St. Paul’s. Lana recently retired after a 30-year career at Transamerica. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration from Coe College. She enjoys travel, flowers, music, reading, and spending time with family, especially her first grandson!
Holli Schneekloth serves as the Director of Communications at St. Paul's UMC. Since joining the team in 2015, Holli has been responsible for sharing St. Paul's story and mission through compelling content and images. Additionally, she oversees website updates and drives social media engagement. Holli was previously a Senior Graphic Designer for a printing company before joining St. Paul's UMC. Holli is a proud graduate of Coe College, Cedar Rapids, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Design. She resides in Cedar Rapids with her husband L.J., five amazing grown children and their spouses, two adorable grandkids, and her endearing, yet silly dog, Charlie. Outside of work, Holli loves spending quality time with her family and friends, unleashing her creativity through visual art, and exploring new destinations.
Carole Tucker has been serving as St. Paul's Church Treasurer since 2024. She was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, with three siblings and graduated from Marian High School in Omaha. She met her husband, Robin, at Creighton University and is a graduate of Coe College. Carole and Robin have been long-time members of St.Paul's UMC. They have three adult daughters who grew up at St.Paul's and participated in many early childhood programs up through high school. Carole brings her friendly, professional, customer-centered, and accounting experiences to her new role as our Church Treasurer.
Dr. Mark Baumann, CAGO, came to St. Paul's in April 2005. He plays the organ, directs the Men's Ensemble, leads youth music, coordinates instrumentalists, and administers our music ministry. Mark completed his undergraduate work in vocal and instrumental music education and organ performance at Central College in Pella, Iowa. After teaching music in Iowa public schools, he continued his studies at The University of Iowa. There, he earned a Master's Degree in Organ Performance and a Ph.D. in musicology, with a dissertation in hymnology. Mark is a long-time member of the American Guild of Organists and The Hymn Society of the United States and Canada. Mark is passionate about music ministry, including people of all ages and skill levels, to make a joyful noise to the Lord. He also sets a priority to encourage the voice of the congregation in song.
Dr. Michael Sauer serves as the Director of the Sanctuary Choir and the Director of Handbell Ministries at St. Paul’s, where he has been on staff since 2021. He is passionate about fostering community and inspiration through music that speaks to the depths of the human experience. Michael is a proud alum of Wartburg College, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the University of Iowa, and he and his family reside in North Liberty, enjoying proximity to Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. A pillar of his choral philosophy comes from the words of renowned choral educator Helen Kemp: “Body, mind, spirit, voice: it takes the WHOLE being to sing and rejoice!”
Anna Ridnour joined St. Paul's staff in 2017 as the Director of Contemporary Worship. Her role is to find songs and music that fit into the worship services for Worship Cafe. She plays the guitar and piano, sings, and applies her talents to the congregation. Anna is a Mount Mercy University College student working to get her bachelor's in social work and wishes to help children with the adoption process. She believes that music is the heart and soul of worship, which has the power to bring people together.
Kelly Truax serves as the pianist for Sanctuary Choir and other music needs for St. Paul’s UMC. She has taught 7th and 8th choir at Prairie Point Middle School in Cedar Rapids since the fall of 2000. In her spare time, she loves to knit (primarily dishrags and blankets) and is a cat mom to Edison and Oliver.
Beth Parker serves as Security Coordinator at St. Paul's UMC. Originally from Chicago, she moved to Cedar Rapids to attend Coe College, from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Beth enjoys traveling, reading, learning, and making connections in her free time. Beth is always available for conversations regarding sustainable environments, any books or events, and any interests you would like to share.
Mary Horn became the Parish Nurse for St. Paul's UMC in 2014 after being a member since 1967. She acquired a BSN in 1967 and a Master in Nursing of Children from the University of Iowa in 1997. Mary was one of the earliest nurse practitioners in Iowa after getting certificates as a pediatric nurse practitioner at The University of Iowa in 1972 and a midwifery certificate in 2008. She took a course for parish nurses offered by Mercy Hospital, a course for volunteer chaplains through the Spiritual Care Deptartment at St. Luke's Hospital, and the Methodist School for Lay Ministers. Mary believes that every area of life affects your health and works to provide holistic care.
