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Hannah Hannover, Co-Pastor
she/her/hers
Pastor Hannah has been with Ames UCC since 2007. Her primary responsibilities are the Sunday school program for children aged two through fifth grade, as well as the Wednesday Afternoon Club (WAC) for the same ages. In worship, Hannah leads our children's celebration and creates whole services for the children and youth to lead. She oversees the Youth Group as well as she supervises the staff of our Sunday nursery workers. Hannah occasionally preaches and is available for pastoral care for congregants of all ages.
she/her/hers
Pastor Hannah has been with Ames UCC since 2007. Her primary responsibilities are the Sunday school program for children aged two through fifth grade, as well as the Wednesday Afternoon Club (WAC) for the same ages. In worship, Hannah leads our children's celebration and creates whole services for the children and youth to lead. She oversees the Youth Group as well as she supervises the staff of our Sunday nursery workers. Hannah occasionally preaches and is available for pastoral care for congregants of all ages.
Betsy Thompson, Co-Pastor
she/her/hers
Betsy is thrilled to join Ames UCC as Co-Pastor. She is excited to engage life and ministry with a community of faith that believes God is Love and orients themselves that way to the larger community. Her focus as Co-Pastor is children and youth ministry, intergenerational activities, and planning and leading worship.
She grew up in Iowa, attended Iowa State University where she studied biology, and traveled to the distant land of Chicago to attend McCormick Theological Seminary. Throughout her ministerial career, she has served as a hospital chaplain and as a children and youth pastor. She has spent 14+ years working with children, youth, and their families and loves their questions, energy, and silliness! Despite her tenure with youth, she is in constant amazement at how many fruit snack packs they can eat in one night.
Betsy is passionate about church potlucks, God's radical love, creative and expansive worship that honors God while tending the soul, authentic community, and Scotcheroos. She loves intergenerational church events, faith communities who are playful in worship and life together, and Hide and Seek in church buildings. While usually a team player, Betsy's competitive nature is evident on the Dodge Ball court at trampoline parks -- watch out!! Betsy and her family cheer on the Cyclones, snuggle all their pets, and love to travel.
Whether you are new to this community or have been part of us for a lifetime, Betsy invites you to drop her a note to grab a cup of hot chocolate and chat about how we can co-create God's beloved community here at Ames UCC!
she/her/hers
Betsy is thrilled to join Ames UCC as Co-Pastor. She is excited to engage life and ministry with a community of faith that believes God is Love and orients themselves that way to the larger community. Her focus as Co-Pastor is children and youth ministry, intergenerational activities, and planning and leading worship.
She grew up in Iowa, attended Iowa State University where she studied biology, and traveled to the distant land of Chicago to attend McCormick Theological Seminary. Throughout her ministerial career, she has served as a hospital chaplain and as a children and youth pastor. She has spent 14+ years working with children, youth, and their families and loves their questions, energy, and silliness! Despite her tenure with youth, she is in constant amazement at how many fruit snack packs they can eat in one night.
Betsy is passionate about church potlucks, God's radical love, creative and expansive worship that honors God while tending the soul, authentic community, and Scotcheroos. She loves intergenerational church events, faith communities who are playful in worship and life together, and Hide and Seek in church buildings. While usually a team player, Betsy's competitive nature is evident on the Dodge Ball court at trampoline parks -- watch out!! Betsy and her family cheer on the Cyclones, snuggle all their pets, and love to travel.
Whether you are new to this community or have been part of us for a lifetime, Betsy invites you to drop her a note to grab a cup of hot chocolate and chat about how we can co-create God's beloved community here at Ames UCC!
Karen "Sunny" Stewart, Instrumentalist
Sunny Stewart is our Instrumentalist for worship (you name it, she will play it). Sunny accompanies the Chancel Choir and congregation and participates in worship planning, along with other music and ministerial staff. Sunny is available for weddings and memorial services at our church, as her schedule allows. Sunny has been with Ames UCC since 1991.
Sunny Stewart is our Instrumentalist for worship (you name it, she will play it). Sunny accompanies the Chancel Choir and congregation and participates in worship planning, along with other music and ministerial staff. Sunny is available for weddings and memorial services at our church, as her schedule allows. Sunny has been with Ames UCC since 1991.
Steve Young, Church Office Administrator and Sexton
Steve is an Iowa-native who has been living in Ames for over 20 years. He is an Iowa State graduate in History, and DMACC graduate in Accounting. He brings many years of customer service, computer and compliance experience to the position. Steve and his wife, Jessica, and their two kids live in Ames. The little time not spent raising and playing with his two children, Steve enjoys reading, Iowa State sports and History.
Steve is an Iowa-native who has been living in Ames for over 20 years. He is an Iowa State graduate in History, and DMACC graduate in Accounting. He brings many years of customer service, computer and compliance experience to the position. Steve and his wife, Jessica, and their two kids live in Ames. The little time not spent raising and playing with his two children, Steve enjoys reading, Iowa State sports and History.