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Hannah Hannover, Co-Pastor
she/her/hers
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Hannah has been on staff at Ames UCC since 2007 and is eager to continue to share the message of God's extravagant love with this congregation and community. Her focus as Co-Pastor is pastoral care, adult education, intergenerational activities, and planning and leading worship.
Hannah grew up in Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa (Go Panthers!). Her first call out of college was as a youth minister at First Congregational UCC in Waterloo, Iowa. It was during her time there that she began to take courses in ministry and CPE/chaplaincy training that would lead her towards ordination.
Hannah and her husband have three school aged children, all of whom play soccer. When Hannah isn't cheering them on the sidelines you can find her reading a book, dreaming about being on the beach, or drinking a good cup of coffee--she knows all the best spots, so if you ever want to join her for a cup and conversation, reach out!
she/her/hers
[email protected]
Hannah has been on staff at Ames UCC since 2007 and is eager to continue to share the message of God's extravagant love with this congregation and community. Her focus as Co-Pastor is pastoral care, adult education, intergenerational activities, and planning and leading worship.
Hannah grew up in Iowa and attended the University of Northern Iowa (Go Panthers!). Her first call out of college was as a youth minister at First Congregational UCC in Waterloo, Iowa. It was during her time there that she began to take courses in ministry and CPE/chaplaincy training that would lead her towards ordination.
Hannah and her husband have three school aged children, all of whom play soccer. When Hannah isn't cheering them on the sidelines you can find her reading a book, dreaming about being on the beach, or drinking a good cup of coffee--she knows all the best spots, so if you ever want to join her for a cup and conversation, reach out!
Betsy Thompson, Co-Pastor
she/her/hers
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
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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.
[email protected]
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
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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 three kids live in Ames. The little time not spent raising and playing with his kids, Steve enjoys reading, Iowa State sports and History.
[email protected]
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 three kids live in Ames. The little time not spent raising and playing with his kids, Steve enjoys reading, Iowa State sports and History.