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Fred Lewis, Intentional Interim Minister
Pastor Fred began his interim ministry on June 1, 2022. He retired in 2018 as an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church. He was very active as a child and youth in his hometown church and received his license to preach as a college student in 1974. Fred served Iowa churches in Ankeny (1979-1984), Janesville (1984-1991), Clear Lake (1991-2002), and Ames (2002-2018). Fred grew up and graduated from Griswold Community High School with an honors diploma in 1972 and received B.A. Degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1976 and both a M.Div. Degree and a M.A degree from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, Ohio, in 1979.
Fred enjoys designing worship and preaching. He loves all “the Arts” ! Fred likes getting to know and listening to people of all ages. He is intentional in establishing genuine relationships. He has been an advocate for the global mission life of churches as well as encouraging social justice ministries. Fred has had articles published in various professional resources. He served as the national president for The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and the Worship Arts. Likewise, he served as the national vice-president for The Christian Educators Fellowship of The United Methodist Church. While in Ames he helped to start Food at First and served in leadership with the Ames Area Religious Leaders Association. He served three terms on the Ames Commission of the Arts as well as being a supporter of various civic groups. Fred has a son, Nick, and a grand-daughter, Elizabeth who keep him “on his toes.” He has hosted various international students in his home through Youth for Understanding. Fred would love to be a global traveler. His ideal vacation might find him just being lazy on a beach or by a body of water with the opportunity to eat a fine meal and attend a soul stirring concert or stage play or movie with friends.
Pastor Fred began his interim ministry on June 1, 2022. He retired in 2018 as an ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church. He was very active as a child and youth in his hometown church and received his license to preach as a college student in 1974. Fred served Iowa churches in Ankeny (1979-1984), Janesville (1984-1991), Clear Lake (1991-2002), and Ames (2002-2018). Fred grew up and graduated from Griswold Community High School with an honors diploma in 1972 and received B.A. Degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1976 and both a M.Div. Degree and a M.A degree from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware, Ohio, in 1979.
Fred enjoys designing worship and preaching. He loves all “the Arts” ! Fred likes getting to know and listening to people of all ages. He is intentional in establishing genuine relationships. He has been an advocate for the global mission life of churches as well as encouraging social justice ministries. Fred has had articles published in various professional resources. He served as the national president for The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and the Worship Arts. Likewise, he served as the national vice-president for The Christian Educators Fellowship of The United Methodist Church. While in Ames he helped to start Food at First and served in leadership with the Ames Area Religious Leaders Association. He served three terms on the Ames Commission of the Arts as well as being a supporter of various civic groups. Fred has a son, Nick, and a grand-daughter, Elizabeth who keep him “on his toes.” He has hosted various international students in his home through Youth for Understanding. Fred would love to be a global traveler. His ideal vacation might find him just being lazy on a beach or by a body of water with the opportunity to eat a fine meal and attend a soul stirring concert or stage play or movie with friends.
Hannah Hannover, Associate Minister
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, Youth Minister
she/her/hers
Betsy recently joined us as the youth minister to youth in 6th-12th grades. She grew up in Iowa, attended Iowa State where she studied biology, and traveled to the distant land of Chicago to attend McCormick Theological Seminary. Throughout her ministry 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 snacks packs a 9th grader can eat in one night.
Betsy loves intergenerational church events, church 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 dislikes cilantro and loves pineapple. Betsy and her family cheer on the Cyclones, snuggle all their pets, and love to travel.
If you have youth in your life who are interested in exploring their faith in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment, we'd love to have them join us! If you are an adult who would love to walk with youth as we all explore what it means to live as a person of faith in this world, please contact Betsy to discuss opportunities.
You can contact her by email at betsy@amesucc.org or by calling the church office 515-232-9323.
she/her/hers
Betsy recently joined us as the youth minister to youth in 6th-12th grades. She grew up in Iowa, attended Iowa State where she studied biology, and traveled to the distant land of Chicago to attend McCormick Theological Seminary. Throughout her ministry 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 snacks packs a 9th grader can eat in one night.
Betsy loves intergenerational church events, church 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 dislikes cilantro and loves pineapple. Betsy and her family cheer on the Cyclones, snuggle all their pets, and love to travel.
If you have youth in your life who are interested in exploring their faith in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment, we'd love to have them join us! If you are an adult who would love to walk with youth as we all explore what it means to live as a person of faith in this world, please contact Betsy to discuss opportunities.
You can contact her by email at betsy@amesucc.org or by calling the church office 515-232-9323.
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.