Home > Admin-istry > Staff
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David Cook, Sexton
David Cook serves as our Sexton (churchspeak for handy man and custodian). David's responsibilities include general cleaning of the church, inside and out; repair and upkeep of plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, roof, brickwork, and coordination of other professionals; and support for church events. David has been with Ames UCC since 2012. email: cookdavi@gmail.com |
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The Rev. Eileen Gebbie, Senior Minister
she/her/hers Eileen Gebbie is a graduate of Chicago Theological Seminary. Her past work includes teaching at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; relational community organizing with an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation; and serving as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Champaign County and ReStore. She loves all facets of parish ministry, be it worship, visiting over coffee, or working for affordable housing. Pr. Eileen was called as the Senior Minister for Ames UCC in 2015. She and her wife live outside of Ames and work together on preserving wildlife habitat. Pr. Eileen's ministry include preaching and teaching, pastoral care, worship planning (along with other staff and congregants), supervision of the staff, and representing the church in the wider community. eileengebbie.com phone: (515) 232-9323 email: eileen@amesucc.org |
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Hannah Hannover, Minister for Children and Families
she/her/hers Pr. Hannah is a licensed minister in the United Church of Christ. She 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, Pr. Hannah leads our children's celebration and creates whole services for the children and youth to lead. She oversees the Youth Group as run by Megan Henson. Pr. Hannah supervises the staff of our Sunday nursery workers and occasionally preaches. Lastly, Pr. Hannah is available for pastoral care for congregants of all ages. phone: (515) 232-9323 email: hannah@amesucc.org |
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Megan Henson, Youth Director
she/her/hers Megan is an Iowa City native and has been a proud member of the Congregational Church United Church of Christ since birth. She moved to Ames after graduating from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in Studio Arts. Since then, she has held numerous positions working with the youth of Ames. She is an empathetic listener, a bridge builder, a cat whisperer, and a notoriously messy artist. She is always in the mood for a good cup of coffee and conversation. She prides herself on recognizing individuals and their strengths, seeing how everything is interconnected, and practicing radical love and acceptance. She is excited to work with the youth ministry, to laugh and be outrageous, to snack, and to build lasting relationships. She lives with her fiancé, Mat, and cat, Munster. Megan has been Ames UCC's Youth Director since 2018. email: megan@amesucc.org |
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Lesley Lackore, Chancel Choir Director
she/her/hers Lesley Lackore is our Choir Director and has been with Ames UCC since 2005 (plus five years in the 1990s). In that role, Lesley directs the Chancel Choir, arranges for special music and musicians, leads congregational singing, maintains the music library, and participates in in worship planning, along with other music and ministerial staff. email: llackore@gmail.com |
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Kelsey Plummer, Seminary Intern
Kelsey Plummer is entering her 4th year at Chicago Theological Seminary and is excited to join the Ames UCC community as an intern for the 2019-2020 school year. She and spouse, Jon, live in Des Moines with Ridley and Mowgli. An Iowa native, Kelsey has been back in Iowa after spending a few years in Seattle working as an Associate Pastor at an ELCA Lutheran church, and later working at Evergreen Health Center hospital for a CPE Residency. Since December 2016, Kelsey has been working as a full time Hospice Chaplain with Hospice of the Midwest, traveling through many Iowa counties providing spiritual care for patients and families at end of life. When time is found between classes and work, Kelsey has worked as a certified yoga instructor and amateur bird watcher. |
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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. email: sunny@amesucc.org |
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Steve Young, Church Office Administrator
Steve is an Iowa-native who has been living in Ames for almost 20 years. He is an Iowa State graduate, currently taking Accounting classes at DMACC, and 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 helping raise a toddler and a newborn, Steve enjoys reading, Iowa State sports and learning about history. phone: (515) 232-9323 email: office@amesucc.org |