Staff & Leadership Committees

Lisa Lewton

Lisa Lewton

Senior Pastor

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the small town of Sherwood in north-central North Dakota.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Growing up, I was quite sure I would write for a newspaper. I created a “newspaper” called the Sherwood Chronicle when I was twelve years old, complete with comics and gossip section, along with a glimpse into the life of someone from Sherwood. It sold for 50 cents an issue, with half of the profit paid to the delivery boy, who was my neighbor.

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Elton John performed in Bismarck in 2011. It was his first visit to North Dakota and he was amazing! It was the best concert ever both because he was awesome and because I sat beside my mom, aunt and cousin, who are all super fun.

What is the craziest, or dumbest, thing you’ve ever done?

My husband and I thought it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to have two kids within 20 months. Crazy, indeed.

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

There is a culture of generosity at St. John in the way people reach beyond the doors of the church. I am grateful to be a part of a place that understands church as more than a building, but something we are together. The mission statement is “Living in Service to Christ”, which is what I see this congregation do in the way they serve people near and far. This kind of gracious living is really living.

What difference does Jesus make in your life?

It would be easy to let one day run into the next one without ever stopping to consider why any of this matters. Everything appears to be “fine”. And I can pretend as well as anyone else that life is fine. But the truth is, we are, each of us, messy and broken. Jesus Christ is the glimmer of hope that brings wholeness and healing, forgiveness and abundant life. That is what matters to me.
Joseph Natwick

Joseph Natwick

Associate Pastor

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When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Literally everything. You name the profession and at some point I wanted to be it: detective, spy, president, doctor, superhero, chiropractor, basketball player, actuary, paramedic, journalist, etc. Now, as a kid in his 20’s, I’m really hoping to be the first chaplain on a mission to Mars (fingers crossed).

What is the craziest, or dumbest, thing you’ve ever done?

On my 14th birthday, I received a boatload of fireworks to bring to the family lake cabin. I proceeded to shoot those fireworks into a hayfield. Well, two very large blazes, a lake covered in smoke, an entire volunteer fire department, and one embarrassed birthday boy later…yeah pretty dumb.

What’s your secret talent?

Voluntary nystagmus. This is just a fancy name for being able to shake my eyes really fast. I guess it’s not really a talent. And now it’s not really a secret.

What is God up to in Dickinson, ND?

The same thing God is up to in all of creation: creating life from death, hope from hopelessness, and wholeness from brokenness. When we worship together in community, we are transformed to be people that freely and fully to engage in this divine work in our world. There is a lot of need in Dickinson and our surrounding area, but the Holy Spirit is here calling us to meet that need in the name of Jesus.

What is one important moment in your faith journey?

I remember my first “aha” moment of faith very well. I was blindfolded alongside my fellow Confirmands, being led through a dark and thick forest by my youth director, Rollie. Finally, when we were all laying in a clearing under the night sky he had us remove our blindfolds. The stars were immaculate. Rollie spoke over the silence, “the same God who created this universe and all those stars, created you, loves you, and calls you by name.” My whole life has been lived in the wake of this moment.
Kris Pederson

Kris Pederson

Worship & Music Director

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Kaitlyn Blend

Kaitlyn Blend

Faith Formation Director

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Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Idaho. I then spent my pre-teen through high school years in Scranton, North Dakota.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

By the time I could walk, all I wanted to be was famous. This made me get good at a variety of things (sports, music, and art) just so I had an option of what I wanted to be famous for. I’m still working on the whole "famous" part.

What’s the longest you’ve gone without sleep (and why)?

I spent roughly two days hyped up on coffee and Jesus. We have a camp at Badlands Ministries called Nightlife where we feed junior high kids sugar and caffeine and do all sorts of crazy things all night. It really is as wild and wonderfully fun as it sounds.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

When I was 19, I jumped onto a Manhattan Subway on the night of Friday the 13th to get a tiny tattoo at SoHo. As one rightfully does when in New York City.

What do you love about St. John Lutheran Church?

I first came to St. John when I was a counselor at the day camp, and have loved it ever since. I love St. John because of the community atmosphere this church upholds. The families, youth, and staff are so welcoming and have made this church feel like a family. I am so blessed and honored to have found a home for myself here.

What difference does Jesus make in your life?

Since the day I started really loving Jesus, He has flipped my life around for the better. Because of His amazing blessings, I get to love the youth and teach them about how great God is and will always be. I pray I can help everyone find the beautiful difference Jesus can make in their lives.
Amy Graves

Amy Graves

Director of Hospitality & Stewardship

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mohall, ND.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be Dorothy Hamill. I wasn’t very athletic and couldn’t skate. But I did sport her cute wedge haircut beautifully for more years than I care to admit.

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

My children and I went to Sonshine Fest several times in Willmar, MN. This is a festival with several Christian bands performing over 4 days. We saw several concerts I consider to be some of my favorites – Casting Crowns, Dave Crowder, Newsboys, Third Day and Skillet to name a few.

What is the craziest, or dumbest, thing you’ve ever done?

At the age of 26, I realized my life was DULL. When I went on a company trip to Florida, I snuck out early one morning in the company rental van (with my boss’s permission, of course) to the nearby city of Kissimmee. There I went tandem sky diving with an experienced diver guiding me down to a safe landing.

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

The people are sincere and Christ is at the center of this place.

What difference does Jesus make in your life?

All the difference in the world! It’s the difference between a glass half empty or completely full. My life is always overflowing with an abundance of grace, no matter the circumstance.
Sonnie Otto

Sonnie Otto

Communications Director

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Where did you grow up?

Fairfield, Nebraska – a small town of 300 in southeast NE.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

To be anywhere, anytime at the wiggle of your nose (yes, like a genie)! I could help people in other countries or when disaster happens – whenever. I can vacation anywhere. I can be with family whenever I want or when they need me. I could go back in time and visit my grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. My evenings and weekends would definitely be a lot more exciting… and resourceful!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to work in the medical field – either nursing or in a laboratory tech to research for cures.

What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)?

Approximately 40 hours (2 days/1 night). In Jr. High, we had a Halloween Lock-in at our church. We were up all night for crazy fun, like seeing how many people we could stuff into a phone booth, karaoke, pizza, movies and races through the church.

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

It is a family. You will always find a smiling face to welcome you, a hug for those tearful moments when you need support, and a high-five for those moments of celebration. Having a home like St. John is a blessing when you don’t have your own family living nearby.

What difference does Jesus make in your life?

He makes all the difference. He is always there – when I need comfort, when I am confused and have questions, and when I celebrate the joys in my life. I can talk with Him anytime, anywhere. He is my peace.
Angela Mackey

Angela Mackey

Finance Administrator

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When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a biochemist until my 2nd year at DSU. I interned at Great Plains Clinic, and was helping one of the nurses with a blood draw. The contents of the entire blood draw tray, along with me, ended up on the floor after the first poke! I quickly changed my major to business administration and psychology, for the safety of everyone!

What's the longest you've gone without sleep (and why)?

I once went 53 hours without sleep. I woke up on a Friday morning, went to work all day. That night was the annual Girl Scout Up All Night event, which ended on Saturday morning around 6:00 am. I got home, showered, and my husband and I drove to Wisconsin to deliver a race car. We drove straight back to Dickinson after the delivery!

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

P!nk in Fargo! The acrobatics (as well as the performance!) were amazing.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done? (or, dumbest)

My husband drag races, so I thought I would try it! He ended up having to build a new car, because I loved it so much!

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

St. John is my “home away from home”! I never thought I would spend so much time at a special place like this. The congregation at St. John is so welcoming and generous with their time, talents and gifts. It really is a privilege to be a part of such a caring and giving church!

What is one important moment in your faith journey?

Becoming a mom! Staring at your beautiful newborn in wonder of how God could not only make such a gift for YOU, but entrust you to raise this child! And then, as they grow, still being in awe of how their brains work, the things they say and do, and their personalities!
Cora Tormaschy

Cora Tormaschy

Office Administrator

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a farm north of Dickinson, ND.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

I would love tobe able to talk to animals! Then I could find out if our schnauzer like it when I sing to him.

What is the best concert you've ever been to?

Katy Perry - everything about the concert was purr-fect!

What is the craziest thing you've ever done? (or dumbest)

Ziplining in Cataline Island, CA. My heart started pounding when I realized we had to jump off the platform and fly out into the forest! Holy smokes, what a rush!

What do you love about St. John Lutheran Church?

I love all the volunteer work that goes on inside and outside of St. John. It is so wonderful knowing our parish volunteers have such a big heart for helping others and our community.

What is God up to in Dickinson, ND?

God has given Dickinson amazing teachers and childcare providers! Their hands and hearts are always full - I am so thankful for their work!
Kellie Bergman

Kellie Bergman

Church School Director

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Tammy Krenz

Tammy Krenz

Custodian

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Halliday, ND. I moved to Dickinson when I was 19 and have been here ever since!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher or a secretary. Secretary it turned out to be! I was fortunate enough to work at the high school for 5 years and then an elementary school for 14 years, so I had the next best thing.

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Heart

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

The happy, peaceful feeling I get every time I walk into the church

What difference does Jesus make in your life?

I know that no matter what happens in my life, good or bad, it is part of His plan and He is always guiding me down the path I am supposed to be on.
Ray Krenz

Ray Krenz

Maintenance & Groundskeeping

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Mott, ND but grew up in Dickinson.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Professional baseball player.

What would be the title of your biography?

“Live and Love Life”

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Sugarland in Minot, ND.

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

The people.

What difference does Jesus make in your life?

He has blessed me with my wife, kids, and grandkids and knowing there is a wonderful life to come!
Barbara Arneson

Barbara Arneson

Organist

Where did you grow up?

The small town of Willow City, ND.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

Heal people and take away chronic pain – recognize the pain in people and lift some of the pain to enable them to enjoy life and do God’s work.

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Toby Mack in Fargo. I went with my daughter and a friend I have had since childhood. I have a picture with the artist as a reminder of the awesome concert!

What’s your secret talent?

Whistling and Calligraphy! Working with preschool age children – those with and without special needs – and teaching piano to children for their development in areas of expression are also special talents I have.

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

The variety of music styles and worship services. I love that my music playing is recognized as a ministry!

What is God up to in Dickinson, ND?

God is at work in active programs like the Backpack Program, the United Churches Homeless Shelter, the AMEN Food Pantry, and the Domestic Violence shelter.
Cheryl Hewson

Cheryl Hewson

Handbell Choir Director & Organist

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a farm a couple of miles outside of Dickinson.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

For a while, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. But I discovered I was too softhearted (or chicken) to poke my horse with a needle so I could give her a shot. It didn’t help that she was being wild and crazy at the time. I gave up the doctor notion.

What would be the title of your biography?

It would have to be “Play It Again, Sam”. No church musician ever does a piece of music only once.

What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

While living in AZ, a friend and I used to attend concerts by Andre Rieu and his orchestra from Europe. The musicians, singers, and spectacle were the best. It made up for the experience of getting lost finding the concert hall and trying to get out of Phoenix when it was over. I didn’t have navigation instruments.

What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?

I love the sanctuary. It eases my soul the minute I step through the door and see the wonderful window in the east. During hard times in my life, the sanctuary provides the quiet I need to focus my thoughts and soften the pain.

What is one important moment in your faith journey?

It would have to be confirmation classes with Pastor Pete. We memorized and studied, and sweated it out, worrying that we wouldn’t know the right answers during the public exam we had to go through. Makes me glad I am saved by grace, because that’s about all I remember.