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St. John is blessed to have a strong leadership through its Council, Committees and staff. All committees meet monthly, with new appointments at the Annual Meeting held at the beginning of each year.
2021 Congregational Annual Report
Perhaps you are interested in being involved at St. John! There is a variety of volunteer opportunities available! Visit the SERVING page to learn more about the ways you can share your time and talents at St. John.
Staff
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Lisa LewtonLead PastorWhere did you grow up?
Sherwood, N.D. is a small town of mostly paved roads two miles south of the Canadian border in roughly the center of North Dakota.
Who is your favorite person in the Bible?
Samuel. He led the Israelites with integrity and humility. I would describe him as the most solid leader in all of the Old Testament.
What’s your secret talent?
I am an impressive folder of clothes, Marie Kondo-style.
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
With a book either in my hand or in my ear.
What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?
When God offers invitations to St. John to be generous, the congregation says YES.
Should we build a community park for the neighborhood? Yes.
Should we give a large gift to the Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center? Yes.
Should we financially support seminarians and first call rostered leaders in Western North Dakota? Yes.
I love St. John’s generous response to God’s call to be Living in Service to Christ.
What is God up to in Dickinson, ND?
In the 15 years I’ve lived in Dickinson, I have seen God come to Dickinson in so many new faces. There is a spirit of newness as an established community has been influenced by the good of new residents, new businesses, new walking and biking trails, new schools, and new healthcare facilities.
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Kayla KilweinWorship & Music Directorstarting in July![currently unavailable]
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Christina JorgensenFaith Formation DirectorWhere did you grow up?
I grew up right here, in Dickinson, ND!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
While I am sure I changed my mind a handful of times, what I most remember is loving the stars in the sky and wanting to look at them and study them. I always was (and still am) drawn to science and exploration of the natural world!
Who is your favorite person in the Bible?
JONAH. His call was important, his mission was messy, his emotions were relatable. God sent him, sustained him and showed him grace.
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family AND I love exploring in the butte-iful ND badlands. My best days are when I get to do both!
What is your favorite worship song/hymn?
So many to choose from! If I have to pick, my favorite camp-style song would be "Light the Fire" and my favorite hymn would be "Spirit of Gentleness".
What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?
I love that when we say “All are welcome” we really mean it. I love that our mission sends us out in the world to be the church beyond our walls. And I love the energy of the youth, young adults, and families I am blessed to work with, who remind me of the hope and joy we have through Jesus!
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Faith SimoniegTrust Fund DirectorWhere did you grow up?
I grew up on a farm 15 miles south of New England, North Dakota
What’s your secret talent?
I’m exceptionally good at getting stains out of clothes
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
I love to spend my free time reading a good book while my dog, Hallie, is nearby.
What color do you think of when you think of joy?
Yellow – like a sunflower. How can you not feel joy when you see a sunflower!!
What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?
First, I love that the church is across the street from where I live. Second, I love that everyone is welcome at the communion rail.
What is your favorite worship song/hymn?
"Will You Come and Follow Me", John L. Bell b. 1949. Page 798
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Sonnie OttoCommunications DirectorWhere did you grow up?
Fairfield, Nebraska – a small town of 300 in southeast NE.
What would be the title of your biography?
"Kaleidoscope"
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
During the warmer seasons – outdoor activities like gardening, walks or just enjoying time on the deck!
During the frigid seasons – a good book, a blanket and my recliner!
What color do you think of when you think of joy?
Yellow …. It’s always a joy-filled color.
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 is your favorite worship song/hymn?
Song – “Come What May” (We Are Messengers)
Hymn – “This is My Father’s World” (Maltbie D Babcock)
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Angela MackeyFinance & Stewardship AdministratorWhere did you grow up?
Born and raised in Dickinson. I currently live 10 blocks from my childhood home!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a biochemist. However, I dropped the specimen tray in my internship during college, passed out, and changed my major to business!
What would be the title of your biography?
"As Good As It Gets" 😊, or "Life and Times of a Real Hot Mess".
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
Any free time I have I enjoy at our farm! Hiking, reading, fixing, tearing things down, building, mowing – everything is enjoyable when we are out there!
Which biblical person do you relate to the most?
Mary’s sister Martha was very interested in Jesus’s teachings; however, she was often pre-occupied or focused on other less important things, but Jesus knew she was devoted to him.
What is your favorite worship song/hymn?
I have two: "In the Bleak Midwinter", and "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say".
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Beth SpauldingOffice AdministratorWhere did you grow up?
Chillicothe, OH – a small town in Southern Ohio
What would be the title of your biography?
Jill of All Trades, Master of None
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
Reading and a good cup of coffee
What color do you think of when you think of joy?
I don’t think of just one color. I see multitudes of bursting colors when I think of joy.
What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?
I love St John’s outreach and how welcoming St John can be.
What is your favorite worship song/hymn?
"Just a Closer Walk with Thee"
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Brittany WentzEducation CoordinatorWhere did you grow up?
Right here in Dickinson, ND!
What would be the title of your biography?
“Hello, It’s me, Brittany”
Who is your favorite person in the Bible?
NOAH - sometimes I feel like I have a zoo in my house and I could only imagine the pressure he felt to keep all his animals alive and still have faith in God’s plan. I only have 3 kids, a husband and dog and sometimes its hard to see God through all of that.
What is your favorite family tradition?
At Thanksgiving we make all the traditional foods, turkey, mashed potatoes & gravy, pumpkin pie, etc. Then when we are all done, we sit down and play games. It’s simply great family time and good conversations.
What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?
I love that St. John’s meets you where you’re at.
As a youth I had something bigger than me to participate in.
As a young mom there are lots of opportunities to share faith with my children, and
I know there will be many opportunities from different groups for my faith to grow as I grow older.
What is God up to in Dickinson, ND?
I think God has some really big plans in Dickinson to share the monetary gifts of St. John’s trust fund. He’s already provided the resources to make contributions to organizations such as Badlands Ministries, St Luke’s nursing home, the Backpack Program and MANY more! I cannot wait to see the impact of the gifts in our community beyond the organizations which have received funds already.
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Tammy KrenzCustodianWhere 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 your favorite family tradition?
My favorite family tradition is the bonfires that Ray & I have with our kids and grandkids every summer.
What is your favorite way to spend free time?
My favorite way to sepnd free time is watching Netflix or playing games on my ipad!
What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?
I love the "family atmosphere" at St. John. If there is ever a need from someone for extra help, there are so many people who graciously give their time to get the task done.
What is your favorite worship song/hymn?
"On Eagle's Wings" ELW 787
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Ray KrenzMaintenance & GroundskeepingWhere 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?
A professional baseball player.
What would be the title of your biography?
My biography would be "The Man Behind the Scenes".
What color do you think of when you think of joy?
I think of blue when I think of joy.
What do you love about St John Lutheran Church?
The people.
What is your favorite worship song/hymn?
My favorite hymn is the "Old Rugged Cross".
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Barbara ArnesonOrganistWhere 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.
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Cheryl HewsonChoir Director / OrganistWhere 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.
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Leadership Committees
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The Congregation Council oversees the congregation’s worship life and activities so that all of the ministry at St. John is in accordance with the Word of God and with the faith and practice of the ELCA.
In order for the Council to lead this congregation well in its mission and ministry, we make these promises which are laid out in the "Behavioral Covenenant of Leadership & Conduct".
Current Council Members include:
Jean Herauf President
Mathew Nicklos Vice President
Juli Wanner Secretary
Mike Parke Treasurer
Claire Schlabsz Sr. Trustee
Barry Meduna Trustee
Aaron O'Brien Trustee
Audrey McMacken Sr. Deacon
Amanda Putala Deacon
Justin Enney Deacon
Michelle Barnhart Deacon
Alissa Karsky Deacon
Mary Anne Marsh Deacon
Molly Schwartz Trust Fund Representative
Lisa Lewton Senior Pastor
Trust Fund Committee members include:
Molly Schwartz President
Tanner Steffan Vice President
Tiffany Meduna Secretary
Danielle Tryan Treasurer
Wendy Baumgarten
Karla Robb
Chase Breitbach
Kylan Klauzer
Laney Herauf
Council Minutes
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Listed below are the Council Minutes from meetings held during the past year (+). Visit the page each month to read what your leadership is wondering about, discussing and the plans on how St. John will move forward. Any questions you have about the Council meetings can be directed to a Pastor or a member of the Council.
ANNUAL MTG 2021 ANNUAL MEETING 2022
MARCH 2021 MARCH 2022
APRIL 2021 APRIL 2022
MAY 2021 MAY 2022July 2021 - no meeting July 2022 - no meeting
AUGUST 2021 AUGUST 2022
SEPTEMBER 2021 SEPTEMBER 2022
OCTOBER 2021 OCTOBER 2022
NOVEMBER 2021 NOVEMBER 2022
DECEMBER 2021 DECEMBER 2022
