Dennis D. Niezwaag ('neez–wog)
Senior Pastor

E-mail: pastorniezwaag@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 174

Pastor Niezwaag has been an ordained pastor for 25 years, and has been serving St. John Lutheran Church that entire time. He began as an intern at St. John, and returned to St. John first as Associate pastor in 1982, and was named Senior pastor in 1992. Dennis is also active as Treasurer of the Floyd County Ministerium, Chair of the Meals on Wheels board, he sits on the board of the Federal Emergency Management board, is a colleague group leader for seminary graduates in the area.

David A. Werges
Pastor

E-mail: pastorwerges@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 172

Pastor Werges joined St. John in December of 2002. He's been in the ministry for 10 years. He is responsible for all facets of pastoral duties and enjoys working with the many talented and gifted members of this staff. Pastor Werges is also the chaplain of the Charles City Fire Department, Treasurer for Lutheran Resource Center, a member of the NEIA Synod Renewal ministries team, member of "First Call Committee" and serves on the Board of Leadership in Ministry.

Andrea DeVore
Director of Music

E-mail: andrea@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 181

Andrea DeVore has served St. John as the Director of Music for the past 39+ years. She is the primary organist, director of choirs, and coordinates special music every week. Her family has a distinct connection with St. John. They are one of two families to have seven generations baptized at St. John.

Andrea DeVore
Business Manager

E-mail: andrea@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 176

Between music and balancing the books, you can find
Andrea DeVore at St. John most days of the week. In 1998 'business manager' was added to her responsibilities. She, along with a group of dedicated ladies, count the weekly offerings from the congregation on Monday mornings, and she is tending to the financial matters of the congregation the rest of the week.

Kathy Hoeft
Parish Secretary

E-mail: khoeft@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 170

Kathy and her family have been long time members of St. John Lutheran Church. She joined the staff as Parish Secretary in 2007. She's the cheerfull voice on the other end of the phone whe you call in and she knows what's happening at St. John. If you have a question about the church - Kathy knows.

Erik Hoefer
Worship Assistant / Assistant Choir Director

E-mail:ehoefer@mail.charles-city.k12.ia.us

Erik Hoefer is St. John's go-to-guy. As worship assistant Erik fills every role in worship including occasionally delivering the message. Erik is part of every traditional worship service as cantor. He directs the Carol choir, is the assistant choir director for Trinity choir, and is a member of Wings. He has served on boards and is the host of Bibles Before Books twice a month. Erik's full time job isn't St. John. He's a teacher at Washington Elementary School and is "The Voice" of the Comet high school sports.

Brenda Bailey
Director of Parish Education

E-mail: brenda@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 173

The Parish Education director's job isn't just Sunday School. Brenda's involved with everything from confirmation to the children's Christmas program and even some canoe trips. Brenda works with the pastors and the parish education board in developing and planning meaningful programs for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She's working with the staff, teachers, parents and members of St. John to build a ministry to help young people become devoted followers of Jesus.

Melanie Johanningmeier
Assistant Organist

E-mail: mjohanningmeier@nashua-plainfield.k12.ia.us

Skip must see TV, during the summer it's must hear music at St. John. Melanie Johanningmeier is the assistant organist. She also accompanies on request. She says she's very pleased to be able to offer her talents at St. John. When not making music at St. John, Melanie is a music teacher in the Nashua-Plainfield School District.

 

 

picture coming in April 2009

Sarah Hoffman
Director, St. John Christian Preschool

E-mail: sarah@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 180 or call 228-7274

Sarah is the director of our St. John Christian Preschool and is an outstanding educator. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in elementary education and has her early childhood endorsement. She started in 2004 as the assistant director, and took over as director in 2007. When she isn’t spending time with her ‘little friends’ in the preschool, she is active with the WELCA board and the newly elected family board. When she makes it home, she spends time with her husband Seth, and son Freddie. She’s also anticipating the arrival of their next child this spring.

 

 

picture coming in
April 2009

Kate Anderson
Assistant Director, St. John Christian Preschool

E-mail:kate@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 180 or call 228-7274

St. John Christian Preschool prides it self on our well educated Christian teachers. Kate attended college at Waldorf College and the University of Northern Iowa. She has her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Kate has a family tie to SJCP with her mother serving at the preschool for more than 25 years. Kate started with St. John Christian Preschool in 2007, the year her mother retired. Kate also is an active member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church serving on the WELCA board and the newly elected family board. Kate can often be found at St. John events and worship services with her son Chase and daughter Lola.

 

 

picture coming in April 2009

Deb Hocking
Education Assistant, St. John Christian Preschool

E-mail: deb@stjohncharlescity.org
Phone Extension: 180 or call 228-7274

Longevity and artistic are wonderful attributes that Deb Hocking contributes to the preschool. Deb has been with St. John Christian Preschool for the past 18 years. Her artistic talents can be found on the steps along the wall going down to the preschool, she also designed the SJCP logo and will be doing some murals in the newly renovated preschool bathrooms. Deb attended St. Paul Bible College and has three grown daughters and four grandchildren. She is married to Bob Hocking.

 

 

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Roger Michael
Head Custodian

Phone Extension: 170

When pastors visit St. John they point out several things we can be proud of, but one resounding theme is how clean the church is. Roger Michael is the driving force behind this compliment. Roger has saved St. John thousands of dollars in repairs and maintenance His knowledge in maintenance, and repair is a gift that he shares with the church on a daily basis. Finding cobwebs in this church is a difficult game to play.