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Mark Schlenker has served as Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran since May 2012. Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, Mark loved playing sports. This love eventually translated into his coaching and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Arizona State University. After a brief stint coaching and teaching he followed his other passion, faith and the church, to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2002. The first 10 years of ordained ministry he served in Florida: three years at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Jacksonville and the next 7 years at Lutheran Church of the Cross in St. Petersburg. Mark was called as the pastor for St. Peter Lutheran in May 2012. Yes, he chose to leave Florida for Iowa. Yes, he’s still glad he did! Mark still enjoys playing and watching sports. The majority of his spare time however, is enjoyed with wife Bambi, daughter Kadin, and sons Grady and Ashton.

Jill Capps has served as Director of Faith Formation for St. Peter Lutheran Church since 2018.  Some of Jill’s responsibilities include coordination of the Confirmation program, maintaining St. Peter’s social media including Facebook and Website, live-streaming worship services and implementing Faith Formation and Service Project programs. Jill previously served on Church Council as a member of the Education committee, directed Compassion Sunday Service projects, served as a small group confirmation guide, and taught Sunday school prior to moving into the role of Director of Faith Formation.  Jill graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Finance and Communications.  Jill resides in Grimes with her husband John, and they have two adult children Ryan and Sarah.

Lauri Rouse has served as Office Manager for St. Peter Lutheran since November 2020. She is responsible for weekly bulletins; monthly Voice newsletters; recording of financial contributions; financial secretary for the church; recording of all baptisms, deaths, weddings, etc.; keeping membership statistics; along with whatever comes up that needs attention. Lauri has been a member of St. Peter since 2008 and has been active in Mom’s Group, Adult Education, Vacation Bible School, WELCA, Church Council, book studies, and other ministries and committees at the church.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from the University of Utah. She lives in Grimes with her husband Benji and their 3 children: Oliver, Milo, and Clyde.

Matt Schmidt began serving as Youth Director in August 2015. Matt is responsible for day-to-day coordination of Youth Group details, facilitating Youth Group nights, mentoring, and encouraging youth, and acting as primary lead in fundraising efforts for youth trips. Matt has been an active member of St. Peter since joining the church in February 2003. He has served on Church Council as a member of the Evangelism and Stewardship committees and served as a small group Confirmation guide for four years prior to moving to a guide role with Youth Group in 2014. Matt has a passion for coaching and mentoring youth in the community. Matt graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1999 with a degree in Agriculture. He is employed with Davis Equipment Corp of Johnston, serving as the CFO. Matt resides in Grimes with his wife, Heather, and daughter, Ainslea.

Cyndi Meggison began serving as the Custodian at St. Peter in 2014. Cyndi has been a member of St. Peter Lutheran since 2000. She has taught Sunday school, Adult Youth Leader, chaperoned youth in Atlanta for the National Youth Gathering, a Church Council member several times in various capacities, and Treasurer. She is currently Custodian and the Food Pantry Coordinator. Cyndi also volunteers at St. Peter as a communion preparer, communion server, and choir member. Cyndi graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. She and her husband Gary have lived in Grimes 45 years. They have two adult children, Jared, and Jordan who both graduated from DC-G. They are now blessed with 4 wonderful grandchildren.

Emily Wells has served as Choir Director for St. Peter Lutheran Church since 2019. Emily’s responsibilities include selecting music for and directing the adult choir, helping with musical small groups, and coordinating special music. Emily and her husband Justin have two children, Carter and Meg.

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