Pastor Kirsten Klepfer
Welcome to First Presbyterian Church of Grinnell! I am so glad you have taken the time to read about who we are and how we live out God's call to "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God." I feel blessed and humbled to be pastor of such a welcoming, generous and committed congregation.
I believe that all people are invited, in fact called, to participate in the ministry and mission of the church; people of all races, sexual orientations, family structures, economic situations, mental or physical conditions. This is a community of people that offers many opportunities to live out this call, and offers a place of sanctuary, care, comfort and fellowship.
Having grown up in Iowa and lived for the last 8 years in Northern California, I'm glad to be back closer to my roots. I went to the University of Iowa, and then after working as an information systems consultant, I went to seminary at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. After being ordained, I served first as an associate pastor at a United Methodist church in Napa, CA, then as a campus pastor at University of California, Davis.
I would welcome the opportunity to talk with you more about our church, your spiritual journey, or about how I believe God speaks hope in a broken, hurting world. Please come by anytime, join us for worship, or call the office and set up a time to meet with me.
Office Administrator Montie M. Redenius
As office administrator I do the various office functions of record keeping, report writing, payroll, church facility scheduling, composing and printing the monthly newsletter, printing the weekly order of worship, and various other odd jobs around the church that need to be done. My office hours are 8:30 a.m., to noon Tuesday through Friday and sometimes Monday depending on the work load.
I started the job September 1, 2000, after retiring from the insurance industry. Shortly after I retired, the person who had been church secretary for over 20 years decided to retire. I was looking for a part time job and since I have been a long time member of the church I applied and was hired. My background for the job included being on the session at various times and serving as clerk for a number of years. I knew the workings of the church fairly well plus had the computer and office skills needed for the job.
Director of Music Lyn Howerzyl
Music is very important to First Presbyterian Church. It is a pleasure to use my gifts of music in a place such as this. I conduct a volunteer choir from September to May, which is made up of men, women, college students, and youth. We sing an anthem each service. I play an organ prelude, offertory, and postlude, as well as accompanying the congregational signing. First Presbyterian has purchased two octaves of hand bells and we have used them during different seasons of the church.