Meet Our Staff
The Rev. John F. Dwyer
Rector
Father John joined St. Christopher’s in September 2011 as our new Rector. He came to us from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, where he was an assistant rector, and also served as supply priest and priest-in-charge. John brings with him an active imagination, a creative spirit, a willingness to explore new ways of doing things, a drive to teach and preach and be a true servant leader. His Bernese Mountain Dog, Alley, gently and quietly greets visitors.
— If you are looking for a spiritual home and have yet to find a place where you feel welcome, just as you are, just as God made you, please join us here at St. Christopher's, where you will find just such a place. We are a group of seekers, exploring how to continue to be the Body of Christ in this world today. Come and join us, just as you are, just as God made you.
The Rev. Wanda Copeland
Associate Rector
Wanda joined St. Christopher’s in 2007 and serves in a variety of ministries, from preaching and participating in worship leadership and coordinating youth ministries to teaching and assisting with pastoral care. Passionate about many causes — including Green Congregations and sustainability issues — she currently serves as Associate Rector.
— I love being around people of any age, but here I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with our youth — as they explore their faith, they teach me so much about my own.
The Rev. Janet MacNally
Deacon
Educator, dramatist and public speaker, Janet has served St. Christopher’s as deacon since 2007. Besides preaching, proclaiming the gospel and assisting at the altar, she instructs our confirmation class and assists with a variety of ministries, including Newcomers Ministry and Outreach & Justice.
— My role as deacon is to empower the baptized to carry out the work of the Church, and here at St. Christopher’s, we’re expanding a legacy of service that’s strong and deep.
Karla Standridge Cole
Director of Music
As conductor, teacher, keyboard musician and vocal coach, Karla brings her nearly three decades of expertise to bear on strengthening and expanding St. Christopher’s music programming. In her short tenure, Karla’s resurrected the children’s choir and bell choir as she continues to build and expand our parish choir.
— St. Christopher’s immediately struck me as a parish hungry for a comprehensive music ministry program. And I was right. Helping my parish find and express its love for God through music is what I love to do.
Marion Hunner
Director of Children’s Ministries
Marion joins us with many years of experience in children’s education and, with her family, has been a member of St. Christopher’s for 10 years. Marion matches her expertise with passion and vibrancy by developing curriculum and program strategies, training educators and facilitators, and incorporating children into all aspects of parish life.
— My goal is to provide quality programming that encourages children to develop their relationship with God, the church community and the world around them.
Ruth Thillen
Parish Administrator
Ruth has participated in parish administration for nearly 20 years, more than half spent here at St. Christopher’s. As our administrator, Ruth oversees office functionality, which includes hospitality, communications, parish records and bookkeeping and manages leases and vendors, all with her signature cheery smile.
— St. Christopher’s is a friendly and loving community that’s fiscally and globally responsible, and I’m proud to be a part of the mix.
Tom Hove
Sexton
For more than a decade, Tom Hove has served St. Christopher’s as sexton. From ensuring that our complex is clean and safe, tip-to-toe, Tom also provides essential support for the many special events we host and the numerous outside groups who lease our space for a variety of purposes.
— I joined St. Christopher’s back in 1965 when my wife Pam and I married. This was her parish. After a career in teaching, I’m happy to fill my days serving as the parish sexton.
Meet Our Vestry
Bruce Warkentien - Senior Warden
- Worship and Liturgy
- Newcomers
- Pastoral Care
- Faith Formation
Allison Jensen - Junior Warden
- Buildings & Grounds
- Fellowship
- Finance & Stewardship
- Outreach & Justice
Laurie Toensing - Clerk
Earl Olson - Treasurer
Ruth Thillen - Bookkeeper
Vestry Members
Serving 2009-2011
- Amy Anderson
- Julie Bayer
- Carol Duff
- Jim Richards
Serving 2010-2012
- Jim Erickson
- Julie Remington
- Tom Maier
- Jennifer Wright
Serving 2011-2013
- Jeff Jensen
- Mary Pendergrass
- Ann Olson
- Robert Williams