Meet the staff of First Presbyterian Church
Kirsten Klepfer, pastor
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.
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.
Sheryl Parmley, office manager
firstpresgrinnell@gmail.com
I do a variety of office functions such as record keeping, report writing, payroll, facility scheduling, newsletter writing, order of worship/bulletin, and other duties.
I am a member of this church having served in various roles. My husband and I are the proud parents of two sons. As a family we enjoy soccer, Indy car racing, family vacations, cooking and gardening.
I have a diverse working background including insurance, telecommunications, legal and community involvement. I was looking for a part time position, and the skills I have got me hired for the position. I work mornings, 8:30 to noon.
Misty Poush, Coordinator of Outreach
misty.poush@gmail.com
Misty joined our staff as Coordinator of Outreach in July of 2023 after the church spent months thinking about our mission and what we most needed from staff. This position thinks about evangelism through the lens of our theology and mission, challenging some of the more popular understandings of evangelism.
Misty starts with the Matthew 25 vision as the good news we seek to spread in our community and as far as we can. For our church, evangelism is about dismantling structural racism, eradicating systemic poverty, and energizing the congregation in service of this mission. We do not focus on conversation to our religion, much less anything else. We love people where they are and act to alleviate suffering wherever we find it.
Mark Shultz, Music Director
mark@mas-jr.com
Our Music Director, Mark A. Shultz, Jr. Mark is a wonderfully accomplished musician who makes our instruments “sing!” As you’re watching, either in-person or digitally, note that Mark just sits at the piano – without music in front of him – and lets the music flow during the pre-service minutes. His mastery of the organ is also apparent as he helps the instrument give voice to our worship and praise.
Erica White, Custodian
Erica White started as our custodian on April 1, 2022. She lives in Newton with her fiancé and two children. Erica is the owner and the operator for Erica’s Cleaning Service, has many clients in Grinnell, and takes great pride in her work. She enjoys attending her children’s school activities. We are happy she is part of the First Presbyterian Church team!