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Becky Pagone is from Spring Valley, a small town in Minnesota, and grew up on a generational farm. She has been a member at FCC for 26 years since she married the amazing John Pagone. Becky has a bachelor's degree from Augustana University in Special Education and Regular Education. She also has a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Southwest State University. She taught 10 years of special education, ran a home daycare/preschool, been Christian Education Director at FCC, and was most recently the Director of Congregational Life before moving into the role of Designated Transitional Minister. In the last three years, she has been on the path to ministry. Becky is passionate about OWL and providing comprehensive sexuality education through Our Whole Lives. Becky loves playing board games, card games, and more, and when she laughs, people can always find her.

Reverend Sam Houser is a post-liberal Christian. In other words Sam is one to question tradition to get at the why of practice, tries daily to accept human diversity, offers practical and pastoral ways to care for community, has a strong desire to be engaged in social justice issues that affect our siblings in this great big world we live in AND feels strongly about the need for tangible, holy environmental stewardship of the earth. Sam's ministry role is serving part time as the Theologian in Residence at First Cong while also serving remotely as Associate Conference Minister for the Maine Conference of the United Church of Christ. Sam’s excitement can be seen in the connections being made with congregations and people of faith who are striving to embrace the faith that we proclaim as followers of Christ.

Pastor Kathy was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas and began her leadership as our senior minister in March of 2005, serving until illness forced her early retirement in 2014. After an initial career in church music, she earned her Master of Divinity degree at Andover Newton Theological School in 1988. She married Rev. Tim Worthington in 2003 and between them they have four children and five grandchildren. She loves books, Bach, the open prairie, and October.

Cameron is originally from Colorado, but moved to Sioux Falls in 2021, and misses the Rocky Mountains. Cameron worked on the Audiovisual and Maintenance team at Compassion International for almost 10 years, and started working at FCC in November of 2021. Cameron's partner found out about FCC through a facebook group for LGBTQ+ individuals, and they were both intrigued by the church being open and affirming. Cameron likes learning about new tech science and would love to learn more about 3D printing.

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Lisa grew up in Hills, Minnesota, about 15 miles from Sioux Falls, she has lived in the Midwest all her life. Lisa has worked in Accounts Payable/Bookkeeping for 20 years, along with HR and Payroll throughout those years. A fun fact about Lisa that most people will not know, is that she has a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies. She started working at the front desk as the Office Assistant in March of 2019, and moved into her current role as the Financial Administrator at the end of 2020. Lisa is passionate about spending time with her family, her two daughters, and four grandchildren.

Sara hails from Colorado and moved here with their spouse, Cameron, in the Fall of 2021. They have always had a keen eye for design and detail and worked in Sponsor/Donor Relations and in Human Resources at a Colorado-based non profit for almost three years. Sara and Cameron got involved at FCC after hearing about their ONA (Open and Affirming) community, and Sara began working in the church office in the Fall of 2022. They work as a licensed nail technician and artist in the afternoons. Sara is passionate about social justice, speaking up, and using privilege for the benefit of others, and is passionate about art and believes that it makes life worth living. When not at FCC, Sara can usually be found exploring town with Cameron, chasing the two dogs (Barbara and Mildred) and the cat (Lilith) all around the house, and making colorful and unique visual art.

Baritone FREDERICK MATTHEWS has been praised by audiences and critics alike for his appearances on the operatic and concert stages. This native of North Carolina received international recognition while on tour singing the role of “Jake” in Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” when it was reported, “Matthews projected evenly-balanced singing and left an exquisite stage impression.” (Neue Presse-Augsburg, Germany). Before relocating to South Dakota in March of 2021, he retired from the San Francisco Opera Chorus after 39 years of service. While at San Francisco Opera, he performed and covered a variety of roles. Of note are “Fasolt” in Wagner’s “Das Rheingold,” “Ein Diener” in Berg’s “Lulu,” “Marschallin Lackey” in Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier,” “Registrar” in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” and “The Corporal” in Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment.” Of these performances, critics wrote, “Frederick Matthews magnetized attention and was particularly affable…and strikingly mellifluous!” Since relocating to Sioux Falls, he has appeared as soloist with The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Chorus. Other credits include being a Public-School Music Teacher for Kindergarten through Fifth Grades for 18 years. “My journey to FCC started in March of 2021 when arrived in Sioux Falls. Luckily, most churches have both an early service and a later service. I spent about three months attending two services every Sunday to find where I felt comfortable. About mid-June, I arrived on the steps of FCC. I was so warmly received and welcomed that I continued to return to the 10:30 service. After a month, I knew this was the place for me.” I have been so truly blessed that I am passionate about sharing my blessings and talents with others. I also love to travel to new and never seen places, as well as cooking.

Amanda Claire Carlson, Church Music Interim, grew up in Tyler, Minnesota on a pig farm. She graduated from Augustana College, with a degree in Biology and Foreign Language. She and her husband Trevor live downtown with their kitty, Rocky. She comes to the pipe organ world as somewhat of a family business. Her grandmother was their home church organist for over 35 years and her aunt has played in Kindred, North Dakota for over 25 years. Amanda started taking organ lessons in 2015. When Marion asked if she'd like to help out with organ, it seemed the perfect chance to continue learning. Depending on the occasion, Amanda also plays piano, trumpet, handbells, and viola. Her other passion is food. Everything from grocery shopping, cooking, eating, photographing; if it involves food, she's happy. She is thankful for the opportunity to play on such a beautiful, well-cared for instrument as well as being welcomed by the warm and kind congregation at First Congregational.