FCC STAFF

Rev. Kathryn J. Timpany- Senior Pastor

When I was born in Topeka, Kansas in 1950 I became part of the sixth generation of one of the founding families on my mother's side of the family tree.  We attended the church that my ancestors on my father's side had founded, and so I grew up steeped in the stories of our history.  I attended Washburn University in Topeka for two years after high school before transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Music Education.  I began a master's degree in choral conducting at the University of Iowa, and served several churches in Iowa, Washington and Massachusetts as a music director before entering Andover Newton Theological School, from which I graduated in 1988 with a Masters of Divinity degree.

I returned to my hometown of Topeka and served Central Congregational UCC for nearly 16 years as both an associate and then the sole minister before coming to Sioux Falls, where I work as a wordsmith to help equip these wonderful saints for their great and varied ministries.

In 2003 I married Tim Worthington who is also an ordained pastor in the UCC and we have a beautiful blended family:  son Matt, his wife Wendy Weigel and our grandson Alec, live in Indianapolis ;  daughter Andi is married to Tony Greco and lives in Topeka with our grandsons, Kellen and Cameron;  daughter Evin is married to David Alcindor and lives in Wichita, KS;  son Taylor is a college student at ITT in Chicago, IL and visits us as often as possible.

 Pastor Kathy can be contacted at:  ktimpany@firstcongucc.com

Rev. Ryan Otto-Associate Pastor

I grew up on an acreage in northeastern Nebraska, six miles outside of Pierce.  Throughout my life, I have enjoyed the outdoors.  I often explored the hills of prairie grass and surrounding shelterbelts on the farm.  I have been a part of the United Church of Christ all my life.  For several years I attended Kamp Kaleo, a UCC camp in central Nebraska, where my life of ministry began.  After high school, I attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls.   Following these challenging and formative years, I received degrees in music and government.

My wife Louisa and I met in our first year at Augie, beginning a wonderful and joy-filled relationship.  We have been happily married since 2005.  In that same year, we moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where I attended Eden Theological Seminary.  In May 2008, I graduated with a Master of Divinity degree, and began the search and call process.  Just a few months later, I was called by First as the Associate Pastor.  Louisa is a biology teacher at Brandon Valley High School.

I am excited to be back in Sioux Falls and to join First Congregational Church in ministry!

 Pastor Ryan can be contacted at:  rotto@firstcongucc.com

Jack Mohlenhoff-Minster of Music and Arts

I am a native of Eastern South Dakota - born in DeSmet and spending most of my childhood years in Brookings.  After spending time in the Pacific Northwest (undergraduate music studies at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA) and in the Northeast (graduate studies in church music at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ), I came back to the Midwest, serving as a fulltime church musician at First Lutheran Church in Brookings, Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN, and First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls.  In 1998, I left First Presbyterian and pursued a career in Human Resources.  I was fortunate to find First Congregational Church at this time, as well - first as a part-time church job, and more importantly as a church home for me and my family.  After serving for ten years as Music Associate (director of the bell choir, youth choir and organist/choir accompanist), I began my fulltime work as Minister of Music and Arts in February, 2008.

I have held local and regional office in the American Guild of Organists, The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, and Choristers Guild.  I am a past director of the Singing Legionnaires, and am currently co-director of Heartland Handbells - a community handbell choir.  My wife, Marilynn and I enjoy sharing our music - mostly piano duets - in the church and community.  Our children Katie and Jonathan are both musicians, as well.

  Jack can be contacted at:  jmohlenhoff@firstcongucc.com

Lori Menke-Director of Christian Education

I was born and raised in western South Dakota, but moved east to attend the University of South Dakota, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education.  It is during my years at the university that I met my husband of 27 years, Dick.  We have three wonderful sons-Dan, Ross, and Peter. 

I have held this position (in various capacities) since 1991.  Currently I am in charge of the entire church school program, F.I.R.S.T. Wednesday activities, and youth fellowship activities.  My duties as Director of Christian Education consist of recruiting volunteers for all the CE areas that involve newborns through the 12th grade throughout the year.  Classroom teachers, caregivers for the nurseries, Adult Education leaders, Jr. Ushers, Acolytes, Jr. Caregivers, Activity Room Leaders.  Additional duties include maintaining all supplies, curriculum materials, supervising all special children and youth programs (VBS, Christmas Pageant, fundraising, etc.), making budget projections, and reporting educational goals and statistics to the CE Board.

   Lori can be contacted at  lmenke@firstcongucc.com

Becky Pagone-Christian Education Associate

I was born and raised in Spring Valley, MN on our family farm.   I graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls with Bachelor degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education. At Augustana, I met my husband of 10 years, John.   After graduation, I taught Special education in the Sioux Falls School district. In 2000, I received my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Southwest State University.

We had our first daughter in 2001 and I started doing daycare in our home on a teacher’s schedule for teacher’s children.  We preceded to have another daughter and two sons in the next 5 years.  Our children keep us busy and laughing all the time.

I am starting my journey at First Congregational in August of 2008.  I am blessed to be a part of the staff here to help expand and grow the ministry for young children and families in our congregation and provide fellowship opportunities in our Sacred Grounds space.

   Becky can be reached at  bpagone@firstcongucc.com

Tanya H. Kaufman-Financial Administrator

I grew up in various communities around the United States as a result of my father working for the United States government's Department of Interior.  My Christian education is as varied as my homes- I was baptized as a Presbyterian, educated as a Methodist, became a Lutheran and joined First Congregational Church.

I graduated from high school in Huron, SD, and I have my undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota in accounting.  I worked in public accounting, with an emphasis in tax, for fourteen of the last twenty years.

My education and work background makes my business role at First Congregational Church enjoyable.  I am currently the Financial Administrator.  I am also the South Dakota Conference of the United Church of Christ treasurer.  The Conference office and the Church office job share me.

   Tanya can be contacted at: tkaufman@firstcongucc.com

Paul Vincent-Church Custodian

I was born in Camp Le Juene, N .C.  I traveled all over the world in my younger days.  With my wife, Laurie, I have four daughters; Miranda, Sarah, Abbie, and Haylie.  We also have two grandchildren, Chloie and Darryl.

I've worked at FCC for 13 years.  I'm currently the custodian here, but I'm striving to become the office administrator.