Rev. Carol Hallman's early religious formation was in the UCC and Presbyterian churches in her home state of Ohio. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice; Master's Degree is Forensic Psychology; and Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. She has served churches in Kansas, Maryland, and North Carolina. Rev. Hallman felt her call to ministry earlier in life but initially resisted it. After exploring careers in forensic psychology and public school counseling, she eventually embraced her call through prayer and encouragement from others, leading to her seminary education and ordination. She is deeply committed to the United Church of Christ's covenantal relationship and has actively served in leadership roles within the church, including in youth ministry and church associations. Passionate about God's inclusive love and grace, Rev. Hallman strives to create a more welcoming community for all. She told us, "The more I study scripture, the more I pray, the more I listen, what I hear is this: God is love and we are created by God to love one another. My continuing call is to challenge people, encourage people, help people to hear this most simple message."

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.

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 nail technician and artist in the afternoons and weekends. Sara is passionate about equality, justice, speaking up, and using privilege for the benefit of others. When not at FCC, Sara can usually be found exploring town with Cameron, chasing the dogs 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.

Kevin was born and raised in Queens, NY. He moved to Sioux Falls a little over 4 years ago, and he was hooked. There’s nowhere else he would rather call home. He lives with the most loyal, friendly, full of life, and loving Cockapoo Fred. Kevin has been in guest services for over 30 years. Some of the highlights were as the Children’s Lead at Barnes & Noble where he performed storytime weekly, and held events for the kids and educators. He worked at The Queen Pride house as a volunteer coordinator, program director, and fundraiser. He was a volunteer for The New York City Anti-Violence Project, and an advocate from Queer/Human rights. He was also a founding member of The Queens Pride Lions Club. The first queer lions club on the east coast. Most recently they were a guest services lead at The Washington Pavilion. Besides this new role they are a Barista at The Caribou at Avera Main, where they’re doing their internship as a hospital chaplain.

He is currently studying to be a Chaplain, and is just finishing up his first unit. Kevin is enrolled in Kairos University getting his BA in Christian Thought and his Master in Divinity. He hopes when he is finished to become a pastor. One of his passions is creative writing. Which he’s been doing since he was 12. They are currently working on a book. A fun fact about Kevin is that he is a certified Aromatherapist. Kevin’s love for God and people is what motivates all he does, and believes that everyone has a place at the table. So come pull up a chair.

Naomi was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, and moved to Sioux Falls in 2022. She graduated from Yaakoosge Daakahidi High School. Naomi has been a nanny and worked in childcare for 8 years and is currently going to school to be a Doula with an expected graduation date in 2028. Naomi paints and likes to do Art Shows. She has two cats named Navi and Mittens.