Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tim graduated from Western Bible College in Salem, Oregon (now Corban University). After years working as a Christian camp counselor, juvenile probation officer, and juvenile  prison counselor, Tim went on to get a Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Washington where he also met his wife, Sarah. They moved to Iowa in 2005. After a few years in Iowa, Tim could no longer ignore the call to pastoral ministry. In 2011, he graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary with a Master’s in Divinity. Tim’s first call is Christ Church Presbyterian. Tim and Sarah’s family includes two sons, Geoffrey and Ian, and two American English Coonhounds named Wallace and Gromit. Tim is passionate about the church and helping people encounter the living God through Jesus Christ. In responding to God's call at Christ Church, he desires to foster authentic spiritual growth and nurture.

Our Parish Associate is a dear lady named Lucille King.  Lucille is from Western New York--Lyndonville High School grad, got her BA from University of Rochester, NY, had one year at Union Theological Seminary in NYC and graduated from U of Dubuque Theological Seminary in 1994 with a Master of Divinity degree.  Lucille served as pastor at Cascade, IA for 11 years, retired in 2005, and has been part of Christ Church ever since.  She enjoys reading, travel, pencil puzzles, and visiting.  Currently, she spends a lot of time knitting dolls for African orphans. She also has 7 living children (1 died), 16 grands and 4 greats. Her family enjoys a reunion every other year and it must look a little like an army battalion reunion with all of the children, spouses, grand children, etc. Lucille spends a lot of time doing things for Christ Church that many of us don't know about.  She helps the pastor with hospital and nursing home visits, arranges for Bible studies, helps with many of our projects such as our Cleveland Connection activities as  well as Family Promises. and I know she prays for us during our successes as well as through our failures.   When Lucille came to Christ Church in 1994, I think we all felt as if an angel had been dropped in our laps.   

Judi is our wonderful church secretary!  She is also a long time member, is involved in our Bible studies and other things around the church.  As a secretary, she's the soul of discretion which is a great trait for a church secretary.  

Ryan started as the Chancel Choir director at Christ Church in 2012 and we are all so happy to have him on board.  His patience and dedication have been appreciated as well as his knowledge of music and ability to wear many hats which will serve him well in this position.  Ryan was a bit hesitant to accept the position at first, but says, "it has been a decision I have not regretted.  My first year has gone very well, largely due to a very supportive choir and congregation.  And, I look forward to another year or more with this group".   Ryan attended Graceland University in Lamoni and received a BA in Music Education with a minor in church leadership.  He taught for a year in Olin, Iowa and before moving to the Cedar Rapids area where he substitute teaches full time in the Cedar Rapids, Linn Mar, College Community and Marion schools.  He also works part time at the Johnson Avenue Hy Vee.   Ryan is married to April and they reside in Hiawatha.  In his spare time he enjoys cooking, gardening and learning about food and nutrition.  He also plays 2nd trumpet in the Kirkwood College Band, helps out with his own church's youth group, and hopes to carve out time to learn to play the guitar.  

Mary directs the Christ Church bell choir and was previously the choir director for many years.  Mary has degrees from University of Northern Iowa in Music Education with emphasis in upper strings as well as a BA in Business from Coe College.   Mary and her husband, Jon, are long time members of Christ Church and have attended the church since it's inception in 1954.  They have served in various capacities through the years including deacons, elders, teaching Sunday School and administrator of the website to name a few. Both agree that Christ Church is one of the warmest and most friendly churches in the city and are happy to call Christ Church their church home.  

Gwen Meek provides our music for worship each week as well as accompanying the Chancel Choir, people who provide special music during the service and anything that we throw at her.  She is accomplished at piano and organ and has a degree in Piano Pedagogy from Mt. Mercy and an associates degree in horticulture from Kirkwood.  She played at several churches before coming to Christ Church and also teaches piano in her spare time.  She is presently employed by Christ Church and General Dynamics InformationTechnology and was employed previously in the field of horticulture.  Gwen enjoys music, nature, art, intelligent conversation, horse back riding. and wishes she had more time to travel.  She has been married for nearly 35 years and has two sons; Jerald and wife Trudy, Derek and wife Blair as well as a granddaughter, Ceridwen.  To round out the family there's Trapper John, a dwarf Maine Coon, and Sunny the German Shepherd Husky mix.   We are blessed to have such a dedicated lady who is always willing to jump in and take on something new.  Thank you, Gwen, for all you do at Christ Church.  

Rebecca comes to us from Coralville. She and her husband, Jason, have two children and are very active in school, community and church activities. In addition to her part-time status with Christ Church, Rebecca also keeps the books for St Andrew Presbyterian in Iowa City.