Our Staff

Meet Our Pastors

 

Rev. Jacob Dandy
Senior Pastor 
 

Rev. Marty Reed
Associate Pastor 

Pastor Mike Carney
Assistant Pastor

Meet Pastor Dandy

We are excited to introduce Pastor Dandy and invite you to get to know him and his family a little better!

About Pastor Dandy 

Hometown: Waller, Texas 
Education: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 

Family 

Pastor Dandy and his wife, Rebekah, are blessed with four children: Grant, Frieda, Isaac, and Joseph. 

Hobbies & Interests 

When he's not serving the church, Pastor Dandy enjoys spending time with his family, barbecuing for family gatherings, reading, and listening to podcasts. Two of his favorites are A Brief History of Power and On the Line. 

Fun Fact 

During high school, Pastor Dandy played four years of football as an Offensive Guard and also competed in track and field. 

How He Describes Himself 

"An ordinary Lutheran pastor who loves theology, good barbecue, and a good joke... and who probably takes Lutheranism more seriously than he takes himself." 

Confirmation Verse 

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." 
John 14:6 

His Call to Ministry 

Pastor Dandy's interest in pastoral ministry began at a young age while his mother served as a church secretary. The pastor at their congregation welcomed his many questions, spent countless hours discussing theology with him, and always seemed to have a supply of "TestiMINTS" on hand. Through those conversations, Pastor Dandy came to understand that the pastoral ministry involves not only preaching God's Word, but also teaching the faith and caring for God's people. 

During his third year at Concordia Seminary, he completed his vicarage in Palmyra, Missouri. He then returned to the seminary for his final year of studies while serving as a Chaplain Candidate in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He also served in the U.S. Navy during the early years of his pastoral ministry. These experiences further strengthened his desire to serve Christ and His Church through the pastoral office. 

As Pastor Dandy puts it: 

"The Lord led me kicking and screaming..." 

Yet upon completing seminary, he found himself more at home than ever. Today, he continues to serve faithfully wherever the Lord calls him through His Church, bringing God's Word and Sacraments to His people. 

Welcome Pastor Dandy and Family 

We give thanks to God for bringing Pastor Dandy and his family to our congregation. Please join us in welcoming them and keeping them in your prayers as they serve alongside us in the ministry of Word and Sacrament. 

Leave a note of welcome and encouragement in the comments below! 

#MeetPastorDandy #WelcomePastorDandy #ChurchFamily #FaithAndService #John146 

Melissa Blanton, Church Organist

Melissa Blanton is a devoted church musician with over 30 years of experience.  “It is a tremendous privilege to be a part of leading the divine service,” she says.  Melissa plays the piano, organ, and violin; gives both classroom and private music lessons; and enjoys arranging and composing music for church. Outside of her church responsibilities, she runs a YouTube channel called “Ivory Melodies” where she shares her love for music. Melissa’s passion for music and love of the Lord make her a valued member of the church community.  

Rhonda Gierstorf, Church Secretary & Co-Music Director

Rhonda Gierstorf received her B.A. in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance in 2018 from MWSU. She has been active in Trinity’s Handbell Choir for over 30 years, and currently serves as the Director. She is also the Co-Director of the Adult Choir and Chamber Choir, and a frequent soloist.

Rhonda also serves as the Church Secretary and teaches Choir and Handbell Classes at TLS. She teaches private piano and voice lessons at her home studio and at Harper Haus Music in Platte City.

Rhonda and her husband, Shane, have been married 22 years. Their daughter, Olivia, is a gifted MUA in Kansas City.

Outside of work, some of Rhonda’s favorite things include game and trivia nights with family and friends, cooking, traveling, genealogy, and performing in community theatre.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!” Psalm 98:4

Lottie Lee, Co-Music Director