Staff at First Lutheran Church
Here to Guide You
Pastor Sami received a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in music from Luther College in Decorah, IA. She spent five years working in residential facilities for people with disabilities, until God decided she needed a career change. Sami began working as director of youth, children and young adult ministries in 2003. God again decided she needed a career change and in 2017, Pastor Sami graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with her Master's degree in divinity with a Biblical studies emphasis. Pastor Sami came to First Lutheran in 2022 from Erie, PA.
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She has a puppy named Kaiba who is in training to become a therapy dog. She also has two cats; Bailey and Chloe. Pastor Sami enjoys hiking, art and crafts, ceramics, and spending time with her family in Kansas City.
Addy has been with First Lutheran since 2023. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education and taught at Fort Osage School District for one year.
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Addy returned home to St. Joseph to help care for her grandmother and to attend Kansas State University for a Master's degree in Music Therapy.
Along with her work at First Lutheran, Addy is a piano instructor at St. Joseph Music Academy and teaches music for the Mirable School District. Addy has a puppy named Sky.
Jonathan began at First Lutheran in 2023 and is the in house sound specialist who helps to make sure all the electronic gadgets run smoothly. The church may look full of wooden pews and pedestals but there are a lot of microphones, wires, instruments, buttons, knobs, and cameras hiding around that need looking after.
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He has two kids, a lovely fiancé, and he runs his own DJ and sound services company in town. He loves life and being a part of the First Lutheran community.
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Philosophy: Denomination is just a title. What really matters is how you treat others.
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And remember...
“If something electronic goes wrong, it's Jonathan's fault. If something non-electronic goes wrong, it's Sami's fault”
Cyndee Simpson
Cyndee has been at First Lutheran Church since 1982, when her family moved here from Shawnee Mission, Kansas where she grew up.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education from Pittsburg State University.
She has been involved in several church activities including WELCA, Sunday School, Bell Choir, Ushering, Church Council, the Restructure Committee and has been the Treasurer since 2003. She has 3 children and 2 grandchildren who keep her busy.
Mandy Barr
Mandy has been with First Lutheran since 2025. She is a St. Joseph native. Mandy has over 20 years of administrative experience.
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Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family. Most of her spare time revolves around her children, and sporting activities
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In addition to that, she appreciates the opportunity to travel; and likes spending time in nature.