Staff

Joel is married to Kim . They have three children, all of whom are in college or graduate school. Joel enjoys sports, music and movies; he is also a University of Illinois fan. Go Illini! He has two dogs, Zipporah and Sapphira.

Chad spent 24 years as a professor, teacher and mentor at Hastings College in the Media Department. After a life changing mission trip to Jamaica in 2016, he responded to God’s call to begin seminary at Bethel Seminary. Chad also joined the staff at First St. Paul’s as Children’s and Family Ministry Director. Working alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, serves the kids and families of First St. Paul’s through our Sunday and Wednesday Kids Ministry programs. Chad is married to Allison, and they have two boys, Landon and Braydon. He enjoys spending time with his family, attending his Landon and Braydon’s activities and working on old tractors.

Ann taught in the Hastings Public Schools for 17 years before becoming a principal at Watson and Hawthorne Elementary schools for 11 years. She accepted a position at Hastings College as an assistant professor in elementary and special education in 2012 and taught in higher education until 2019. After a visit to the Holy Lands and assisting with the taping of services during Covid, she answered God’s call to attend seminary and serve full time at First St. Paul’s as the Director of Worship, Music, and Children’s ministry. She is married to Greg Auten and they have been members for over 40 years. Ann was the Carol Choir director for 27 of those years. They have three children, Tim, an intelligence analyst at Offutt Air Force Base, Lindsey, recently married to Ben Welch, who works in Lincoln as a book cover designer at the Nebraska Press, and Tyler, who also recently married Kate Ruth. They reside in Blue Hill and are managers of the family farm operation.

Jotie started working in June of 2016. She is married to Nic Montague. They have three daughters: Kennedy, Stella and Collins. They have lived in Hastings for 8 years. Jotie’s hobbies include coaching volleyball and softball, playing volleyball and softball and golfing. She enjoys watching her kid’s activities and being outdoors.

Jon is married to Judie Martin, and has four children. He is also a meat manager at Allen’s Super Store. Jon has been a member of First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church since 1984. This is his 6th year serving as a custodian. Jon’s hobbies include fishing, golfing and working out at the YMCA.

Rick is a part-time custodian at First St. Paul’s. He has been on staff for over a year and has lived in Hastings all his life. Rick likes to read in his free time. He lives on the east side of town.