staff

Rev. Chris McArdle, Pastor

I am convinced of the truth of Paul's claim in Romans 8:38-39 that there is nothing in Heaven nor on earth that can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.  Nonetheless, in all our human messiness we try.  Therefore, the Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in Christ's Way in the world as we speak out against the abuse of power, stand in solidarity with the persecuted and oppressed, and raise our collective voice to bring attention to injustice.  As the Church, we live by the guidance of Matthew 25:40, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."  Through these things the Spirit in us reaches out to connect with the Spirit in others, and together we build community.  We grow, we love, and we walk together in the name of Jesus.  For me, that's what it means to be Church.

As for the rest, I’m a native of the state of Nebraska.  I grew up in Crete and graduated from Doane University.  I have an Master of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Boston University and a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.  My spouse and I are parents to one rambunctious child and a stuffed manatee.  If you visit my office, don't be surprised when you find it littered with both Bibles and geeky toys.  They feed my soul, even as macaroni & cheese feeds my body. 

other staff

Office Hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

You may contact the following staff via email through our Office Administrator.

Minister of Visitation: Pastor Kelsey Renk
Office Administrator: Jennifer Rono (office@uccanoka.org)
Health Ministries Coordinator: Jess Waks, Nurse Practitioner
Director of Music Ministries: Don Shier
Keyboardist: Koki Sato
Youth Ministry Coordinator: Melissa Peifer
Nursery Director: Traci Chur