Staff
Pastor Sonja Gerstenberger (She/Her)
Pastor
pastorsonja@standrewsames.org
515-292-2131 or 515-554-4348
Pastor Sonja Gerstenberger joined the St. Andrew’s ministry team in March 2021. She is passionate about making the love of God in Jesus known to the world through ministry, service, and relationship. Pastor Sonja has her B.A. from Wartburg College in English education and is a 2020 graduate of Luther Seminary’s MDiv Distributed Learning program. Pastor Sonja’s ministry is informed by careers in education, human resources, communication, and finally lay ministry. She served for seven years as faith formation director in an ELCA congregation, where she heard and answered the call to ministry. Pastor Sonja and her husband, Scott, have three children (Lucas – 2006, Nikki – 2008, and Analise – 2010) and most anything that can be considered a hobby involves caring for or spending time with them.
Miriam Moreno (She/They)
Office Administrator | office@standrewsames.org | 515-292-2131
Events, Promotions, and Communication Manager | miriam@standrewsames.org
Miriam wears many hats at St. Andrew's; between running the everyday needs of the church office and leading the charge on all of our social media platforms, she's always going full speed! However, she loves to relax with a cup of tea and a good book and enjoys hiking and kayaking with her husband and three dogs! Miriam has earned two Bachelor's degrees from Iowa State University, one in Anthropology and Religious Studies (2019) and the other in Nutritional Science and Wellness (2022). She hopes to pursue a Master's degree soon.
Steve Hoifeldt
Director of Choral Ministries
shoifeldt@standrewsames.org
515-509-7093
Steve Hoifeldt directs the adult choir at St. Andrew’s and is well-known in central Iowa for his excellent choral directing. He grew up in Iowa and has lived here most of his life. He received a BA in Vocal Performance from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS and a MA in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He has been teaching in Ames as a private voice instructor and choral conductor for over 30 years. He teaches Applied Voice, Music Appreciation and World Music and directs several choirs in the area.
Sarah Buck
Organist
sarahbbuck@yahoo.com
Sarah is the organist at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church (2005-present, 1973-1980). Previously, Sarah was organist and choir director at Atonement Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL. She has also substituted as organist at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, West Salem, WI, United Church of Christ in Ames, IA, and Northminister Presbyterian Church, Ames IA. Sarah holds a B.S. in Industrial Administration, as well as an MBA, both from Iowa State University. Sarah has been married to Ben since 1975. She is an active community volunteer.
Connie Sweeney
Accompanist
cmsweeney.mus@gmail.com
Connie serves St. Andrew’s as the choir accompanist and instrumental ensemble director. Her music background includes 25 years of teaching vocal and general music at schools in Illinois and Iowa. Besides music, Connie enjoys gardening, traveling, sewing, and reading. Connie and her husband, Tom (DMACC instructor) have two grown children—Joe in Pennsylvania and Megan in Colorado.