Our Staff

Youth & Outreach Director

Gary Maxwell


Gary has been in youth ministry for over 20 years. He has four kids and one grandson. Gary enjoys helping students grow in their faith and in their relationship with Jesus and with one another. Gary believes that serving others in the name of Jesus Christ is an important part of the Christian faith. He leads our students and our congregation in acts of service throughout the area. 

Gary's life verse is Isaiah 6:8: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?'  And I said, 'Here am I, Lord. Send me.'"

facebook.com/gary.maxwell.332


Financial Secretary /
Preschool Director

Cindy Lustfeldt

Cindy has been a member of St. Paul's her whole life.  She currently resides in Gifford with her husband Larry and son Matthew. 

Cindy has been with the preschool since it's beginning in 2005.  In 2015, she took over as Director/Head Teacher.  

Cindy loves working in her yard and gardens, spending time with family and friends and can be seen at all times of the day walking around town.

facebook.com/cindyd.lustfeldt

Secretary

Jennifer Olson

Jennifer has been a member of St. Paul's for 14 years. She grew up in Royal, IL and and has strong ties to the area. She was a Prairieview STAR from Flatville and after graduating high school from SJO in 1998, she attended Parkland Collage, acquiring her associates degree in Art & Design. She went on to further her design education at Illinois State University. Over the years Jennifer has worn many hats & experienced many things, but her favorite thing is being a mother to her three beautiful daughters. She enjoys spending time with them while attending their various sporting activities and social events. Her girls and her mother Beverly are four of her best friends and is so thankful for their love and encouragement.

Jennifer has a strong love and passion for serving others in the name of Christ. Her faith is something she clings tightly to and is grateful she can share with others. Jennifer is honored to serve as Secretary to the congregation of St. Paul's Church. She believes the role of secretary is not just one of answering phones and working in the office, but is a ministry filled with love and compassion; sharing the love of Jesus with others! 

stpauls.gifford@gmail.com

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Sunday School Superintendent

Lisa Powell

Lisa was born, raised and lives near Royal, IL.  She is married to Josh and they have 3 daughters. Lisa has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education, and taught at Judah Christian School in Champaign before starting a family.  She has since been homeschooling for 14 years.  

Lisa enjoys spending time in nature hiking and kayaking.. She also enjoys making cakes, having kitchen dance parties with her girls, and making crafts.

Lisa has been teaching Sunday School for 4 years and is starting her first year as Sunday School Superintendent.  

Treasurer

Mitch Schluter

Mitch has been at lifelong member of St. Paul's and grew up on a farm outside Gifford. He currently lives in rural Urbana with his wife Peg and son Cam.  Mitch and Peg have two other sons (Brent and Aaron) both living and working in the Champaign/Urbana area as CPA’s.
Mitch has been the Church Treasurer since January 2022.  He worked in public accounting as a CPA for over 30 years and retired in the fall of 2021.  In addition to the church Treasurer position, Mitch provides tax and consulting services for family and friends and currently serves on the St. Joseph-Ogden high school board and one other local nonprofit board as Treasurer.  
His favorite activities are traveling with his wife and family, attending St. Louis Cardinal games, watching his kids play in various sporting activities, and golfing.
The Bible has many verses about money and finances.  One of his favorites is:  ”In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35.
 


Custodian


Shannon Scott

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