Staff
Pastor Rebekah Tarras
Pastor Tarras came to serve as the pastor of First Lutheran in October of 2020. Pastor Tarras is a 1995 graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a 2003 graduate of Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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When reflecting on her call to ministry, Pastor Tarras noted, "I have been able to live my whole life knowing that I am saved by God's grace through my faith in Jesus, and my purpose and calling is to share the good news of God's love for all people."
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Pastor Tarras is the daughter of a Lutheran pastor. She has a background in music and is an avid quilter. Pastor Tarras has been married to her husband Jeff since 2005. Jeff works for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The couple also enjoys spending time with their four grandchildren.
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Pastor Rebekah's office hours at First Lutheran are Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 am to noon or other times by appointment.
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Carolynn Rynish
Office Administrator
Carolynn celebrates life homeschooling with her forester husband and two children on a small homestead outside of Fremont. Together, they enjoy gathering with and traveling to visit their large extended families, camping, hunting & fishing, gardening and creating art & crafts!
She joined the staff of First Lutheran in April 2025.
Myndi Margan
Bookkeeper
Myndi Margan is a homeschooling mom of two wonderful children. Since she will be an empty-nester and lose her “job” in 2026, she was excited to join the staff of First Lutheran as their bookkeeper in February 2025. She and her husband Brian have been married since January 2001 and live near Tustin. They enjoy gardening, hunting, kayaking, and camping together. Myndi also teaches German and loves puzzles of all kinds.
Joan Everson
Custodian
Joan Everson grew up in the First Lutheran Congregation and often was called to help her mother with custodial duties at the church. After retiring from her career as a physical education teacher, Joan returned to the Poy Sippi area to help care for her parents. She joined the staff at First Lutheran as the custodian in March of 2022.