Leadership

Our Pastor

My name is Steve Ziebarth and I will have the privilege of serving as your pastor. My wife Kathy grew up on a farm north of Roswell, SD. I grew up in Madison. We met when we were both students at Dakota State College. We were both heavily involved in music and that has continued to be an incredible source of enjoyment for both of us. Kathy served as a teacher for 30 years. I taught instrumental music for five years and have directed church choirs for more than 30 years.

We have been married for over 40 years and have two grown children. Our daughter Hillari and her husband Brian live in Omaha. They have one daughter, Reilly. Our son Jon and his wife Gesine live in Sioux Falls. They have two children Finley and Meta. We enjoy our time with the kids, but really love the time with our grandchildren.

We are very excited to be in ministry with you at Canton United Methodist Church, and in ministry to the Canton community. The Canton United Methodist Church has a very rich history and has provided a strong and vital Christian ministry. We look forward with eager anticipation to the prospect of getting acquainted with all of you, becoming a part of the Canton United Methodist family, and working together with you as we continue to do the Lord’s work.

In the Master’s service.

Worship & Children's Ministry Coordinator

Hello, my name is Laurel Laubach.

I grew up in Parkston and Marion, SD and graduated high school from Marion High School. I attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD and graduated with a Degree in Elementary/Music Education where I also played volleyball, ran track, rodeo team, and was in the choir. I married my husband Nate in 1995 and we have four children: Colton, Kyle, Kaden, and Carlee, who are now almost all grown.

In my spare time I like to do photography, play guitar and sing, camp, ride horses, collect petting zoo animals (yes I have a mini donkey named Taco and a bunch of goats and chickens!) and I am an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with the Sanford Canton Ambulance since 2003.

I have been involved in Worship and the Praise team "One Way Up" at CUMC for 20 years! I also love singing with the church children every Wednesday night! I praise God every day for the gift of music in my life. God is so good!

Office Manager

Hello, My name is Sarah Woods and I am beyond excited to be the new Office Manager.

I originally grew up in Canton, good old class of 2001. (please don’t do the math, it will ruin the 27 years old illusion). I spent many a nights cruising the “whip” singing to boy bands, back when both were still a thing.

After high school I attended Northern State University majoring in Secondary History Education. Instead of finding an illustrious career in education while in Aberdeen, I found love, marriage and babies. 16 years ago I married the love of my life, Ryan. Together we are doing the best we can to raise 3 pre-teen boys. Levi, age 15; Zach, age 11; and Micah, age 9 keep us both on our toes.

During office hours, you will more than likely find me singing to the radio while filing paperwork (you have been warned). Once the clock hits 4, you will either find me at the dog park watching my white boxer racing every single car or couponing my way across Sioux Falls.

I am looking forward to being part of the CUMC family and showing God’s love in the Canton Community.

Organist

     Hello my name is Edna Hansen. I started playing for Canton Methodist church on April 16, 1954.
     I was raised on a farm. When I was an 8th grader, I had my own tractor and worked in the field with my father. This continued all through high school when I started the office job. Then I would take my vacations to "walk the beans". My father owned a threshing machine, and I was on the threshing run going from farm to farm to thresh for neighbors. Before I was allowed to drive a car, I had to change four tires, so I always changed any flat tires until I got married.
    Music has always been a part of my life. My father played the cornet and the bass horn. He played with me as I played the piano.

Choir Director

My name is Jenna Stearns. I am a native of Canton. I graduated high school in 2008 and from SDSU in 2013, majoring in music education. I taught 5th & 6th grade band in Canton from 2014-2018. I have been directing the church choir since 2014. I live on a farm north of Worthing with my husband Eric, and our two children, Avonelle and Everett. I enjoy staying home with the kids, waterskiing at the lake, spending time with family and friends, playing the piano, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Custodian

Terry Trube-Bio coming soon!