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, and I am an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician with the Canton Ambulance Service.
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 ManagerHello, 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.
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Friend-Ship Preschool Director/TeacherMy name is Mrs. Karen Rieck and I am very excited to be a part of Friendship Preschool as the Director/Teacher this year. I am very thankful that God has presented this opportunity to me and I pray He leads and guides me with the knowledge necessary for this ministry.
I have been married for 19 years, almost 20!, to my wonderful husband Justin. We have four children, 3 girls and 1 boy. We spend time together camping, swimming, kayaking, and watching movies on cold rainy/ snowy days. I also do volunteering at my home church, Linwood Wesleyan, and at Destiny Youth Ranch as barn/horse help. I am an active member in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and hold a seat on our local board as Co-Chair. I am very passionate about continuing my education and advancing my personal and professional growth to better serve the families I work with. Working with children is a big part of my life and I certainly feel that is what God has called me to do.
My Teaching Style:
Studies have proven time and time again that a child’s work and learning is accomplished best through play. I have always felt it is better for children to learn through open ended experiences which allows for a more meaningful learning experience. I focus on sensory based activities that will encompass the senses in a way that will help the child adapt themselves to assorted materials, sights, sounds, and textures. A lot of what will take place in my classroom will be hands on learning through exploring learning centers, guided group conversations, and creative art projects.
I am looking forward to meeting all of you this year and building relationships with you and your child as we dive into learning together.
Blessings!
My Teaching Style:
Studies have proven time and time again that a child’s work and learning is accomplished best through play. I have always felt it is better for children to learn through open ended experiences which allows for a more meaningful learning experience. I focus on sensory based activities that will encompass the senses in a way that will help the child adapt themselves to assorted materials, sights, sounds, and textures. A lot of what will take place in my classroom will be hands on learning through exploring learning centers, guided group conversations, and creative art projects.
I am looking forward to meeting all of you this year and building relationships with you and your child as we dive into learning together.
Blessings!
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.
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 DirectorMy 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.
CustodianJonny joined our staff as the in house custodian/ handy man. Jonny moved back to the Canton area to be closer to his mother and will be a great fit to our team. He has a heart to serve and is the first to volunteer a helping hand. Jonny is a retired Naval officer and born adventurer. In Arizona, you would find him cycling or backpacking through the mountains. In Canton, if he is not enjoying nature, he is spending his down time playing guitar or walking his beloved dogs.