Leadership

Our Pastor

Pastor Clay Lundberg came to the Canton United Methodist Church during the summer of 2020. He has been in the ministry since 2012 serving churches across South Dakota.

His passions and interests in ministry include youth ministry, preaching, and leading small group Bible studies. He believes in the importance of growing deep in our love of scripture and growing deep in our love of the God who inspired scripture. In addition to his service to the Canton UMC, Pastor Clay serves a volunteer dean for two camps connected the Dakotas Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries.

Pastor Clay graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a B.A. in Theology & Philosophy and from Sioux Falls Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. In 2016, he was ordained as an elder in the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Pastor Clay and his wife Linse are the parents of two little boys named Auden and Simon, a sweet little girl named Emmalin, and a Newfypoo named Indiana. In their free time, Pastor Clay and Linse enjoy family walks, spending time with family, and traveling. Pastor Clay also enjoys pheasant hunting, and grilling.

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 B.A.in Elementary Education/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. I have one sweet grandchild named Creek Levi. He has added a whole new element of joy in my life.

In my spare time I like to do photography, play guitar, sing, camp, and ride horses.

I have been involved in Worship and the Praise team "One Way Up" at CUMC since 1999! 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 Jessica VanDeKieft, but I go by Jessy. You may recognize the last name and yes Peggy is my mother. I grew up in the Methodist church and currently live in Canton with my husband and three children. In my “free” time I help run Almost Home Canine Rescue. You will often find me bussing new doggos out to vet visits, training classes, or adoption events. I am excited to put my skills to use at my new position.

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 three children, Avonelle, Everett, and Oliver. 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

Hello! My name is Terry Trube. I have been around Canton a long time and a member of this church just as long. My wife Rhonda, and I enjoy helping out at the church leading bible studies and being involved in the praise band.