meet our staff!
PASTOR GRANT ARMSTRONG, senior pastor
Pastor Grant Armstrong is husband to Amy, and father to Lilli, Clara, and Theo. Grant started off in broadcast journalism with a degree from Illinois State University and attended Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis for his Master of Divinity. He loves spending time with his family and sharing the love of Jesus Christ with everyone he meets. Sometimes he does that while playing the guitar and riding a motorcycle. Contact Pastor Armstrong at grantarmstrong@thenewstjohns.com.
Michelle babb, director of servant ministry
Michelle has been a member of St. John's since 2003. Her personal mission is to inspire others to joyfully live out their faith through effective service to others. Michelle gives staff support to all of the service and mission ministries of our congregation. In this role, Michelle is responsible for planning and leading mission trips, as well as for direct on-going projects engaging the members of our congregation in service to the local community. Contact Michelle at michellebabb@thenewstjohns.com.
Brianna bennett, childcare coordinator
Brianna is a student at SIUE studying Music Education. She has loved music since before she can remember. Brianna is passionate about writing and is constantly learning about new things. She is thrilled to work with the youngest members of St. John’s. Contact Brianna at briannabennett@thenewstjohns.com.
Connie biesemeyer, organist
Connie has been a part of the St. John’s UMC staff since 1997. She is married to her husband, Allen, and together they have two grown daughters and three grandchildren. Connie was born in Wichita, Kansas, into a minister's family where music was an integral part of life. She earned a degree in Music Education from Morningside College and a master's degree in Music Education from SIUE. Connie plays all organ and piano accompaniments at the 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service for congregational singing, special music and Chancel Choir anthems. Contact Connie at conniebiesemeyer@thenewstjohns.com.
nick lampman, DIRECTOR OF contemporary music
Nick has performed in the St. John's UMC Praise Band since 2009. He began studying music at the age of 11. Playing in the church band led Nick to discover his faith and ultimately fueled his decision to be baptized in 2011. Nick has a twin brother, Tony, who also participates in the Praise Band. His responsibilities include the planning of all music for the 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service by arranging musical selections for the Praise Band and rocking out for God on Sunday mornings. Contact Nick at nicklampman@thenewstjohns.com.
TONY lampman, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF contemporary music
Tony has been part of the St. John’s UMC Praise Band as the drummer since 2009. He is the twin brother of Nick Lampman, who is also in the Praise Band. Tony assists with the planning of music for the 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service for the Praise Band on Sunday mornings. Contact Tony at tonylampman@thenewstjohns.com.
TERRI MCDOUGAL, JANITOR
Terri grew up in the Midwest. She lives in Marine, Illinois, with her husband Dave. Terri is mom to four awesome children and one grandchild. She also serves as the janitor at Eden United Church of Christ and Immanuel UMC both in Edwardsville. When Terri isn’t working, she loves spending time with her family. Contact Terri at terrimcdougal@thenewstjohns.com.
kim mitchell, administrative assistant
Kim earned her degree in accounting from Indiana State University. Her husband, Kenny, is retired from the military and works for the Inspector General at Scott Air Force Base. Their daughter, Kaila, achieved her Doctorate in Psychology and now resides in Arkansas. Kim keeps the church and office running smoothly. Her responsibilities include general bookkeeping, calendar updates, mail, membership records, attendance records, and maintaining office supplies. Contact Kim at kimmitchell@thenewstjohns.com.
LYNETTE NELSON, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Lynette is originally from Springfield, Illinois. She is a proud graduate of the University of Illinois and has applied her talents with Communications and Development at the American Cancer Society and Girl Scouts prior to joining the St. John's team. Lynette is married to her high school sweetheart and has two children. Her responsibilities at St. John's include creating all publications and promotional materials, as well as maintaining the website and social media. Contact Lynette at lynettenelson@thenewstjohns.com.
amy E.W. prince, director of choral music
Amy is a member of the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus, an instructor of voice at SIUE, and a private voice teacher. Amy has received music degrees from the University of Waterloo and the University of Western Ontario. She is currently completing her Doctoral studies at Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music. She and her loving husband have two beautiful daughters, Abigail and Adeline. Amy plans all music for the St. John’s UMC Chancel Choir and directs the choir at the 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service. Contact Amy at amyprince@thenewstjohns.com.