Rev. Sara McManus
Senior Pastor

As an avid Christ-follower, I have been searching to understand the mystery that is God my whole life. I've found that a life in Christ is a life spent outside oneself, looking at the world around me and seeing where I can help. Here at First Church we are committed to Christ’s call in each of our lives and to connect to God and community. There’s nothing better about a life of Christ than serving God together!

My husband Kyle and I have two great children and two chaos-dogs. Growing up and finding a call to ministry in Yankton, I've learned the importance of God's path in my life. I have served churches and ministries in Iowa, Tennesee, North and South Dakota. It is a joy to do God's work here in Watertown.
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Rev. Bryce Blank
Associate Pastor

I am excited and honored to have served as the Associate Pastor at First Church since July of 2022. This is my first appointment out of seminary, but I have previously served in a variety of ministry settings which most recently included serving as a Youth Pastor/Intern at Christ UMC in Farmers Branch, TX. I also interned at South Canyon Lutheran Church in my hometown of Rapid City, SD, and the UMC churches in Plankinton and White Lake, SD. In the summer of 2019, I served as the chaplain at Lake Poinsett Summer Camp.

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Rev. Elmer Brinkman
On Call Pastor
Pearl Geffre
Office Manager

Hello, I’ve had the privilege of being the Office Manager here at First Church since 2012.  My job is never dull as there is always something new and interesting that needs to be done or questions that need to be answered.  And, if I don’t know the answer, I’m happy to go on a quest till I find it for you.

My husband, Marty and I have 2 wonderful kids and 3 awesome grandchildren. They all keep us hopping and on the go with school and sports activities and family game nights. When I’m not hanging with the kiddos I love to read, quilt or paint. But my favorite past time is when we go out to the Black Hills and can hike in the beauty of God’s creation!
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Cady Weidner
Summer Intern (Samuel Program)
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Sandy Middleton
Children's Ministry Coordinator

Hello, I'm Sandy Middleton. I am the Director of Children's Ministry for the weekends at FirstChurch. Lori Jurgens and I started job sharing the Children's Ministry position in March 2023. I'm so excited to share Jesus' love with the children of FirstChurch. 

When I'm not at FirstChurch, I'm a full time Special Education Paraprofessional with the Watertown School District. I'm married to Randy and we have five wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren that fill our hearts everyday. In my spare time you can find me in the garden, painting , or going on an adventures to the many lakes around Watertown. I was baptized and confirmed at the Winner United Methodist Church in Winner, SD. I was a part of an amazing youth group and did a lot of outreach to other communities during my high school years. I continued to volunteer for Vacation Bible School and other activates through the years and was FirstChurch's Nursery Coordinator for 6 years. I'm very excited to be back serving at FirstChurch and can't wait to meet all the children and their families during the weekend FirstKids School time in Fellowship Hall! Many Blessings to all!
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Lori Jurgens
Children's Ministry Coordinator

Hi, I’m Lori Jurgens. I am the Director of Children’s Ministries for Wednesday Nights. I started this position on March 1, 2023. I am job sharing this position with Sandy Middleton.  Spending time with the kids on Wednesday nights is a true blessing. We are growing together in Christ. Seeing the energy and love and excitement that these kids have for Jesus is so rewarding. 

I have 3 wonderful children- Gavin, Grace and Gabe who have kept me busy running to all of their activities. I love to read, spend time with my family and friends, boating and puzzles. I also like to travel and my bucket list is to get to all 50 states and to tour Europe. I grew up in a small country church by Castlewood- Bemis Christian Reformed Church where I participated in youth group and enjoyed the friendships I made there and also having my parents as youth leaders. After graduation I moved to Sioux Falls and attended Peace Lutheran Church where I was part of the mommy and me group after I had kids. I have helped out in the past with Wednesday nights at FirstChurch and really enjoyed it so when I felt God calling me to do more I said yes and here I am.
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Blair Titze
Music Director, Choir Director, Organist
Renae Mack
Bell Choir Director

Hello!  My name is Renae Mack.  I am the Bell Choir Director at First Church and have been making music with my “Ding-a-lings” since 1986! Music is a great way to praise, worship, express one’s faith and communicate with God.  It seems to be a perfect fit for me to direct Bells;  to draw myself and others closer to Christ.

While growing up, I participated in a variety of musical groups; eventually making the cello and teaching strings my forte. In 2008, I retired from 33 years of teaching elementary strings and directing the High School orchestra in Watertown. My husband, Gary, and I enjoy traveling. Each year we try to experience a new location in the U.S. or foreign country. We cheer the SDSU Jackrabbits in football and basketball. In the summertime, I tend my garden and flowers, go for daily walks, ride bike, and buzz around in my little red convertible (The Red Pepper). Cooking, entertaining, quilting, water aerobics and playing cello for church or in a string quartet for weddings, are other favorite to dos.
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Lesa Dahl
Organist
Meaghan Wharton
Nursery Care Provider
Donna Bruns
Nursery Care Provider
Beth Schutt
Custodian
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