Meet Our Pastor
Rev. Charles D. Owens
Senior Pastor
Charles has been senior pastor of Spirit of Peace since March 9, 2020. Previously he served for six years at a church in rural north Iowa. As senior pastor his most important duty is to make sure we’re living into our vision of being a progressive, inclusive, and diverse congregation here in Sioux Falls. Charles became a pastor because he loves God and church communities and wants to share that love as much as possible! He also loves traveling, reading, exploring the great outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.
Spirit of Peace Staff Members
LeAnn Minister
Director of Congregational Life
LeAnn has served Spirit of Peace in this role since 2020. She engages visitors and members, coordinates volunteers, and provides support to the wide variety of ministries at Spirit of Peace. Prior to this position, she was the Director of Christian Education at Spirit of Peace since 2011. Having lived and experienced worship in other countries, as well as both coasts of the US, being part of the Spirit of Peace congregation has been an exceptional gift. This church family encourages people of all ages to inquire, create, and act with mercy and compassion in their faith journeys. LeAnn loves spending time with her family and friends, both near and far, and visiting new places around this magnificent globe.
Jodi Schwab
Youth Engagement Director
It has been a joy for Jodi to claim Spirit of Peace as her church home! She searched for a place to worship for some time before finding this wonderful community where everyone is respected no matter their background. It’s been an extraordinary gift for her to be able to serve as the Youth Engagement Director for children in Sunday School and our teenagers in Youth Group. She has learned so much, met so many interesting people, and found that she could use her training as an educator to enhance the spiritual growth of the youth of Spirit of Peace. Jodi loves reading, traveling, cooking, dabbling with painting, and being with her beloved family and friends.
Lorah Houser Jankord
Office Manager
Lorah joined Spirit of Peace as Office Manager in early 2023. She has been a Tax Assessor, Housing Authority Executive Director, Bed and Breakfast Inn Keeper, Real Estate Appraiser, Bank Teller, House Cleaner (rarely her own) and yeah—Pastor. She has been involved in the SD Conference of the UCC since 1974! Lorah and her husband, Rich, have been married 40+ years. Brad and Anna and their grands Grace and James, and Emma and Brandon and grand Lane and ?? (due 10/23) fill their lives with joy and sometimes leave them breathless. Lorah loves God. She loves talking. She loves talking about God.
Dan Graber
Choir Director
Dan has served as choir director at Spirit of Peace since 2011 and also serves as music director and organist at First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in piano and voice from Bethel College in North Newton, KS. Leading music and working with people is something that brings him great joy. He sees music as an integral part of worship services— something that can inspire people and bring them nearer to God—this is the true inspiration of his work! He lives east of Freeman, SD with his wife Tina, and two children, Adaline and Levi. They are also active in the family farming operation.
Karl Graber
Pianist/Church Musician
Karl has been providing music for Spirit of Peace church services since 2009. He began musical studies at age five on violin and age six on piano. He has a Bachelor of Music in piano from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition to making music with his friends, he enjoys golfing and working in his yard south of Marion, SD in the summer, and reading in the winter.