Our Staff

Mark Schlenker has served as Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran since May 2012. Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, Mark loved playing sports. This love eventually translated into his coaching and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from Arizona State University. After a brief stint coaching and teaching he followed his other passion, faith and the church, to Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2002. The first 10 years of ordained ministry he served in Florida: three years at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Jacksonville and the next 7 years at Lutheran Church of the Cross in St. Petersburg. Mark was called as the pastor for St. Peter Lutheran in May 2012. Yes, he chose to leave Florida for Iowa. Yes, he’s still glad he did! Mark still enjoys playing and watching sports. The majority of his spare time however, is enjoyed with wife Bambi, daughter Kadin, and sons Grady and Ashton.

Jill Capps has served as Director of Faith Formation for St. Peter Lutheran Church since 2018.  Some of Jill’s responsibilities include coordination of the Confirmation program, maintaining St. Peter’s social media including Facebook and Website, live-streaming worship services, and implementing Faith Formation & Service Project programs. Jill resides in Grimes with her husband John, and they have two adult children Ryan and Sarah.

Lauri Rouse has served as Office Manager for St. Peter Lutheran since November 2020. She is responsible for weekly bulletins; monthly Voice newsletters; recording of financial contributions; financial secretary for the church; recording of all baptisms, deaths, weddings, etc.; keeping membership statistics; along with whatever comes up that needs attention. Lauri has been a member of St. Peter since 2008 and has been active in Mom’s Group, Adult Education, Vacation Bible School, WELCA, Church Council, book studies, and other ministries and committees at the church.  She has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from the University of Utah. She lives in Grimes with her husband Benji and their 3 children: Oliver, Milo, and Clyde.

Bambi Schlenker began serving as Youth Director in August 2024. Her responsibilities include directing and leading Middle School and High School Youth Group, organizing the annual Mission Trip, and coordinating fundraising for the mission trip. Bambi has been a member of St. Peter since June of 2012, where she has taken leadership roles in Moms’ Group and WELCA and volunteered with VBS and the Confirmation program. Before coming to St. Peter, she was a youth leader at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Florida, assisting with activities such as weekly Youth Group and Sunday School, youth retreats, summer camp and National Youth Gatherings. Bambi lives in Grimes with her husband, Pastor Mark and their 3 children: Kadin, Grady, and Ashton.

Cyndi Meggison began serving as the Custodian at St. Peter in 2014. Cyndi has been a member of St. Peter Lutheran since 2000. She has taught Sunday school, Adult Youth Leader, chaperoned youth in Atlanta for the National Youth Gathering, a Church Council member several times in various capacities, and Treasurer. She is currently Custodian and the Food Pantry Coordinator. Cyndi also volunteers at St. Peter as a communion preparer, communion server, and choir member. Cyndi graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. She and her husband Gary have lived in Grimes 45 years. They have two adult children, Jared, and Jordan who both graduated from DC-G. They are now blessed with 4 wonderful grandchildren.

Emily Wells has served as Choir Director for St. Peter Lutheran Church since 2019. Emily’s responsibilities include selecting music for and directing the adult choir, helping with musical small groups, and coordinating special music. Emily and her husband Justin have two children, Carter and Meg.