Our Team

Rev. Brian Damrow

Pastor

Rev. Brian Damrow began his ministry at St. John’s in May 2023. Brian had previously served in other UCC congregations. His last congregation was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He received his B.A degree in Religion and Philosophy from Lakeland University, and his M.Div from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Brian also has 9 units of Clinical Pastoral Education from St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. He was Ordained by the Illinois South Conference UCC in February 2003.

Brian is originally from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and both he and his wife Dawn have deep roots in that community. Together they have three children, Heather born 1985, Seth born 1987, Aaron born 1993. They also have three grandsons Michael, Matthew, and Benjiman. Together with his family Brian enjoys all sports, and is an avid Packers fan, reading, traveling, politics, pop culture, movies, and amusement parks.

Hayden Rhodes

Music Director

I was born and raised in the small town of De Soto, MO. I grew up on our small family farm and spent most of my time out in the fields. At the age of six, I fell in love with the organ and began learning piano/organ. By the age of eight years old I played for my first church service. I continued my organ education by learning from a private organ instructor from Granite City, Illinois from age 10 years old until age 20. At age 18 I took my first professional church job and led a choir of 25 faithfully and played organ. Music has always been the center of my life and will continue to be. In 2016, I met the love of my life Madi, and in 2018 I proposed to her and we were married in 2019. We share a 6 acre farm with our 4 fur babies. I look forward to the journey of serving St. John’s UCC as the Director of music/organist in the years to come!

Brenda Masters

Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Southern Illinois, I moved to Smithton in 2019. I have been the administrative assistant for St. John’s since 2024. I work for Belleville school district 118 as a paraprofessional.

Janine Parciak

Bookkeeper

I have been the Bookkeeper for St. John’s UCC for many years and am a lifelong member of the church. I work as an accountant at a large company based in St. Louis. I am married to my husband, Chris, and we have two children and one granddaughter.