Pastor David Michael Marz,  pastordavid@dreamwithus.com

Gina Bouk, Office Administrator,     gina@dreamwithus.com

Jean, Director of Children’s Ministries,  jean@dreamwithus.com

Eric Landwehr, Minister of Youth and Family,  eric@dreamwithus.com

Chris Mack, Choir Director, chris@dreamwithus.com

Kelly Hutchison, Nursery Attendant, Kelly.Hutchison@live.com

Stacey Wodicker, Partnership Advocate, stacey.wodicker@thrivent.com

Jonathan M. Marz, Dean of Gods People Seminary, jonathan@dreamwithus.com

 Information and Personal Stories

We look forward to getting to know you.  We hope that the information below will allow you to find out a little about the people who love the Lord and serve Him through the ministry of Spirit of Joy.

 Pastor David Michael Marz

I was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and grew up as a fun- loving kid.  My growing up years were filled with sports in school and doing fun things with friends such as going to the beach and fishing.  My family and church family nurtured me in faith and life.  I would not be who or where I am in life without that constant love, encouragement, and demonstration of Grace.  Being called to Gospel ministry was not on my early radar, but ever since saying yes to God my life has been a thrill ride.  Before coming to Spirit of Joy, I served Lutheran churches in Tucson, AZ; Chicago, IL; and as a chaplain in U.S. Navy.  I received a Master's of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and a Master's in Systems Theory from the University of Chicago.  My undergraduate studies in Political Science and Philosophy taught me to think. My wife Charlotte is a huge source of love and together we have the joy of raising our daughter Hana Michael. They have made me a better person.  My family and church family for whom I have deep respect are great gifts from God. I continue to learn so much with and through the relationships formed at Spirit of Joy.  I look forward to a shared future of purpose, service and ministry.  You are welcome to call or email me so we might have a connection in faith and life.  Thanks for visiting.

I was baptized as an infant in a central Kansas Missouri-Synod Lutheran Church. My great-great grandfather was one of the founding fathers of the church—St. Peter Lutheran in Holyrood. Actually, my Dad and I were baptized by the same pastor 24 years apart! Shortly after Carl and I married (over 30 years ago!), we began to attend a Lutheran church less than a mile from our home on Dobson Ranch called Spirit of Joy. Our three sons attended Sunday School and were each confirmed at Spirit of Joy. Over the three decades, God has blessed me with many brothers and sisters in Christ as we served together in various ministries at Spirit of Joy. I can truly call Spirit of Joy home because this is where I find peace and joy. Over 14 years ago I was called to ministry at Spirit of Joy as the Office Administrator. It has been a blessing I will never forget and one I truly cherish! I look forward to many more years of serving God at Spirit of Joy!

 

What is it about Spirit of Joy that keeps me coming back year after year after year? It definitely had nothing to do with me but everything to do with God’s will for my life and my willingness to yield to His will. Every time I would feel like sleeping in on a Sunday morning or felt too tired at the end of a work day to go to a Bible study or attend a ministry meeting, God would say to me, “You really need to be there.” And you know what? Invariably by the end of worship or Bible study or the meeting, I would understand WHY I needed to be there. Sometimes I needed to be there for someone else, but more often than not I was the one being blessed—by the words of the pastor, the music, a hug from a friend, or time spent in fellowship and prayer. God’s plan for me is always so much better than anything I could ever imagine. Spirit of Joy has truly made a difference in my life. I pray that through God’s Holy Spirit, the body of Christ known as Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church can make a difference in your life, too! Are you ready to experience God’s will for your life? Let’s make our journey of faith together at Spirit of Joy!

 

 

Jean- Director of Children's Ministry

 I’m a Maryland native and was blessed to be born into a loving  Lutheran family. Our church was our 2^nd home and our 2^nd family. When I was growing-up we were so involved in all the various ministries at our church that it sometimes felt like we spent more time at church than we did in our house. When I now return to Maryland, I am always anxious to visit with my Maryland church family as well as my parents and siblings. 

 Eric Landwehr- Minister of Youth and Families

I am an Arizona native . . . grew up in Chandler, graduated from Arizona State, and now live in Gilbert.  I married my college sweet-heart, Christa, who I’ve known since we were toddlers.  We were both raised in the Lutheran Church, and have been partners here at Spirit of Joy since 2003. 

 

I am blessed to serve at Spirit of Joy, working with our youth and their families.  The years I spent in “Youth Group,” in my childhood church were instrumental in shaping my faith.  Relationships that were built during my teenage years still exist and are important to me, today. 

 

My prayer for 2011 is to help our teenagers know of God's great love and grace.  Together with the church family at Spirit of Joy we hope to give the young people of today a safe place to have fun, make new friends and grow in faith.

Chris Mack - Choir Director

Claim to fame:  I am a professional singer and perform regularly with the Phoenix Vocal Jazz.

Where did you grow up?  Chicago

What is your favorite thing about the Gilbert community?  I love the town and the rural feel it has.

Post educational professional experiences:  I graduated from DePaul University in Chicago with a degree in Choral Music Education.  I took a dare from a friend to come out to Arizona State University and start my graduate studies in choral conducting.  After I graduated from ASU, I took a job teaching middle school music in Tempe.  I went back to school to work on my second Masters in Counseling and have been doing that ever since.

Describe your occupation:  Every day is different.  I am on the Crisis Response Team for the Gilbert School District.  I am a track coach, and I am extremely fortunate to work with a great group of counselors.  We really have a great team!

Favorite hobbies or interests:  I love music, water sports, boating, water skiing, and taking jet skis out to the lake.  I absolutely love the White Mountains.  My wife and I have a little cabin up in Pinetop and can't get up there enough.

Who is your mentor or inspiration?  My mentor would have to be my high school choir teacher, Omar Reese.  My inspiration has to be my father.  He is truly amazing.

Stacey Wodicker- Partnership Advocate-Stewardship Ministry

Financial Associate, Thrivent Financial For Lutherans

I was born in Oklahoma but moved around a lot during my childhood. By the time I was in 7^th grade, I had been to 8 different schools in California, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Although it says “Lutheran” on my birth certificate, my parents didn’t attend church. I first learned about Jesus from an aunt when I was 8 years old and attended church with my friends. As a result, I had exposure to many different denominations along the way. Since my son, Mac, and I moved here from St. Louis in 2001, we have visited many churches and feel truly blessed to have found Spirit of Joy. We feel very much at home within this body of Christ and are very excited to develop and deepen relationships with our new friends and families and grow in faith together.