2304 Springs Road,  Hickory, North Carolina 28601

Church 828.256.9865         School 828.256.2166

St Stephens Staff
Connecting All to Christ

Pastor David Guelzow

Pastor Dave grew up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He has a A.A. from Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, IN and an A.M.S. from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
       Pastor Dave is married to Diane, a National-certified teacher. They have two daughters; Sara Guelzow Secker of Odington, MD and Jessie Guelzow of Boone, NC. 
       He has served St Stephens Lutheran Church for 13 years.

davidguelzow@charter.net

Pastor  David W. Ziehr 

      The Reverend David W. Ziehr was born in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, September 14, 1966, the son of the Reverend and Mrs. Richard O. Ziehr.  He was ordained into the office of the Holy Ministry on July 12, 1992, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Shalimar, Florida, by his father.
      Pastor Ziehr graduated from the University of Montevallo with a B.S. degree in counseling and a minor in history.  He then attended Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in May of 1992.
      He spent his vicarage year of internship at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lansing, Illinois.  Upon graduation, he was called to serve as the associate pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Sarasota, Florida.  From 1995 to 2000, Pastor Ziehr served as sole pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran in Gardendale, Alabama until he was again called to serve in a team ministry at St. Paul Lutheran in Caledonia, Michigan.
      He married Trudi Graham on August 12, 1989, in Birmingham.  Trudi Ziehr also graduated from the University of Montevallo and received her BSN from the University of Alabama, Birmingham.  The Ziehr’s are blessed with a daughter, Brittany (13) and a son, Jordan (10).

dziehr@charterinternet.com

Pastor  David W. Ziehr

Vicar Brandon Martin

Vicar Brandon Martin

Brandon has a passion for teaching the Gospel, especially among Hispanic communities.  His enthusiasm for cross-cultural ministry grew as a result of living in Latin America for five years.  After graduating from Appalachian State University in 1998 with degrees in elementary education and Spanish, he taught at international schools in Mexico and Guatemala.  He then moved to Bolivia where he served as a missionary for three years.  It was during the trials and joys of this mission work that God began directing him to dedicate his life to cross-cultural ministry.  Upon returning to the U.S., Brandon met his wonderful wife, Joy, who was serving as a missionary in Macedonia.  Brandon is currently finishing his pastoral preparation through Concordia Seminary as he serves as pastoral intern at St. Stephens.
brandonmartin@charterinternet.com

Sharon Maynor – Business Manager 

I am a graduate of CVCC, Hickory, NC.  I have been employed by St. Stephens for 17 years. I have been known to be a Jack of All Trades and Master of none.  There is always a surprise waiting each day for me, either it be the people or the work. I enjoy both tremendously. 

Tashia Fisher – Administrative Assistant 

I am a graduate of King's College, Charlotte, NC.  I have been employed by St. Stephens for 17 years. I love serving the Lord and the people of St. Stephens in this capacity. I have a reputation of being able to whip out chapel crafts in a flash.

sslcms@charter.net 

Jonathan Guelzow - Principal

While I have been here St. Stephens has been awarded NLSA (Nation Lutheran School Accreditation) twice 1994 & 2001, SACS (Southern Association of Colleges & Schools) 2003 and U. S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School (No Child Left Behind) 2003

• Graduate of Concordia College, Austin, TX, Concordia University, River Forest, IL. and Wagner College, Staten Island, NY.

• Taught 3rd grade at Zion Lutheran School, Dallas TX
• Taught 7th-8th grade and Athletic Director at St. John's Lutheran School, Staten Island
• Principal/Teacher at Prince of Peace Lutheran School, Hollywood FL and Immanuel Lutheran School, Brandon, FL
• Principal at St. Stephens for 13 years
  
  principaljon@charter.net

Jonathan Guelzow - Principal

JoAnne, a Virginia native, graduated in 1977 from Lenoir-Rhyne College with a Bachelor’s Degree in History/Social Studies Secondary Education.  She received her master’s degree in adult and continuing education from Appalachian State University in 1985.  After working a number of years in various university settings in the Midwest and the northern part of the U.S., as well as a brief stint with a state department of education, she decided to return to North Carolina to complete her doctoral degree. During her studies at ASU, she began working at St. Stephens as a part-time teacher.  She currently serves as the school’s assistant principal and computer teacher (and has successfully completed her degree). 

JoAnne is married to Jim Murray, a Scotsman and banker in Charlotte.  They jointly share the responsibility of the family dog GUS.
jawray@charter.net

Cory Michael Westby

Cory Michael Westby

Jennifer Whitely

Jenny is the leader of Random Calling, the praise band at St. Stephens Church.  She also serves as keyboard player and vocalist for the group.  Jenny grew up in Claremont, NC and attended Bunker Hill High School and continued her studies at Concordia University in Seward, NE.  After returning to Catawba County she attended Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC where she studied Sacred Music.   
       Jenny took piano lessons for 11 years under Althea Roth (Pastor Delbert Roth’s wife) and three years at Concordia University under Professor Theodore Beck.  Her home church was Bethel Lutheran in Claremont, NC and was assistant organist at the age of 15 for three years.  She also served as Jr. Choir Director at the age of 16 for two years.  After returning from college she became the Jr./Sr. Choir Director and Organist at Bethel Lutheran Church for 11 years.  During this time she received the Martin Luther Award for her service and dedication to the youth of the church.  While attending Concordia University Jenny took organ lessons under Professor Orr and from Professor Florence Jowers at Lenoir-Rhyne College.   
       Jenny played trumpet in high school and attended the University of Tennessee Honor Bands all four years receiving the award of First Honor Band each year.  She also was first chair trumpet in the All County Band for three years.  Jenny received the Louis Armstrong Award and the Orion Award during her Jr. and Sr. years of high school.   
       1998 –Current she is Director of Music and Worship Leader at St. Stephens and has been teaching music since 1999 at St. Stephens Lutheran School for grades preschool 3 year olds through 8^th grade.  She is married to Greg Whitely and has two daughters, Jill and Michelle. 
       Questions or comments for
Jenny can be e-mailed to sslcmusic@charter.net

 

Brandon Buff – Network Administrator

I have been employed by St. Stephens for three years with several years of volunteer work.  I am also owner of Genesis Systems inc. offering computer and network support and installation for small business, churches and schools in the surrounding area.  When I am not keeping the staff amused I am helping run the sound system for our praise team, Random Calling.  

 

Brandon Buff

Erin Sipe

Erin believes her part of fulfilling the Great Commission is to bring children into a meaningful relationship with Christ through child-friendly programs focused on discipleship, worship, and fellowship.