Our Church Leadership
Pastor: Jarls (Jay) St. Clair
Over the years. I've been blessed to fill the pulpit as lay supply in 6 different churches, including Rib Falls Methodist Church.
My most rewarding assignment was 20 months at Arpin Presbyterian, starting a few months before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I creatively worked
with the Session to keep us connected in attendance every Sunday. My favorite experience was holding Christmas Eve service, with communion, in the parking lot. The congregation sat in their cars and I spoke to them through an FM Modulator. The temperature approached 10 degrees below zero. Great congregation. Where there's a will there's a way! I added significant technology to their service because it was what they wanted.
I've been a member of Covenant Community Presbyterian for over 20 years. I'm an ordained Elder. I was Baptized shortly after birth at Wausau First Presbyterian Church. In addition, l've been involved with the United Methodist Church via Walk to Emmaus, where l've served as a table leader, assistant table leader, Assistant Lay Director, and Music Director. I've been blessed to have given many of the talks.
I served in the US Naval Reserve 1985-1992 in the Intelligence Office. I have worked in a number of business, engineering, and management roles with business and non-profits. I have a BS in Marine Transportation with Honors from the US Merchant Marine Academy, and an MS in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University. I have taken numerous courses at Austin Presbyterian Theology Seminary in pursuit of a lay certification program.
I have been a member of St. Paul’s UMC in Stevens Point, Wisconsin for over 25 years. During that time, I have also been a Lay Supply Pastor in the Central Wisconsin area, filling pulpit needs in churches all over, whenever needed. I love visiting churches, meeting congregations, and seeing how different churches operate.
As an active pastor, I enjoy walking with people on their faith journey, speaking with diverse groups of people, and serving God. I have led: ministry teams, bible studies, worship services, Sunday School, spiritual gifts classes, visioning teams, and a capital campaign. I have also volunteered with: hospitality, liturgy, serving communion, working various church events, greeting visitors, vacation bible school, confirmation classes, and several other areas where I was asked to serve.
My husband and I currently reside in Stevens Point. We have been married for 26 years; we have three adult children, two dogs, and one cat. When I am not preaching, I enjoy reading books, having coffee with friends, and watching movies.
I feel fortunate to be part of the Rib Falls UMC family! Every time I have the opportunity to visit Rib Falls and share a message, I jump on it, as I know the fellowship will be soul-filling and carry me through the week. I look forward to seeing everyone in worship soon!
Lay Minister: Tonya Kowalski
Blessings and peace in Jesus name. I am a lifelong member of RFUMC. I have been serving as Council President since 2019. I have taught Sunday School for many years and help out with the church in any way I can. By attending Bible Study classes, I nourish my desire to continue to learn and live God's Word.
I grew up on our family farm and respect working hard and working together. I spent my working career in the medical field ranging from being a medical billing consultant, clinic manager and most recently retiring from a pharmacy IV technician position. My husband, Jim, and I have two children, Jodi & Justin, and five grandchildren. I am blessed and humbled to have a portion of my heart occupied by each of my precious grandchildren. This great love for them cannot be put into words, but I am so blessed and grateful for what the Lord has given and done in my life. The gifts I truly cherish are the love and dedication I have for my family and my dear friends, along with my commitment and desire to grow, love and respect my faith.
When God created me He included a strong component to having me drawn to helping others and caring for those in need. For me, giving to others is my way of giving back to Him who so freely gives.
I enjoy flowers, music, birds, the outdoors, travel, reading, cooking, and attending my grandchildren's sports and music activities. My dear mother and I made floral arrangements for all occasions. This is still an important part of my life because of the precious memories I have of spending quality time with her while creating many, many beautiful, creative pieces.
I am in the season of my life where I am humbled and gratified and want PEACE and kindness in the world. I am thankful for all the blessings bestowed on me and pray for maybe having things slow down a bit for me someday.
I close with love and continue my strong commitment to the legacy, dedication and hard work, honoring RFUMC. The Lord is my light. Let your light shine!
Church Council Chair: Jayne Seeger
Church Council Secretary: Laurel Hoffmann
My family was newcomers to the 160-year-old Rib Falls Methodist tradition when my parents moved from Lincoln County to a quarter mile from the church in 1957. I grew up as a typical North Central Wisconsin farm kid and spent a lot of my time driving tractors, baling hay, and washing milk buckets.
I graduated from Merrill High School and then went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison for my bachelor’s degree. After my schooling, I went on to teach 10th-grade English at Wausau High School and then worked for 36 years in data processing at Employers Insurance of Wausau. I also married my husband, Delmor Hoffmann, in 1963, who was conveniently, my neighbor.
Now, twenty-some years into retirement, I serve as the secretary for Rib Falls Methodist Church and on the Marathon County Historical Society Board of Directors.
I have been a lifelong member of Rib Falls United Methodist Church being baptized and confirmed in this church. I have been active in all areas of church life and have held the office of treasurer since 2016.
I am a retired heavy equipment operator and am a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 since 1992. Since 1981, I have owned and operated a farm in the Township of Hamburg, where I now raise beef cattle and grow a variety of crops. My wife, Cindy, and I were married in 1989 and have 3 adult children.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." This Bible verse has helped me through the many mountains and valleys in my life. I also try to live my life remembering Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." My prayer is for God to continue to use me to fulfill His commission here on earth. What an awesome God we serve!