STAFF

STAFF

Reverend Dr. Matthew R. Knapp, Sr.

Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Knapp, Sr. began his ministry at Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church as an Associate Pastor in 1991. He was called by the congregation to be senior pastor in 2003. Matthew holds a Bachelor's degree in Christian Education from Wheaton College, a Master of Divinity from Moravian Theololgical Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership from Bethel Theological Seminary. He also serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor of the Master of Theological Studies program at St. Norbert College. He is married to Kimberly (Newton) Knapp.

Matthew's passions in ministry include worship, youth and mission. In his free moments he coaches high school soccer, reads and enjoys cooking. 

His personal ministry verse is:

Micah 6:8 "And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."



Reverend Reeder Herrick

Assistant Pastor

Rev. Herrick joined the staff in June of 2003. He is a graduate of Juniata College and served in the United States Air Force from 1968 until 1988. Reeder's service included a tour of duty as a forward air controller in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. Upon retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel he took up farming in North Dakota for a decade. It was there that he felt the calling to ministry and attended Moravian Theological Seminary, graduating with his Master of Divinity in 2003. He is married to Barbara (Bender) Herrick.

In addition to a passion for sports (baseball, basketball and hunting in particular) Reeder finds great fulfillment in preaching, teaching and the pastoral care ministry of the church. The two verses of Scripture which shape Reeder's ministry the most are:

Psalm 8:3-4  "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

and

Hebrews 4:12  "For the world of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heat."



Kim Knapp

Choir Director

Kim began serving as director of the Adult Choir in 2014. She has directed our youth and children’s choirs since 1991. This ministry has always been a part of her life as her mother, Nancy, provided the same ministry in her home congregation (First Moravian in Greensboro, NC) during her childhood. Kim is employed at the Sturgeon Bay schools in special education instruction. She is married to Rev. Dr. Matthew Knapp, Sr.

Karen Bongle

Administrative Assistant

Karen joined the staff in 2018. She has extensive experience in office administration. She is happy to be living back in Door County where she grew up. She loves spending time in the garden, reading or crocheting and especially spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Dennis Sphatt

Organist

Dennis graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a vocal music degree in 1975 and taught middle and high school vocal music at Omro from 1975 until retirement in 2007. One of his students was our own Ryan Albashian who he taught organ! He also coached high school golf for over 30 years during that time.

Dennis started playing church organ while in high school in 1967. He has been organist at First English Lutheran in Oshkosh from 1973 to the present,  celebrating almost 50 years of service. In addition he has been their adult choir director since 1986 and directed the Oshkosh Choraliers from 1986-1990.

 Along with his wife Pat, they enjoy golfing and recently bought a condo in Sister Bay as they have been visiting and enjoying Door County for over 40 years.



Jason Palmer

Organist

Jason received his musical training at Northern Illinois University and has served as organist and choirmaster at churches in Illinois and Wisconsin for more than 45 years. In addition to being an organist, Jason conducts the Peninsula Symphonic Band and the Swingin' Door Big Band. 

Palmer and his wife, Jamie, founded the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance in Aurora, Illinois. The Academy was home to the Fox Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, the Fox Valley Youth Symphony, the Academy Orchestra, Youth Strings and the Access to Music program. Palmer was the music director for the orchestras while Jamie served as the Executive Director.

Now retired, both Jason and Jamie are enjoying all that Door County has to offer. Jason also serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Door County.




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