Rev. Melissa St. Clair is native of south central Pennsylvania who began her journey westward in 2005 when she enrolled at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO.  Melissa graduated from Eden in May 2008 with a Master of Divinity and the distinction of receiving the Senior Preaching Award as voted upon by Eden’s faculty.  During her time at Eden, Melissa served as student minister in two local congregations; teaching assistant to international students; chair of the Worship Council; and co-president of the Student Cabinet.

Melissa was ordained on June 1, 2008 in her home church, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Chambersburg, PA, and was granted ordained ministerial partner standing in the Greater Kansas City Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in October 2008.  Melissa served for two years on the clergy staff at Community Christian Church (DOC) in Kansas City, MO, through the Lilly Endowment’s Transition-into-Ministry Program.

Melissa finds great joy in discerning the ways in which communities and individuals are called to fulfill God’s mission.  She believes that our personal lives of faith are deepened and strengthened through commitments to this mission, which includes (but is not limited to!): loving our neighbors; clothing and feeding those who are in need; breaking down barriers of race, age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status; honoring and dialoguing with other faith traditions; and celebrating the good news we know in Jesus Christ.

Melissa is always sure to make time for the things she holds dear—her family, her brown tabby cat, reading, hiking, running, riding her bike, recycling, and being outside as much as possible.

Rev. Julie Pappenfort came to Republic after serving several years at Nixa Christian Church in Nixa, MO. and began ministry in Republic as a part time Youth Pastor in April of 2007. Julie works full time for Bass Pro Fabrications and is currently a student at the Missouri School of Religion obtaining her Certificate in Pastoral Ministry.

Julie’s current goal in ministry is to lead youth, 6th – 12th grade, into a relationship with Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord for life and to establish them as disciples, characterized by a life of holiness expressed through devotion, worship, mission, outreach, fellowship, stewardship, and witness. Future aspirations include full time ministry with emphasis on children, youth, college aged individuals and young families.

Julie has one son that currently lives in Nixa. She is very active in the community and treasures most, time spent with family and friends. Hobbies include camping, canoeing, photography, travel and cross-stitch.