Rev. Dan Siems
Interim Pastor
We are blessed to have Interim Pastor Dan Siems, who will be joining us for the summer months.
Pastor Dan grew up in Burlington, IA and during his growing up years attended the Oak Street Baptist Church. He married between his sophomore and junior year. He attended the University of Iowa until his junior year, until he sensed that his major was not what he wanted. He left school and started working for his father, who had a John Deere dealership. During that time he received a draft notice and decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinist. After six years, he left the Navy and began working for the U.S Forest Service in Darby, Montana at a Job Corp. He returned to the U of Iowa in 1982 graduating with a BBA in accounting. He then went on to Northern Baptist Seminary receiving a Master of Divinity in 1988. His first church as senior pastor was in Springville, NY where he served for nine years. He received a call to Galesburg in 1997 and served there until his retirement in 2017. He senses his general call to ministry is to help people respond to the great love of God to us in Christ Jesus.
Interim Pastor
We are blessed to have Interim Pastor Dan Siems, who will be joining us for the summer months.
Pastor Dan grew up in Burlington, IA and during his growing up years attended the Oak Street Baptist Church. He married between his sophomore and junior year. He attended the University of Iowa until his junior year, until he sensed that his major was not what he wanted. He left school and started working for his father, who had a John Deere dealership. During that time he received a draft notice and decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear machinist. After six years, he left the Navy and began working for the U.S Forest Service in Darby, Montana at a Job Corp. He returned to the U of Iowa in 1982 graduating with a BBA in accounting. He then went on to Northern Baptist Seminary receiving a Master of Divinity in 1988. His first church as senior pastor was in Springville, NY where he served for nine years. He received a call to Galesburg in 1997 and served there until his retirement in 2017. He senses his general call to ministry is to help people respond to the great love of God to us in Christ Jesus.
Gretchen Thum
Director of Student Ministries & Worship
I have been a member of FBC Canton since 2013 and am so blessed to have been a part of the children and youth ministries, as well as the worship ministry since 2014. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and was so lucky to have a family that focused on ensuring we were a part of a church family. I was raised Lutheran and attended the Lutheran grade school that was a part of the church; it gave me a great foundation on how important it is to have God be a part of my life! After receiving my Bachelors of Education in Environmental, Health & Safety, I worked in management at several companies before realizing that I didn't want to miss out on raising my kids. God brought us to FBC Canton and it's been a wonderful opportunity to grow in my relationship with the Lord, as well as be a part of an amazing, talented church family! I praise God for allowing me to serve in various roles, both on the FBC Board of Ministries and other ministries within the church. I love to be a part of loving and educating kids of all ages, as well as their families! I've also learned how amazing it is to bring glory to God through my worship; it's definitely something that I'm continuing to grow with in my walk with the Lord! When I'm not at church, I love being with my family and homeschooling our kids. Reading and playing tennis are also passions of mine! My husband Ray and I have a daughter, Kalyn; a son, Caleb; a dog, Daisy and a cat, Carter. I would love to get to know you and your family and help you see how much Jesus loves and cherishes you!
Dianna McKinney
Office Manager/Treasurer
I have been in this church since 2014 after going through a divorce, which I really didn't want, but thank God it was for the best. I love my church home and have always felt loved and wanted here. After retiring in 2021 and doing nothing until 2024, it feels good to be working for MY church. I love the job and the atmosphere here; finally a job I like after 60+ years! Although, I do love waitressing since I have done that since I was 16, but the body isn't what it used to be so I have problems doing that now. I needed to go back to work and God blessed me with this job! I have one son and three grandchildren, Ethan, Alyssa and Avery Bender, with one great-grandchild due in July. Wow! That is scary, thinking that I am old enough for a great! Time sure flies by and God has granted me this time on the earth. I hope I can fill the shoes in the position and help our Church grow. I praise God and am thankful for the opportunity. Remember a positive atmosphere creates a positive Church. God bless each and every one of you!
Jami Bailey
Custodian
Hello! My name is Jami Bailey. I started cleaning here in January of 2024. I'm so thankful for this job and for all God has given, done and shown me over the 50+ years I have been here on this earth, all the small and large daily miracles I have seen God do! I'm blessed with nine grandbabies and #10 will be here later this year! I'm blessed with six good kids and a husband that I love very much; I love him more every day! God has given me so much; I could never thank Him enough for all He gives me and has done for me. Now I have the job of cleaning His house here at First Baptist five days a week, with all the great people that are here working for God as well! So with all that being said about me, I pray that you may see all the daily miracles in your life as well! God bless you all!