Andrew Potratz
Lead Pastor
Andrew Potratz was called in January 2023 to serve as Lead Pastor at Immanuel. Andrew grew up in Northeast Iowa and attended Wartburg College in Waverly and has his Masters of Divinity from The Master’s Institute Seminary in St. Paul, MN. He also has a Youth and Family Ministry Certificate from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque. Prior to coming to Immanuel, Andrew served churches in various roles in Kentucky and Altoona, IA. Andrew also spent about five years and various summers service at Riverside Bible Camp. Andrew has a passion for Worship through music, dreaming, and seeing people of all ages experience the love and peace that the Holy Spirit brings! Andrew’s wife, Allison is currently at Immanuel as well (see below)! Andrew and Allison have three kids, and as a family they love traveling, exploring coffee and ice cream shops, playing music, and discovering all that God has created us to be!
Allison Potratz
Associate Pastor for Youth & Family Ministries
Allison Potratz was called in January 2023 to serve as the Associate Pastor for Youth & Family Ministries at Immanuel. She grew up in Iowa and attended Wartburg College in Waverly where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She graduated from seminary at The Master’s Institute in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and was ordained at Immanuel in March 2023. Before coming to Immanuel, Allison served in various churches as a Children’s Ministry leader. Allison is married to Andrew Potratz, Lead Pastor, and together they have three kids: Josiah, Annabelle and Samuel. Allison and Andrew came to Immanuel in 2018 but have many past connections with Story City and Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp.
Chris Dahl
Deployed Pastor to Riverside Bible Camp
Chris is married to his wonderful wife, Kelly, and they have three boys, Joshua, Isaac, and Eli. Chris’ background includes 20 years of ministry serving in Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Care Ministry, and Camping Ministry, including his seminary internship time at Immanuel. Chris and his family are members of Immanuel, but Chris is deployed as the Director of Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp just north of Story City. Chris enjoys spending time at the lake, ministering to others, and occasionally preaching or leading songs at Immanuel when camp life allows!
Milianna Carlson
Church Office Secretary + Organist/Accompanist
Milianna is a Story City native and graduated from Roland-Story and then from UNI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. She teaches piano lessons and serves as Immanuel's accompanist for traditional and modern worship. Milianna attended camp (and even worked there!) for many years at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp. Milianna frequently accompanies school and community concerts and musical productions during her free time. Milianna enjoys living life in Story City with her six furry four-legged companions. Email Milianna
Carol Lake
Financial Secretary
Carol began serving as Immanuel's Financial Secretary a few years ago. She handles all of the day-to-day accounting and bookwork for Immanuel! She lives in town with her husband, and loves spending time with her local family and her church community.
Jordan Skarin
Tech Director & Senior Choir Director
Jordan grew up in the Des Moines area and has always been involved in music. He graduated from Grand View University in Des Moines with a K-12 music education degree in 2019. He taught elementary music in Des Moines for a few years, while working as an audio visual technician at Adventureland Park in the summers. Jordan also spent 3 summers working at Riverside Bible Camp which is where he met his now wife! In his freetime Jordan can be found disc golfing, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, or spending time with his family. He now lives in Radcliffe with his wife-Cait, their cat-Tiny, and daughter Ceclia! He is so excited to join the staff at Immanuel and make a joyful noise to the Lord!
Amanda Tebben
Nursery Coordinator
Amanda serves as Immanuel's nursery coordinator! She supervises the nursery every Sunday and Wednesday for our worship and youth events.
Jeff Baker
Custodian
Jeff began serving as Immanuel's custodian in early 2018. Jeff married his wife Andrea in 2004. They have 2 children: Brinley and Evan. Jeff is an avid runner and stays involved with a number of training and coaching opportunities in Central Iowa.
Immanuel Leadership
Immanuel is led by our boards and joint council
Immanuel's Boards meet monthly, with Joint Council meetings usually meeting at 8:15pm on the Second Thursday of the month. If you would like to attend council or if you have questions about leadership, agenda items, or anything else regarding council, please email the council at council@immanuelstorycity.org. This email account is managed by the current council president
Copyright 2023 Immanuel Lutheran Church. All Rights Reserved.