Leadership Team

Molly is a recognized associate youth minister for Region 2 of the ELCA. She is a mother and long-time member of St. John’s who brings experience and enthusiasm to her work with kids and teens. Molly has a passion for education and is active volunteer in local schools. She also works part-time as an ABA therapist, and is trained to work with kids who have special needs. Contact Molly at youth@stjohnslutheran.church.

Laura Stave learned to sing in a musical family but she gained her formal training at Concordia College in Moorhead MN. There she studied voice and stage while performing in choral and theatre productions. Shortly after earning BA in Theatre Arts she was married and moved to the Coachella Valley. During that time she has nurtured both a family and career as a church music director, worship leader and soloist, as well as an entertainer at local country clubs and resorts. Laura feels privileged to be a long time member of St John’s and finds it greatest asset has always been it’s warm, welcoming people! Contact Laura at music@stjohnslutheran.church

Jon McGihon is the Choir Director of the Festival Singers and Celebration Singers at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Palm Desert. He is well known in the Palm Desert area music scene as a vocalist/soloist and choral conductor and producer of music events. A resident of Palm Desert for over 44 years, Jon graduated from Cal State Northridge with a music degree and toured for five years as a singer and director of The Waring Blendors with Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians.

Sarah is a homegrown Coachella Valley resident and lifelong member of St. John’s. She is a Classically trained vocalist, with an extensive background in Musical Theatre, and a self-taught guitarist. She spent 20 years of her life working for various theatre and cabaret companies before “retiring” to pursue new opportunities. Having grown up in the church, Sarah went from being a guest vocalist to worship leader and now has multiple job descriptions. As the Contemporary Music Coordinator and Event Coordinator, Sarah loves that she gets to utilize all of her many talents and gifts. She is thrilled to be an essential part of the planning and future of St. John’s and she is truly blessed to be doing God’s work in the church she loves. Contact Sarah at events@stjohnslutheran.church.

Before coming to St. John’s, Chris honed her administrative skills working in the Insurance industry and with a local law firm. While raising and homeschooling 2 daughters, she and her husband, Steve, also managed 2 family businesses. Chris has always been a very active member and ministry leader in her home church. While the Anderson family did enjoy the ranch life of Arizona for a time, they have called the Coachella Valley home for over 25 years. Contact Chris at office@stjohnslutheran.church.