Sharon "Shazzy" Britz
Senior Pastor
About me: I am a native South African who arrived on US soil in 2016 with my dog and cat, answering God’s call to ministry in the USA. I was a firefighter, paramedic, and nurse before God called me to ministry. My ministerial experience includes many years of youth and college campus ministry, prison ministry, and working extensively with people struggling with substance and sexual abuse and homelessness. I am a suicide prevention and intervention advocate, have a BA in Pastoral Leadership, an MSc in Christian Counseling, and an M Div. I plan to complete my Ph.D. in Christian leadership, focusing on Church Revitalization by Fall next year. I love the outdoors, doing crafts, writing liturgies and poems, and sharing my house with my fur babies, a German Shepherd, two cats, and a turtle. I pastored in South Carolina since 2017 until God called me to First Congo, here in Spencer, and I have been blessed in abundance with an amazing church family. I am excited to be a part of this community, and if there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to reach out.
Joseph Legget
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
Michelle Tullberg
Church Administrative Assistant
About me: My name is Michelle Tullberg and my husband Gary, and I moved to Spencer in April 2019 from Lenox located in southwest Iowa. I began at First Congregational Church January 2020 as the secretary. Before that I was the Chamber Coordinator for the Lenox Area Chamber of Commerce for 15 years and also worked for the Lenox Municipal Utilities at the same time the last 4 years. Two part time jobs kept me very busy. We have two adult children; Regan and her husband Mason live in New York City and are enjoying every moment. Our son Dawson recently graduated from Iowa State University and is off on his new
adventure in the working world. It has been a pleasure getting to know the congregation, making lifelong friends, and working with all of you. It is truly a family and I treasure that.
adventure in the working world. It has been a pleasure getting to know the congregation, making lifelong friends, and working with all of you. It is truly a family and I treasure that.
Elina Leander–Ozolins
Director of Music
About me: I live in Sac City and am of Latvian decent, as my parents were born in Latvia and relocated to the USA. I graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls and received my teaching certificate from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Over the years, I have taught music in the Northwood-Kensett School District, Newell-Fonda School District, as well as the Spencer Community School District. I am an animal lover and currently have five cats. I am blessed to serve as Music Director at both First Congregational Church and Bethany Lutheran Church.
Lori Haburn
Building Manager
About me: I live in Sutherland, IA and have three children and two grandchildren. I am passionate about children and am currently in my 26th year working in Special Education at Spencer High School. I am an avid gardener and love collecting antiques.