Rev. Vaughn Welcome Message

DEAR BELOVED CHILD OF GOD,

Welcome! I'm so glad you've found your way to Immanuel UMC, and I'm honored to introduce myself as your Lead Pastor.

My name is Trevor, and being here feels like coming home. I returned to Immanuel as Lead Pastor in July 2023 after serving in children and youth ministry right here, working with the Iowa Annual Conference, ministering at Simpson College, and founding the Bar+Church network. Looking back, I can see God's fingerprints all over the journey that brought me back to this place and these people.

Before I felt called to ministry, I worked in construction. Those years taught me that building anything worthwhile—whether it's a foundation or a faith community—requires patience, care, and attention to detail. I often think of ministry like laying a hardwood floor: piece by piece, with love and intentionality, creating a beautiful space where people can feel at home with God and each other. That's what we're doing here at Immanuel.

I believe God's love is meant to be experienced in real, tangible ways—in Sunday morning worship, in acts of service, in honest conversations over coffee, and in the moments when we discover we're not alone. At Immanuel, we're committed to worship that engages your heart, outreach that makes a real difference, and a community where people are genuinely transformed by God's grace. I believe that cultivating awe and curiosity opens us up to encountering God in fresh ways. My passion is helping people discover their unique place in God's unfolding story because you have gifts, experiences, and a perspective that this community needs.

My wife Brianna, our three daughters, and I are grateful to be part of this church family, and we're excited to walk alongside you on your spiritual journey. Whether you're returning to church after time away, exploring faith for the first time, or looking for a place to put down roots, you belong here. Thank you for choosing Immanuel. I can't wait to get to know you.

Rev. Trevor Vaughn