The Rev. Dr. Leah Schafer is our pastor.  Ordained in 1986, she has served parishes in New Jersey, Washington, DC, Springfield, VA, Annandale, VA and Reston, VA.  Pastor Schafer is married to the Rev. Arthur Cubbon Jr., who is a pastor at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Stow, Ohio.  Pastor Schafer grew up in Michigan and attended Kalamazoo College.  She earned her Master's of Divinity from Yale University Divinity School and her doctorate from the Catholic University of America.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and a love for ministry to St. Jacob's.  She is available in the church office during regular business hours at 330-877-2676 (except Mondays) or by email at PastorSJLC@neo.rr.com.   

• Karen Gay is a gifted organist and pianist who has served St. Jacob's for many years. Karen is a graduate of Davis and Elkins College, WV and has a bachelor's degree in psychology. She is also a graduate of the Carnegie School of Massage and is a Licensed Massage Therapist. As the organist at St. Jacob's, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge about hymnody and organ music. She is also very encouraging of young musicians, often accompanying them for instrumental or vocal solos during worship services. Karen is also involved in St. Jacob's 5th Sunday of the month healing service. Karen teaches Anatomy and Physiology at Stark State College. Residing in Uniontown with her husband Jim, she has been married for 30 years. They have five children and 1 grandchild. Karen can be contacted at ktgaylmt@gmail.com  or a message may be left for her at the church office. 

• Pat Ward is our office administrator. She has faithfully served St. Jacob's for over seven years and has made wonderful contributions to our church. Currently she handles all the administrative functions of the church and compiles the bulletins every week. She is available in the church office Tuesday - Friday from 8:00AM - 2:30PM or by email to stjacobslutheran@neo.rr.com.

• Krista Smith is our discipleship coordinator. She recruits and organizes our volunteers, manages the web-site, and helps encourage congregation members to share their time and talents with St. Jacob's. 

Krista also serves as our youth coordinator.  She handles all the activities of our Youth Group and teaches the high school Sunday school class. A monthly group activity, service projects and fellowship events keep her and the youth busy. She is also willing to meet one-to-one with all youth in their faith journeys.

Krista can be reached any time at 330-499-6704 or by email to krsmith1888@sbcglobal.net or by leaving a message at the church office at 330-877-2676.
 

• Mark Schulz serves as our Music Director. He directs our Adult Choir and coordinates/directs the musicians during the guitar liturgy. Mark is an accomplished musician and has a BA in Music and and MM in Music Technology and History and Literature. Mark is always breathing new life into the music program at St. Jacob's! In addition to his musical skills, Mark brings an element of fun and joy into making music. Whether you are an accomplished musican or a hard-core amature, Mark welcomes you to offering your gift of music to God. He is available anytime by email at  markgr82nz@gmail.com or by leaving a message at the church office.

• Lauren Kafura is our Nursery Attendant. Lauren is in the nursery every Sunday just before the start of Sunday School until the conclusion of our 2nd worship service. Lauren is originally from Wisconsin and is currently a student at Kent State University majoring in Early Childhood Education. Lauren is an animal-lover and worked at a Veterinary Clinic for four years. Lauren has a quick smile not only for the children who come to the Nursery, but for their parents and families and well.

• Bob and Charlene Theiss serve as our maintenance staff. They handle the cleaning of the building and also perform necessary maintenance to the building. They are responsible for the set up/tear down of Garnes' Hall, and coordinate with members and non-member renters of the facility to make sure that events are flawless. The Theiss' are dedicated congregation members and serve on committees and in leadership roles at St. Jacob's. They are available by email at  charlenetheiss@hotmail.com or  obtheiss@hotmail.com or by cell phone at either 330-607-6795 or 330-705-0452 or by leaving a message at the church office.

• Dori Dirksen helps with the cleaning of the church, as well. She faithfully cleans the staff offices on a weekly basis. She owns a cleaning business and brings an amazing attention to detail and true professionalism to St. Jacob's. Dori is available by leaving a message at the church office.