Our Staff

Roger Dykstra has been at Gloria Dei since March 1, 2016. Prior to that, he served parishes in Dows and Lake Mills, Iowa and Grand Forks, North Dakota. A native Iowan, Pastor Roger was born and raised in Sioux Center, IA, attended college in Pella, IA, and taught school for two years in Belle Plaine, IA before enrolling at Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 1980. His seminary internship was in Jewell, IA, where he was ordained as a pastor in 1984. Pastor Roger and his wife, Kathi, met as music majors at Central College in Pella. They have one daughter, Melissa, who lives in Coralville. Roger and Kathi also live in Coralville, with their dog, Casey, and their cat, Lola. When he’s not working, Roger enjoys reading, walking, biking, and an occasional round of golf.



Marissa Kolander, Marissa has a B.A. in Elementary Education from 
Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and a Master of Divinity Degree from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California; a duo of degrees she jokes is the perfect blend of her parents, Nova and Dan: a retired elementary school teacher and retired pastor, respectively.  Marissa served on the staff at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids for 12 years as Director of Children and Family Ministries, Celebration Worship Architect and Worship Leader (2009-2022). Prior to that, she served on staff at churches in Georgia and California, and has consulted for several churches around the Cedar valley. Marissa is also a keynote speaker and published author of articles and curriculum for Sparkhouse.



Sarah Goettsch has been serving as pastor of Lutheran Campus Ministry at the University of Iowa since the fall of 2014.  On January 15th of 2017, she agreed to additionally serve as part-time Pastor of Young Adult/Campus Ministries at Gloria Dei. Prior to Lutheran Campus Ministry, Sarah was called as Pastor at Faith LutheranChurch in Calmus, Iowa, for 14 years.

Pastor Sarah lives in North Liberty with her husband Doug and her three wonderful (and rambunctious) boys.




Michael Zemek, Director of Music Ministries hails from Minnesota where he attended Gustavus Adolphus College and taught secondary choral music before completing his doctorate in music education at the University of Illinois. His "day job" is that of coordinator of music education and co-chair of the Music Department at Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, where he conducts several choirs, teaches music methods and conducting courses, and supervises music education students. In addition to being a frequent guest conductor and clinician, Michael has published several articles and been recognized for his work involving youth as musical leaders in worship. During the summer months he has served as program director for Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival as well as Young Lutherans Sing sponsored by the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians. Michael's wife, Sangeetha Rayapati, is head of the voice faculty at Augustana, and together their lives are surrounded by the music of their three daughters, Annika, Karenna and Linnea.


Lynda Hakken, organist, is a freelance musician in the area and also has a private studio. 

She has a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ performance and Pedagogy with a minor in Theory from the University of Iowa.
In addition, she is the accompanist   for the Chamber Singers of Iowa City. Lynda is also an active solo performer and accompanist whose doctoral research culminated with the writing of a textbook on a beginning method of keyboard harmony.
Lynda’s Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance and Pedagogy and Master of Arts in Organ Performance are from The University of Iowa. Her Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance is from Hope College in Michigan. She studied with Anthony Kooiker (piano), Huw Lewis, Delores Bruch and Delbert Disselhorst (organ).
In addition:
Lynda has served in churches in Mount Vernon and in Michigan , and formerly the College Organist and studio organ instructor at Cornell. She’s married to Dan, has 4 children, and 10 grandchildren.





How to Find Us





Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City

Gathered by grace. Scattered for service.

123 E Market Street
Iowa City, IA 52245