Leadership | St. Paul Lutheran Church

Pastor Mike Rinehart

Interim Pastor

Pastor Michael Rinehart is former Bishop of our synod - Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. He has come to us as our interim pastor as we continue to work through the call process to find our next full-time pastor.

Rory Halpain

Children, Youth, and Family Director

Rory Halpain is no stranger to La Grange or to St. Paul Lutheran Church at Jefferson and Walnut, founded in 1913. A child of this congregation. Rory’s faith and leadership were nurtured at St. Paul and at Camp Lutherhill.

Rory has served as a teacher’s assistant with children age 0-5. In the past she has worked at Lutherhill, with kids age 7-16, and as a Summer Site Director, leading a team of camp counselors.

Rory graduated from Texas State University last year with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in religious studies and minoring in business administration. She is called to develop St. Paul’s work with children, youth and their families. She started April 15, 2026.

Ruth Poncik

Office Manager

Ruth is the friendly face our congregation sees during the week. She is in charge of communication, as well as managing the office. Ruth grew up in the Fayette area and has lived in Columbus for 40 years. She and her husband, Richard, have one son and four granddaughters. Ruth likes to bake, read, and greet the world.

Sherise Davis

Organist

Sherise has been a member of St. Paul Lutheran since 2004. She serves our congregation as organist, praise accompanist and choir accompanist. Sherise is a retired public school teacher who now works with Stanzel Foundation as a parent educator for Parents as Teachers. Her interests include spending time with family & friends, traveling, games, gardening, reading and crafts.

Kathy Toensing

Music Director

Kathy Toensing and her husband Scott have been worshipping at St. Paul Lutheran Church since the fall of 1986 after graduating from Texas Lutheran College and beginning their teaching careers. They have enjoyed both participating in the music ministry as well as directing the bell and vocal choirs and the praise band. Kathy is a member of the Friends in Faith Bible study group, and also helps with worship committee and the Peru ministry. They have two children: Their daughter Emily is married to Kaleb Schmidt and are blessed with a granddaughter, Sawyer. Their son Alex lives in Houston and is working towards a second career in the medical field. They love the St. Paul family and will continue to support the ministries of St. Paul’s!

Cindy Pundt

Assistant Organist

My family and I moved to this lovely area in Cistern Texas. Since playing for Sunday church services at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bulverde, Texas through high school, playing the organ has always come back to me throughout my whole life. After visiting several churches in the area, I fell in love with St. Paul Lutheran Church in La Grange Texas. From the moment we walked through the door, we were welcomed with open arms. During our first visit to St. Paul Lutheran, I could not help but notice the beautiful church and of course the Pipe Organ! After our first year of going to church at St. Paul, I finally mentioned to the head organist Sherise Davis, I would be willing to help her out. I’m happy they took me up on my offer, and We have been members since 2023! I enjoy hanging out with my family, and I love to travel.

Council Members

Scott Toensing

Bradley Loehr

Wendy McCredie

Cindy Pundt

John Acosta

Glenn Davis

Glenn Eilert

Diane Menefee

Leah Wolff

Todd Oehlke

Get involved!

View our events calendar to learn about upcoming events, ministry gatherings, and more.

View Calendar