JANUARY DISCIPLE OF THE MONTH:
IZZY CALIS
How long have you been a member of Saint John’s? What brought you here? What is your church background?
I’ve been a member of Saint John’s for twenty-one years; my family found our church home here in 2004 when I was seven. Needless to say, I wasn’t the decision-maker, but my parents, Hans and Marifel Calis, were looking for a church to raise their kids in. I was baptized in a Missouri Synod Lutheran church, but my parents started to look for other churches when they realized I was one of the only children in the congregation. They made a whole list of churches in the area to visit. Saint John’s was the first stop on that list; they heard one sermon and never left.
What is your favorite thing(s) about Saint John’s? What about Saint John’s inspires or excites you?
We were asked a similar question when I was on the Information Team for the Capital Campaign. While I am continuously inspired by our social ministry and the constant work that Saint John’s does within our immediate and broader communities, and while I think that our music ministry is fantastic and a blessing to have, I am most excited about our youth ministry. As a youth who grew up in this church, my own journey of faith was guided by those I grew up alongside and by the youth ministry that led us.
On the Saint John’s website’s Youth Ministry page, it says “Contrary to popular misconceptions, youth are not the future of the church. Youth are vital participants in the faith community today!” and that really resonates with me. Our youth are ready to be involved now, and I think that Saint John’s is a particularly accessible church for them. We have youth assisting ministers and youth in the choir. We have youth doing readings and going on Bridges runs. I challenge you to find an engagement opportunity in this church that doesn’t have a youth involved in it. And how can you not be excited about that thought?
Tell us something about your hobbies, work, family, pets, secret talent.
I am the most voracious reader. One year, I read 100 books in 365 days. I read 57 books in 2025. I’m always looking for new recommendations, and I always have a recommendation or two up my sleeve if you ever need one! My favorite read of 2025 was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (the audiobook was particularly good), and the book I’m most looking forward to reading in 2026 is The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson.
What ministries are you involved in?
I recently stepped into the role of Youth Group leader, and I’m so excited about what the warmer weather holds for Youth Group! If you have a youth in middle or high school, we’d love to have them join us for our get togethers, on every fourth Sunday of the month!
I’m also a longtime advocate for our ASP service trips each summer. I’ve been blessed to be able to go as a youth and now as an adult, and it impacts me in new ways every year. Laura Snyder has done an amazing job coordinating our ASP trips for as long as I can remember, and we do really wonderful work down in Central Appalachia.
What is your favorite Bible verse, hymn, or church season?
You Are Holy (ELW 525) is a personal favorite. When I play it in my head, I always hear Pastor Gladys singing it in rounds after Communion. I’m also a big fan of the Easter Vigil service - it might be the longest service of the year but it is so well-done from start to finish. If you’ve never been to one, let 2026 be the year you attend!