Ministry Staff

The Rev. Rachel Small Stokes, Pastor

A native of West Virginia, Pastor Rachel has lived all over the country and has worshiped with, led, played with, and been transformed by people of all stripes. She first served us for 18 months as our Designated Interim Minister, and in 2019 was called to be our settled Pastor.

Pastor Rachel brings to us a deep spirit, an openness to all, a sense of joy, creativity and humor. She has a respect for our UCC traditions and a vision for where we can go next. She and her wife Les (a native Louisvillian) have two very energetic sons, Jack and Everett. They love being a rainbow family! 🏳️‍🌈

Samantha Barrett, Minister of Education and Youth

Samantha Barrett is a daughter of the congregation, having been born into the Immanuel family, she grew up and was confirmed here. She then went to Eden Theological Seminary specifically to study Christian Education and Youth. She then returned “home” to be our Minister of Education and Youth in 2007. Her niece is a source of joy, hope, and comfort amid the busy ministry life.

Rhonda Hibdon, Interim Music Director

Rhonda holds a BA in Music with an emphasis in organ from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. She has worked extensively in church music as a choir director for all ages from preschool to senior adults, has directed youth and adult handbell choirs, and has served as organist, pianist, and accompanist for many school ensembles. As well as serving at IUCC, she teaches Lower School Music at Louisville Collegiate School and is a conductor for The Louisville Youth Choir 3rd-6th grade group, and accompanies the middle school choir. She has also served as a Minister of Youth and Children at several churches. Rhonda has two children, Baely and Grace, a soon-to-be son-in-law Theo, and two puppies, Stevie and Patches, whom she absolutely adores.

Support Staff

Heather Willis, Business Administrator

Heather came to IUCC in 2022. Before serving as the Business Manager for IUCC she owned and operated Sorted Details, LLC, a Professional Home Organizing service serving Louisville, KY, and the surrounding areas. She has recently returned to finish her college degree in accounting at Spalding University. Since working at the church, Heather has formed a deep connection to its congregation, their mission, and the community it supports. Living and working in the Highlands area with her three kids and cat, she can be found sitting in the pews of IUCC on Sundays and looking for new ways to serve the community in her spare time.

Khadka Mangar, Custodian

Khadka has served IUCC faithfully for more than a decade. We first met the Mangar family as one of the first refugee families through the Kentucky Refugee Ministry and like many of the families we have met through KRM, they became family. Khadka and his wife Duty have 4 amazing children: Juna, Kham, Buddha, and A’Mannuel. If you see an empty trash can, a clean floor, and neat bathrooms, thank Khadka!

Brandy Barrett & Amarah Menezes, Nursery Attendants

Brandy and Amarah are our primary nursery attendants. Brandy is a Physical Therapist for over 20 years and has worked with children since she was a child, either as a babysitter, camp counselor, or mother to her own daughter. Amarah is a student at UL pursuing a medical career. She has also worked with children in many ways, including being the big sister of 4, working in a daycare, babysitter, and while she was a camper one amazing big buddy. Personable and fun, they are background checked, ensuring a safe and fun place for your little ones.

Our Staff

We believe all members of our congregation are ministers,

but these are the folks who work here in a specialized form!