Traditional Worship Staff

Sue Strom joined the Christ Church staff as our organist in 1988. She brings a love of music and decades of experience leading congregational worship. You can find Sue playing the organ most Sundays for our Traditional service, and you'll also see her accompanying in the Chancel Choir.
Sue is a gifted musician and a legendary cook. Her grandkids glow when they talk about Grandma and the family meals they enjoy together.

Jim Bawden has been a part of the Christ Church family since 1976 and has been on staff leading our Sanctuary Bells--the handbell choir at Christ Church--since 2007. Jim is a retired band teacher who faithfully wrangled budding middle school musicians for decades, and he has a passion for continuing that ministry of music at Christ Church. Jim brings extensive ringing and conducting experience. You will also hear many of his published arrangements in the Bell Choir repertoire.

Jim married his budding wife, Susan, in 1974. You can find them sharing their musical talents with the church in both our Sanctuary Bells and the Chancel Choir. They have two adult children, Anne (married to Jonathan) and Beth (also one of our Sanctuary Bell ringers!), who grew up in our church. Jim loves the Iowa Hawkeyes (so much so that he earned two degrees there and actively participates in alumni ensembles on campus).

Susan Bawden joined the Christ Church team as interim Choir Director in fall 2021. Since then, she's fearlessly led our Chancel Choir in learning and performing weekly anthems.

Susan brings an extensive musical history to this role--she's an amazingly talented and dedicated bassoonist and played as a part of the Quad City Symphony for 40 years. Susan married her husband, Jim, in 1974, and together they have two children, Anne & Beth! She rings in the Sanctuary Bells alongside Jim & Beth, too!