Sue Strom joined the Christ Church staff as our organist many moons ago. 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, you'll also see her singing in the Chancel Choir alongside many of her family members.

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 1974 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 sweet 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 arrangements in the Bell Choir repertoire.

Jim married his sweet wife Susan in 1974, and 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 John) 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 many 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!