Raymond Simmons
Jesus saved Ray at a young age and has given him a passion for the Bible and a biblical approach to family, church, and society. Ray grew up in West Texas. After college, he became a pilot in the US Air Force and did a full career flying airplanes and leading a flying squadron. Ray was active with the Navigators and loved to study God’s Word alongside fellow airman.
After retiring from the Air Force, Ray was called to minister the gospel. He studied at Reformed Theological Seminary and completed a pastoral internship in Omaha, NE. Ray and his family choose Montgomery County to settle down. He was impressed with Iowa’s high level of freedom and Christian heritage.
Ray enjoys reading, flying, photography, and being with family and friends. He and his wife, Miriam, have homeschooled eight of their children. They are working on building on their farmstead south of Stanton.
Ray has a Masters Degree in Science from Southern Methodist University. He has taught leadership, ethics, and strategy at the postgraduate level and is a remote fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy.
Ray and Miriam would love to meet you and welcome you to our church!
Email Ray at ray.simmons@ascensionkirk.com
Garry Mayes, Phd.
Pastor Garry Mayes has been involved in ministry to the church of Jesus Christ in a variety of capacities. Garry first ministered in the area of Christian education, having been a teacher of math and science to middle and high school students in a private Christian school for five years. He and his wife Florence also homeschooled their three children through high school.
In terms of church office, Garry served as a deacon at Colleyville Presbyterian Church, PCA, and later was ordained to the office of Ruling Elder in an Orthodox Presbyterian Church, formerly in Denton, Texas. He was ordained as a Teaching Elder in the Covenant Presbyterian Church (CPC) in 2006, initially serving in a CPC church in Wise County, Texas.
Pastor Mayes also served as the Organizing Pastor for a mission church plant in Denton. Garry’s educational background reflects his passion for the discipleship of the saints, both young and old, obtaining a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, Master of Science in Computer Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Computing, both from the University of North Texas.
Garry and Florence moved two years ago to Iowa to be near their seven grandchildren, and to assist in the startup of Ascension Reformed Church.
Email Garry at garry.mayes@ascensionkirk.com
Rodney Goodemote
Rod Goodemote is a deacon at Ascension Reformed Church. He is an Air Force Veteran who served in the communications field and was stationed in TX, CA, and S. Korea. In 1995, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Management of Operations from Iowa State University. While at ISU, he was a member of Campus Christian Fellowship and had the opportunity to participate in several mission trips including Taiwan and China.
While living in Germany and working at Rhein-Main Air Force base, Rod led an airman’s group called IMPACT (Individuals Making People Aware of Christ Today). He was first ordained as a deacon at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Valparaiso, Florida where he was mentored by several godly role models. In April of 2023, he was installed as a Deacon at Ascension. His passion is welcoming new families to the area and helping them get settled.
Rod, his wife Tricia, and 3 children live on a farm in Montgomery County. They enjoy hunting, ice fishing, horses, reading, and music.
Email Rod at rod.goodemote@ascensionkirk.com
