Welcome New Families - May 2026
This past weekend, Concordia welcomed new families to the congregation. Get to know these new faces, and extend a warm welcome when you see them.
The Garlich Family
Derek grew up in Kirkwood and attended Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS). He is a paramedic. Leslie was born in South Carolina and ended up in Illinois. She is a project manager for an artwork company called ARCH Design. They love movie nights and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and gardening. They are currently working on home renovations. They have four mini Australian Shepherds that keep them on their toes. Their son, Louis ("Louie"), was born in February 2026, and he will be baptized on May 17. They are soaking in all of the newborn moments and adjusting to life as a family of three.
The Neace Family
Nicole was born and raised in South St. Louis, and Ryan is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. They were married in Olympic National Park in Washington State during an eight-state road trip hiking national parks and visiting monuments. Nicole and Ryan recently moved back to the St. Louis area. Nicole works as an Executive Assistant at a Fortune 25 company, and Ryan works as a Systems Engineer in cybersecurity at a local family business. They welcomed their first child, Evelyn, this past summer. Nicole, Ryan, and Evelyn enjoy visiting St. Louis attractions, hiking in national parks, traveling, trying new restaurants, and watching their favorite sports teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Blues, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Stelmacki Family
Dave, Lauren, and their son Bran are excited to be joining the church community. Dave and Lauren were married at Concordia on November 5, 2011. Together, they flip homes. Lauren homeschooled Bran, and now he will enter sixth grade at Christ Community Lutheran School in the fall. He is funny and friendly with a big love for animals, the outdoors, hockey, and equestrian activities. As a family, they enjoy traveling, taking walks, and working on their home and garden. Dave and Bran both enjoy hockey, and Lauren enjoys gardening and home projects. Dave attended Concordia and Christ Community Lutheran School as a child with his family. The Stelmackis are looking forward to building community, especially one with a strong youth presence for Bran, and they are excited to grow in faith alongside others.
Carolbeth True
Carolbeth has lived in Rock Hill for more than 20 years. She teaches jazz and classical piano at Webster University and accompanies one unit of the Webster Jazz Vocal Ensemble program. She also has a home teaching studio and performs with several music ensembles in St. Louis. The Two Times True Trio is also part of the Concordia Center Worship Team. Her roommate is a calico, named Kanga. Her neighbors are all good friends and caring people, many young singles. Carolbeth is very grateful that all her extended family live locally, and she sees them whenever possible. She enjoys seeing her grandchildren, Ava and Logan, several times a week and being part of their activities.
The True Family
David attended Christ Community Lutheran School, and he is returning to Concordia, where he and Kelly got married in 2009. They have two children, Ava and Logan, who attend school within the Mehlville School District. Ava is a freshman in high school and a competitive dancer, and Logan is in fourth grade and enjoys baseball and soccer. David owns ShieldPro Home Services, a handyman business, and he plays the drums. He is also on the Concordia Worship Team. Kelly works as a clinical research coordinator at Washington University.