Staff

Susan Smentek, Director of Music
Contact Request Form

Congregational Leadership

Session is the governing body of the church moderated by the pastor. Nine elders represent the congregation and guide the spiritual path of the church. There are three classes of Elders each with three members who serve three-year terms. That way, there is always rotation of new leaders onto Session, along with seasoned members.

The Clerk of Session manages the business of the session, files reports as needed with the Chicago Presbytery, but does not have voting privileges.

• Class of 2024:  Jennifer Gordon, Patti Berner, Steve Mortensen
• Class of 2025: Carol Ewert, Clare Collins
• Class of 2026: Anna Lu, Doug Fitzgerald, Art Pitz

Clerk of Session: Patti Berner

Treasurer: Doug Fitzgerald

Deacons are a group of nine church members who attend to the spiritual and physical needs of the congregation. There are three classes of Deacons each with three members who serve three-year terms. Every member of the congregation is assigned a Deacon to whom they can reach out if they need assistance.

• Class of 2024: Pat Campbell, Suzanne Pitz
• Class of 2025: Berlirce Chetgna, Susan Leslie
• Class of 2026: Connie Nestler, Ted Steiskal

Elders on Session and Deacons are all nominated and elected by members of the congregation. The term of service for all positions is three years; members may serve no more than two terms consecutively.

Human Resources Team (HR)

The Human Resources Team provides counsel, recommendations and support to the Head of Staff, EPC staff, and all leadership teams. Representatives from the HR team meet regularly with the Head of Staff and other staff members. The team members conduct due diligence to follow Presbytery requirements and best practices in HR supervision. The team assures records are kept for key employment agreements, requirements, and job specifics (pay, title, job functions, etc.,) along with Illinois State compliance.

The HR team meets at the Leadership Team breakfasts, and as needed, and provides regular reports to the Session on activity by the team. The HR team provides support, but all staff members report to the Head of Staff. The HR team recognizes and celebrates staff members’ good work and accomplishments in a variety of ways, both individually and publicly. The team tries to model grace and patience for all.

Team members: Patti Berner (chair), Cheryl Kopecky, Kay Pankau, and Tom Turek.
Contact: &/or a team member.