Staff

Debbie Paton, Interim Pastor

Emily Culella, Director of Children & Youth Ministries

Susan Smentek, Director of Music

Karen Bircher, Office Administrator

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 2018: Jim Davidovich, Karen Miller, Tom Riekse
• Class of 2019: Doug Fitzgerald, Faith Lee, Rebecca Rodriguez
• Class of 2020: Pam Fuesz, Renee Gough, Jim Rundle

Trustees manage the administrative tasks and operations of the church, including finances, building and grounds and contracted services. There are two classes of Trustees each with three members who serve three-year terms.

Bill Berner, Jeff Hughart, Diana Riekse, Marj Schuham, Greg St. Laurent and Tom Turek.

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 2018: Clare Collins, Ruth Schroeter, Ted Steiskal
• Class of 2019: Barry Benecke, Mary Ellen Hayes, Alan West
• Class of 2020: Karen Fitzgerald, Suzanne Legg, Gloria Bressani

Trustees, 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.