847-628-6118 | Worship every Sunday @ 9:30 a.m.
847-628-6118 | Worship every Sunday @ 9:30 a.m.
Get to know your church leaders and staff.
Pastor Liz was called as senior pastor in January 2020. Pastor Liz is a graduate of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and Chicago Theological Seminary. She serves on the Committee on Church and Ministry for the Fox Valley Association of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ. She is trained as an Our Whole Lives facilitator for Grades 7-9, 10-12. Pastor Liz previously served as Associate Pastor for Children, Youth and Families at St. Paul’s and Youth Minister at St. John’s UCC in Lyons, Illinois. In her first career, Liz taught Junior High Language Arts in Cicero, Illinois. She received her Secondary Teaching Certificate at Elmhurst University, home to the best Jazz Festival every February. Liz and her spouse Tommy live in Elgin. Travel, the whimsy of pop-up books, folk art, live music, and time around kitchen tables with family and friends – old and new – are some of her joys.
Jon is a life-long member of St. Paul’s church and has directed the choir at various times over the past 35 years. He is a graduate of Judson University in vocal performance, and currently directs the choir and leads the music during worship. He is also a licensed massage therapist and an avid foodie!
Ron got his start in church music at the age of 14, thanks to his piano teacher who was also the church organist and pastor’s wife. Many piano (and voice, organ, and guitar) lessons later, he graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in music education. For the next 35 years, he worked as a K-8 choral-general music teacher, primarily in Schaumburg District 54. Concurrently, he continued to serve in various churches as a pianist, organist, singer, and director. Whether at church, school, home, or in the car, Ron prefers an eclectic mix of musical styles. In addition to music, Ron enjoys exploring God’s creation, especially in state and national parks, and documenting those experiences through nature photography. He treasures his time and travels with friends and family, now with the added joy of being a first-time grandpa. Ron and his wife, Dawn, first visited St. Paul’s in April 2023, and joined as members a year later. They’re very thankful that God led them to this congregation!
I grew up in Rockford, IL, where I married my high school sweetheart, Jarrod. We first met in Orchestra, sharing a music stand while playing the violin. Our journey together began in November 1985, and we’ve been writing our love story ever since. After Jarrod graduated from college, we tied the knot in July 1993. We have two wonderful daughters, Stephanie and Jessica. Stephanie is married and Jessica is in college and still lives at home. I enjoy crafting, spending time with my family, and serving on a Walk to Emmaus. I am also the Treasurer for our Emmaus District Board. My husband, Jarrod, is a pastor at Journey of Hope in Elgin, which keeps him very busy. I find great fulfillment working in a church office. I spent 10 years in a United Methodist Church office, 4 years in a Lutheran Church office, and 9 months in another UCC Church. I am looking forward to serving St. Paul’s for many years! I truly believe this is where God has called me to be. Since high school I worked in medical offices, but I never felt truly happy until I found my place in the church. God is good, and I have always trusted that He leads us exactly where we need to be!
Dolan is a certified therapy dog and a valued and beloved member of St. Paul’s Calling and Caring Ministry. His bedside manner is second to none. You can visit with Dolan every fourth Sunday before and after worship service. Leave a message for Dolan – he writes back!
Jon Kobel, President
Barb Kamp, Vice President
Jenn Volkening, Treasurer
Karen Westerman, Financial Secretary
Sam Hebert, Recording Secretary
Karen Smith, Christian Education
Barb Kamp, Missions Ministry
Vern Knaak, Worship Ministry
Dan Heinrich, Properties
Judy Reimer, Stewardship
Janet Werner, Fellowship and Hospitality
Polly Russell, Evangelism
Ginny Mursewick, Calling and Caring
Eric Hayley, Creation Care
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