Leadership Partners

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Our Leadership

First Church leadership is a partnership between appointed clergy, paid staff, and church members engaged in volunteer ministries.  Together these leaders plan, guide, and carry out the work of the congregation.

 

2021-24 Strategic Plan

On August 29, 2021, the First Church membership approved a new strategic plan to guide our ministries over the next few years.  The Church Council leads strategic planning and assessment for the congregation.

Current First Church Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan Survey Outcomes (April 2022)

 

2024-25 Leadership Team

Many church members serve as leaders of and representatives to ministry committees and programs.

Current leadership roster

Clergy

Rev. Grace Imathiu, Senior Pastor  grace@faithatfirst.com

Rev. Britt Cox, Executive Pastor   britt@faithatfirst.com 

Program Staff

Sydney Harkrider, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries  sydney@faithatfirst.com

Colin McDonald, Director of Children’s Ministry  colin@faithatfirst.com

Dr. Brian Schoettler, Minister of Music & Organist   brian@faithatfirst.com

Mary Taylor-Johnson, Director of Communications & Membership Engagement (On Sabbatical Until December 2024)  mary@faithatfirst.com 

Cody Bradley, Music Assistant

Krys Juleen, Program Assistant for Children’s & Youth Ministry krys@faithatfirst.com

Kelsey Morton, Connect 456 Coordinator  kelsey@faithatfirst.com

Claire Amey, Nursery Coordinator  nursery@faithatfirst.com

Administrative and Building Staff

Liesl Hoeldtke, Interim Communications Specialist liesl@faithatfirst.com

Krys Juleen, Building Rentals Coordinator  krys@faithatfirst.com

Jerry Love, Director of Audio/Visual Technology  jerry@faithatfirst.com

Athina Sato, Accountant  athina@faithatfirst.com

Mike Schmidt, Custodian  custodian@faithatfirst.com

 

 

Feel free to contact staff at the email address listed or call the church office at 847-864-6181 and leave a message.

Opportunities to Connect

Check out the many opportunities to serve and to participate in fellowship or interest groups.

Sanctuary filled with people on Easter Sunday

Advent and Christmas

Adult Education and Faith Formation

Three people smiling at the camera

Find Your Place

Interested in volunteering? Looking to build meaningful relationships? Want to see what’s on the calendar that sparks your interest?