First Church leadership is a partnership between appointed clergy, paid staff, and church members engaged in volunteer ministries. Â 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. Â The Church Council leads strategic planning and assessment for the congregation.
Current First Church Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan Survey Outcomes (April 2022)
2022-23 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.comÂ
Program Staff
Colin McDonald, Director of Children’s Ministry colin@faithatfirst.com
Kelsey Morton, Interim Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries kelsey@faithatfirst.comÂ
Dr. Brian Schoettler, Minister of Music & Organist  brian@faithatfirst.com
Mary Taylor-Johnson, Director of Communications & Membership Engagement  mary@faithatfirst.com
Cherie Asante, Program Assistant for Youth and Young Adult Ministries cherie@faithatfirst.com
Cody Bradley, Music Assistant
Lambert Habonimana, Youth and Young Adult Ministry Intern lambert@faithatfirst.com
Krys Juleen, Program Assistant for Children’s & Youth Ministry krys@faithatfirst.com
Rachel Shepherd, Nursery Coordinator rachel@faithatfirst.com
Victoria Faith Grisanti, Connect 456 Coordinator torygrisanti2023@u.northwestern.eduÂ
Administrative and Building Staff
Ariel Alonso, Assistant to the Senior Pastor ariel@faithatfirst.com
Liesl Hoeldtke, Office Assistant liesl@faithatfirst.com
Jerry Love, Director of Audio/Visual Technology jerry@faithatfirst.com
Athina Sato, Accountant athina@faithatfirst.com
Lee Peakes, Weekend Custodian
Mike Schmidt, Weekday Custodian
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.
