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.
2025-2030 Strategic Plan
On September 14th, 2025, First Church’s Church Council presented the new strategic plan to the congregation, based on a year-long process and extensive feedback from the membership.
This new plan will guide our ministries over the next five years.
2025-2026 Leadership Team
Many church members serve as leaders of and representatives to ministry committees and programs.
2026-2027 Leadership Team
Leadership roster July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027 (pending vote at June 7 Church Conference)
Our Team
Clergy
Rev. Dr. Paul Lee: Senior Pastor
Rev. Britt Cox: Associate Pastor
Program Ministry Staff
Sydney Harkrider: Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Colin McDonald: Director of Children’s Ministry
Dr. Brian Schoettler: Minister of Music & Organist
Mary Taylor-Johnson: Director of Membership Engagement
Cody Bradley: Music Assistant
Ivy Joe Kuruvila: Nursery Coordinator
Administrative and Building Ministry Staff
Krys Juleen: Wedding and Events Coordinator
Athina Sato: Accountant
Mike Schmidt: Facilities Manager
Carlos Perez: Custodian
Feel free to contact staff at the email address listed or call the church office at 847-864-6181.
Opportunities to Connect
Check out the many opportunities to serve and to participate in fellowship or interest groups.
