Rev. Julie Van Til, Pastor (she/her)

jvantil@fccfaithful.org

Julie was unanimously voted in as our Pastor in May of 2020 during the Covid pandemic - one for the FCC history books!  She strives to be the kind of pastor that helps create community, normalize change and foster growth for everyone, with the hope that we at least expand our capacity to hear, honor and learn from each other. Julie has a conversational way of preaching, engaging the congregation personally, and inviting connection with God in the moment. 
Julie and her husband, Andrew both grew up in the Midwest and lived in San Francisco, where Julie pastored at City Church prior to their move to FCC. They have two children, Ave and Everett, who attend H-F High School.  Along with individual interests, the whole family loves music, theater, books and travel. They especially enjoy exploring National Parks, interactive museums, and anyplace with water in the summertime. 

 

Jamie Ford, Executive Director of Church Operations (she/her)

jford@fccfaithful.org

Jamie officially joined the FCC staff as an Admin in Spring 2016, and became the Director of Church Operations in May 2019.  Jamie and her husband Scott have been members since 2010.  When she isn't working, Jamie enjoys time with her daughters, Annie & Sammy and their rambunctious Great Dane, Stella.  Jamie is happiest when she is outside, cooking or by the water! ​​

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Rev. Dr. Jim Oord, Pastoral Care Director (he/him)

Pastor Jim cares for the congregation, especially those hospitalized, homebound, or facing difficult life challenges. He has been a senior pastor for the past 10 years, with an emphasis on care and connection. He hopes to make sure every member, even those less able to make it to worship, feels included and involved. His favorite quote regarding pastoral ministry is from the martyred Archbishop Oscar Romero: "There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried."

Pastor Jim's Doctor of Ministry project was a study of the pastoral leadership and care demonstrated by Rev. Fred Rogers. As an adjunct faculty member at a local high school, he has developed curriculum on anti-racism and feminism, along with a class called "Horror Movies and the Christian Imagination."

Pastor Jim and his wife, Raylene, have two children, Aniyah (11) and Michael (9). The family enjoys cooking, good books, music, and spending time with their dogs.

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Rev. Travis Adams, Faith Formation Director (he/him)

tadams@fccfaithful.org

Travis Adams joined the FCC staff in February 2020 after having worked with youth at churches in St. Louis and in London, England.  He brings a fresh energy and perspective to our Faith Formation at FCC for all ages, and has a strong commitment to creating relationships and sharing faith. Travis deeply values the immeasurable worth of having a space of worship and community where one is permitted to ask questions without fear, express feelings without constraint and encounter love without conditions.  Travis' wife Megan is a veterinarian and practices at a clinic in Flossmoor.  They live in Flossmoor with their four lovable dogs!  

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Brooke King-LaBreck, Communication & Connection Director (she/her)

bking@fccfaithful.org

Brooke was raised in the church since early childhood at FCC Weekday Preschool, and has been on church staff for over 20 years, since 2004! She enjoys using her background in the arts, creative spirit and love for the church to keep the congregation and community informed and connected through our website, social media, promotional materials and special events.  She also provides support for the Board of Community & Connection and Board of Lay Ministry.  Brooke, who is the proud mom of Dylan and Ash, also enjoys traveling with her husband, Chris, singing, painting, photography, gardening, and DIY projects in her "spare time".

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Emily Pinto, FCC Weekday Preschool Director (she/her)

Prior to coming to FCC, Emily worked as the Director of Flossmoor Montessori School, where she has cultivated an environment in which children are nurtured and encouraged to thrive. Emily's collaborative approach, natural team-building skills, and unwavering positivity make her an exceptional fit for FCC’s Weekday Preschool and our Leadership Staff! Outside of work, Emily is a mother of two and a Homewood local. She enjoys staying active and spending most time outdoors.

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Kathi Leahy, Office Administrator (she/her)

kleahy@fccfaithful.org

Kathi is in the main office 9 am - 1 pm, Mondays - Fridays managing facility requests, phones, and covering administrative needs for Leadership staff. She is well-known in our community, as she is also the Vice President of Membership for the Homewood PTA and sits on the board of Foundation 153. Kathi and her husband, Brendan reside in Homewood with their two children, Elliott and Emilia. In her spare time she takes her kids to soccer, baseball and softball practices. She loves music and gardening and is not very fond of birds.

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John Yapp, Properties Manager (he/him)

jyapp@fccfaithful.org

John unofficially joined our team in December 2023, helping us with interim maintenance work for FCC as his full-time work schedule allowed (4-6 hours/week), during which time he helped us through several projects, repairs, upgrades and a few emergencies. Staff eagerly welcomed him as he stepped seamlessly into an official staff role managing and maintaining our facilities, maintenance staff, and volunteers. John works directly with the Properties Committee and the Executive Director of Church Operations, Jamie Ford, ensuring the long-term care and stewardship of our properties. He brings years of experience as a city planner, new construction project manager, small business owner (John’s Home Upgrade), licensed home inspector, and all the things in between! ​

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Laura Barnes, Handbell Choir Director (she/her)

“Bells is quite the unique creature.  If there was a team sport for music, handbells would dominate the field, the court, the stadium!” Laura directed handbell choirs at Zion Lutheran School for 15 years.  As the years went by some of the "older" ringers wanted to continue ringing as they ventured into their high school and college years. They formed a group called "Festival Bells". When schedules allowed, they would gather on a Saturday for an hour or so, learn a song, and play it the next day in worship. Laura says “I know what it's like to over practice a song and know what it's like to under practice a song. Balance is challenging as ringers have varying levels of abilities and desires to either be stretched or just wanting to stay low-key. But bells have certain parameters that really need to be met - a certain number of ringers needed to play the different levels of songs. It's all in the delicate balance of ringing as a group”.  Laura recently joined FCC with her husband, Dale, their daughter, Hannah, her husband, Peter, and their son, Ollie.

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Bob Callahan, Day Porter (he/him)

Bob's friendly presence has been a part of staff since 2013! He is on site every other Sunday morning as well as part-time on weekdays. He and his wife, Ellen, reside in Homewood. They have two grown daughters. When Bob isn't on the job he enjoys unwinding with music, fishing, and most recently...yoga!

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