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Our Staff
John Gerike
Senior Pastor
pastorjohn@oursaviours.com
(630)355-2522
Pastor Gerike, became senior pastor at Our Saviour's in February of 2014. Before coming to Our Saviour's, he served as Senior Pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Manchester, Missouri, for 22 years. He is a graduate of Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, with an undergraduate degree in Music. He received his Master of Divinity from Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary (now Luther Seminary) in St. Paul, MN.
Pastor Gerike is married to Ruth and they have two adult sons, Brent and Brian, who are both graduates of Luther College in Decorah, IA. Brent is a professional musician in New York, NY. Brian is married to Betsy, and they live in Guadalajara, Mexico, where they are both teachers.
Pastor Gerike strongly believes in the Lutheran teachings of God’s grace and the good news of the Gospel. He believes that God loves each of us and that we are called to reflect that love in our daily lives.
Brian Wise
Pastor of Outreach
pastorbrian@oursaviours.com
(630)281- 4232
Pastor Brian Wise joined the Our Saviour’s community in August of 2015, as Associate Pastor of Outreach. His previous call was Associate Pastor at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL and he also served in the Coordinator Position in the Office of the Presiding Bishop for the ELCA Churchwide Offices. He graduated from Valparaiso University with a B.A. in Theology and a Minor in Music. He received his Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Pastor Brian met the love of his life, Mandy, at Valpo in a music theory class. Mandy is now an elementary school music teacher in Palantine IL. He proposed to her near home plate before a White Sox’s game….She said yes and the Sox won that day too! They have a Morkie named “Pani Paczki” which is Polish for “Mrs. Donut”.
Pastor Brian constantly reflects on Jesus’ life and ministry which was surrounded by relationships, reconciliation, meeting people where they are at, breaking down walls of injustice and sharing God’s love with everyone. He is thrilled to be called to Our Saviour’s, a place that is working to reflect that love in all that they say and do.
Al Creighton
Director, Congregation Care Network
(630) 281-4222
Born and raised in Chicago. I attended West Point. I have a BS degree in Math from Elmhurst College; an MBA from DePaul in IT; MDiv from LSTC; DMin from LSTC.
This is my second time at OSLC. I was Youth Director from 1991 to 1999. I returned in May 2011 in current position.
What I love most is working closely with Dawn DeBoer and Jane Kahle to bring healing of body, mind, and soul.
Fun fact -- Brad Creighton is my son.
Lynn Panosh
Director of Worship and the Arts
(630) 281-4236
Lynn Panosh has been on staff at Our Saviours since 1989, being appointed Director of Worship and the Arts in 1999. Lynn is the founding director of Eagle's Wings High School Youth choir, directs the Bach Ringers, Women's Chorale, Sanctuary Choir, and is Ministry team leader for the Music and Arts ministry at Our Saviours.
Lynn is married to Jim and they have three adult children and a yellow lab/malmute mix, Murphy. Lynn enjoys taking long walks, gardening, relaxing at the lake and reading. Lynn is an admitted chocoholic and you can often find her walking at the Riverwalk or at Herrick Lake in her spare time.
Chris Brown
Worship Leader (Celebration Campus) and Tech Coordinator
(630)281-4241
Chris has been singing ever since he can remember and continues performing with Ac•Rock (a Chicago based a cappella group) for the last 21 years. He has been on staff since January 2011 but has been a part of the music ministry team at Celebration for the last four years. He has also helped in leading the music at VBS the last three years. He wants to help others grow musically through the performing of music, as well as grow deeper spiritually while on our faith journey.
Chris has been married to his wonderful wife Tami Kidd-Brown for 15 years, has 3 "Bonus Sons" (Jason 28, Jesse 25, Danny 21) an 11 year old daughter Rylee, and a 6 lbs. dog Harlee. He enjoys playing basketball, softball, and just about anything else that is competitive. He loves to hang out downtown Naperville and going for long walks on the beach ...or Riverwalk. LOL
Put a rack of BBQ Baby Back Ribs in front of this man and watch out!
John Beed
Organist & Pianist
John has served on staff at Our Saviour's for over 10 years. He is the organist and accompanist for Saturday evening worship services as well as the Men's Chorale conductor.
When he is not perfecting his musical skills in the sanctuary you can find him at Starbuck's on Jefferson in old downtown Naperville.
Sue Bergren
Organist & Pianist
Sue is very excited to be back on staff at Our Saviour’s as the organist for the Sunday morning worship service. She has a Master’s degree in Organ Performance from Northern Illinois University and has served as music director and organist for several churches in the Naperville area. She is active as a carillon recitalist, playing regularly on the Naperville Millennium Carillon and giving weekly recitals on the Rockefeller Memorial Carillon at the University of Chicago. Sue loves the warm and welcoming community at Our Saviour’s and is looking forward to meeting all of you.
Terry Thompson
Worship and Arts Assistant , Seraphim Choir Director, Praise Express Director
(630)281-4231
Terry Thompson graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. and M.S. in choral music education. She was a high school choral director for 13 years and has taught private voice and piano. Terry is married to Dan and she enjoys being a full time mom to David and Stephen.
Holly McKinney
Worship & Arts Administrative Assistant
hollymckinney@oursaviours.com
603-281-4210
Holly grew up in Minneapolis and resides in Naperville with her husband Warren and two children, Abbie who just graduated from Western Illinois and Alec who will be a junior at MVHS. She has been involved with the Youth Auction when Abbie was in Eagles Wings and is back into it again with Alec. I enjoy travelling, skiing and spending time with my family in Minneapolis.
Shelley Hutchison
Praise Bells and Percussion Ensemble Director
Stephanie Dusing
Joyful Noisemakers and Cheribum Choir Director
Stephanie Duesing teaches the Joyful Noisemakers Kindergarten choir. She has a bachelors in music education from the University of Illinois. She taught vocal music for ten years and is now the stay at home mom of one daughter, Sarah. She has been a member of Our Saviour’s since 2004. When she has the time, Stephanie likes to cook, and even makes her own marshmallows!
Bobbi Jo Cyr
Youth Director
(630) 281-4266
Bobbi Jo Cyr was born in Aurora, IL., but having been raised in a Navy family she moved around quite a bit. Naperville is her 29th address! She loves to travel and see the world. Her favorite thing to do in a new country is go to the grocery store – you can learn a lot about a country by its market place!
Bobbi graduated from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA. During her time there she was very active in campus ministries and student government. She loved planning new and exciting events for the campus and interacting with fellow residents and students. She graduated with a degree in Business Marketing in May of 2003 and in September she left for Japan as a missionary through the ELCA Global Missions program. While learning Japanese, she taught English to 7-12 grades. After her time with the ELCA was complete she felt her calling in Japan was not finished and taught English to 7-9 grades. During her nine years in Japan she revised several textbooks, wrote her own textbook, and advised the student government. Although, Japan is a big part of Bobbi’s life she is very excited to be on board as the Director of Youth Ministries at Our Saviour’s. She joined the Our Saviour's family in June of 2013 and looks forward to getting-to-know her new “family” better while walking with the students on their faith journey.
“Being the Youth Director is like having my cake and eating it too! I get to combine my love for event planning and my passion for working with youth all while serving God at the same time!”
Sarah Swindall
Assistant Youth Director
630-281-4267
Sarah is a Naperville native and has been a member of Our Saviour’s for many years. She was a member of Eagle’s Wings and the leadership team all through high school as well as the Children’s Ministries summer intern 2 years in a row. She attended Augustana College where she continued to develop her leadership skills as a Community Advisor, a student organization president, and leadership team coordinator. She graduated with a degree in English Lit and Creative Writing in 2012 and then set off to Slovakia where she worked with our partners in Martin at the Center for Christian Education. She taught conversational English to students ranging from 5th grade to college age. She is so excited to be coming back to her home church and, once again, be a part of the youth ministry community that has been such a huge part of her life.
Janine Norgaard
Director Children’s and Family Ministries
janinenorgaard@oursaviours.com
(630) 281-4233
Janine and her family have been attending Our Saviour’s since moving from Minnesota in 1997. After serving in a number of roles in children’s ministry she joined the staff in 2007 as the Director Children’s Faith Formation. As director she oversees church school, Stepping Stone classes, and special events. Equipping adults to share their faith journeys with the children is also part of her role.
Janine is married to Greg and they have two daughters and two sons. Her favorite vacation spot is in Door County, but you’ll see her around town in book stores or cooking stores.
Christine Ball
Children and Family Specialist
630-281-4220
Roberta Ostis
Nursery Coordinator
Roberta has an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. She is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. In June 2014, she will complete an Integrated Marketing Communication Certificate from DePaul University.
Roberta has worked in the newspaper industry for 13 years as a Division Sales Manager and Senior Manager of Audience Development. She took six years off to be a stay-at-home mom. She is currently a substitute for Indian Prairie School District 204.
Roberta is married to Ron and they have a son, Anthony. Roberta loves helping others and giving back to the community. She has volunteered at Celebration Clinic with registration, served food at Pads, volunteered at the boo boo station at VBS, taught at the Career Transition workshops, sealed meals at Feed My Starving Children, and baked for the Mega Garage Sale and coffee hour.
Jean Jepson
Director of Communications
(630) 281-4225
Jean has been on staff for over 5 years, and been the Director of Communications for the past 3 years. Her major responsibilities are to help develop best practices for church wide communications, create communication vehicles and lead marketing and advertising efforts. In addition to Jean's communication responsibilities, she is a mentor for the Surge program and leads a variety of teams that work on church design projects. Jean also teaches some Adult Faith Formation classes that focus on healing and the arts. Jean is married to Greg and has two wonderful children. Her favorite places to hang out in Naperville are Coppers Hawk, Meson Sebika and Hugo's Frog Bar. When she has some time off, she enjoys heading to Michigan or Gelena to relax.
Michelle Hamilton
Communications Administrative Specialist
MichelleHamilton@oursaviours.com
(630) 281-4212
Debbie Montrose
Communication Administrative Specialist
DebbieMontrose@oursaviours.com
(630) 281-4211
Debbie coordinates and works with our hospitality teams including; ushers, communion servers and greeters. She also provides hospitality on Sunday mornings. She works in the front office and assists with Communication. She served as co-chair on the decorations committee last year for the Youth Auction and will be serving this year as well. Debbie has been married to Tim for 22 years and has two beautiful teenagers, who are involved in the youth ministries. The last member of the Montrose Family is Comet, their 5 year old golden retriever, who was adopted by them and is happy to be part of their family. Debbie has been a Home and School volunteer for years and is currently serving as President at Lincoln Jr. High. When she's not working or volunteering, she enjoys shopping, visiting with friends and family, and more shopping!
Debbie is happy to be part of the OSLC family.
Peggy McKinley
Communication Administrative Assistant
peggymckinley@oursaviours.com
(630)355-2522
Dawn DeBoer, MA, RN, FCN
Parish Nurse
(630) 281-4215
Jane Kahle, MS, LCPC
Parish Counselor
(630) 281-4269
Jane has been a member at Our Saviours for over 25 years, on staff for 10 and a volunteer leader for Stephen Ministry for 24 yrs. She has an office at the Celebration Campus where she offers individual, marriage and family counseling for those with mental health issues, relationship concerns, grief, and adolescent concerns. Insurance is accepted and reduced rates offered for anyone in need (you do not need to be a member).
Jane and her husband of 36 years love to travel to visit their 2 grown daughters, walking beaches and walking the Riverwalk to downtown Naperville.
Sue Litwicki
Office & A/P Finance Support
(630) 281-4226
Sue originally worked part-time at Our Saviour's from 1996 - 2003 running bulletins and the Scroll. She took some time off and then returned in 2004 taking on some Front Office duties. After a short time she moved to her current position of Accounts Payable in the Finance Office.
Sue and her husband, Paul, have raised 4 sons and are now blessed to with 2 daughter-in-laws and 2 precious grandchildren, Zoe and Zachary.
Jennifer Sevatson
Office & A/R/ Finance Support
JenniferSevatson@oursaviours.com
(630) 281-4234
Kelly Gilligan
Celebration Children's Center Director
(630) 281-4280
Eileen Lindgren
Children Center Preschool Coordinator
EileenLindgren@oursaviours.com
(630) 281-4280
“Ms. Eileen" is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Human and Family Resources. She is a member of the original teaching staff here at The Children's Center. Eileen and her husband live in Naperville and have three grown children. She is an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle. In her free time she enjoys gardening, reading, traveling and watching the CUBS. Eileen is very excited about being part of this great preschool and helping children become enthusiastic learners!
Kimberly Longhitano
Children's Center - Registration and Records Coordinator
(630) 281-4280
Kimberly joined The Children's Center as Registration and Records Coordinator in 2008. She grew up in Naperville and has a B. S. Degree in Communications from the University of Illinois. She previously worked as a childcare provider for Our Saviour's and spent 15 years working in the public relations field for companies in New York including Giles Communications, Fleishman-Hillard, and Price Waterhouse. Kimberly and her husband have two children and are members of Our Saviour's.
Charlie Schneider
Director of Information Technology
charlieschneider@oursaviours.com
(630)281-4218
If you were to ask his wife, Charlie is still trying to figure out what he wants to do when he grows up. An entrepreneur at heart, he enjoys helping others solve complex problems.
Charlie credits his grandfather with sharing his hands-on problem solving skills. If it was powered by electricity or had gears, Charlie removed the cover to master how it worked.
Charlie discovered computers in the 1980’s quite by accident while working for a major electronic parts retailer. “We were tasked with selling computers to home and corporate clients, but the organization did not provide us training, so I trained myself. Soon after, I found myself answering technology questions from other branches."
Although Charlie no longer works where he received his start with computers, he is a principal with multiple technology-based companies which continue to serve international markets today.
“I’m living the dream; enabling technology to share the Word of Jesus. It’s awesome to see a person’s face light up and share their moment of accomplishment knowing you have made a difference sharing the gifts that God gave us.”
Charlie and his wife live in Naperville. Their daughter is an educator in Southern Illinois. Charlie enjoys time with his family, tearing up the lake with a pair of Jetskis, fishing, and BBQ/smoking meats in his smoker while relaxing with a tall glass of sweet tea.
Fun Charlie Facts:
•Pilot. Flown small aircraft, helicopter and jet.
•Former indoor blimp pilot for the Milwaukee Bucks NBA franchise.
•Internationally recognized computer security expert.
Cindi Swanson
Disabilities Coordinator
(630)281-4290
People with disabilities want to be actively involved in their communities. Unfortunately for many that involvement is a struggle, in some cases a downright fight. People with disabilities should never have to talk their way into, cajole, or convince a worship congregation to be welcome into worship and ministry. A house of worship should really be the emotional down filled coat people are covered in when they come to worship. That is the basic philosophy Cindi Swanson follows. She is Our Saviours Disabilities Coordinator.
Cindi believes everyone has gifts from God to share. A disability does not stand in the way. As coordinator she will help orchestrate how we all can support the gifts brought to us by members of our community who are challenged with disabilities.
Cindi is an active advocate in Naperville,and Illinois for people with disabilities.
She serves on the DuPage Family Disability Network, DuPage Para Transit Council, Illinois Statewide Independent Living Council. She and her husband have three sons. Her oldest and youngest sons live in Las Vegas. Cindi enjoys visiting her sons out west. She reads everything she can hear as a digital talking book.
Their middle son, 26 year old Adam, lives with them in Naperville. Adam , who has Down Syndrome , works , volunteers, recreates , and has a generally robust life in the community. When Adam was 7,Cindi lost her vision, and learned from that experience very clearly the challenges facing people with disabilities in Naperville. A few years after she lost her vision she earned a Masters Degree in Social work. Cindi is most often accompanied by her loyal guide dog, a yellow lab.
Mike Mahon
Facilities
(630) 281-4213