Church Council
Ministry team meetings normally take place on the third Monday night of the month, September through May, excluding December. Committee meetings begin at 7pm, with Church Council to follow at 8:30pm. The Church Council consists of committee chairs, the church moderator, and staff liaisons, and is open to all interested church members.
Moderator: Kathy Vega
Associate Moderator: Tom Mitchell
Treasurer: Mary Brown
Clerk: Lynn Odgers
Head Usher: Chris Laperuto
Chicago Metropolitan Association: Carr Nortorangelo Miller
Christian Education Committee
This committee establishes policies and programs for Christian Education in our church, including Sunday school, confirmation, seminars, the Kemper Library, media, and teacher recruitment. Sub-committees of this committee include Preschool, Children’s Ministry, Kemper Library, JRneys (middle school youth group), PF (high school youth group), and Adult Christian Exploration (ACE).
Chair: Clare Kralovec
Staff Liaison: Jen Enriquez
Christian Ventures
This committee explores and arranges spiritual pathways in local, national and international settings gathering individuals, families and groups for spiritual growth and fellowship through engaging opportunities of faith and inspiration.
Chair: Nanette Farina
Staff Liason: Rev. Meredith Onion
Diaconate
This ministry assists the clergy with worship services, including baptisms, communion, confirmation, Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday, ushering, altar flowers, visitation, and other caring ministries.
Chair: Barry Orr-Depner
Staff Liaison: Rev. Meredith Onion
Endowment Fund Trustees
Established in 1979 as a permanent endowment for First Congo, the fund was originally named the Second Century Fund. Today the Endowment is a significant source of income for the church’s annual operating budget. As of December 31, 2020, the Endowment was valued at approximately $2.6 million and contributed $120,000 to the church’s 2020 operating budget. This annual contribution makes it possible for First Congo to offer generous support through its Mission and Outreach efforts, additional pastoral assistance and more programs for members.
Donations to the Endowment Fund can be made at any time. Such gifts can include cash and/or investment securities and can also be made from IRAs and estates.
Chair: Rebecca Smith
Staff Liaison: Rev. Dr. Richard Kirchherr
Executive Committee
Proverbs 29:18 “Without a vision the people will perish.”
The Executive Committee, consisting of the church officers (Moderator, Associate Moderator and Treasurer) and three at-large members, serves as the personnel committee of the church, and acts on behalf of the congregation.
Moderator: Kathy Vega
Assoc. Moderator: Tom Mitchell
Treasurer: Mary Brown
At Large members:
- Marty Kalas (2025)
- Patti Winegar (2026)
- Chris Kemnitz (2027)
- Staff Liaison: Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr
Finance & Stewardship Committee
This committee is responsible for the financial ministry of the church. It establishes and monitors the annual budget and the annual pledge campaign. The members of the Finance Committee and the Properties Committee comprise the Board of Trustees of our church.
To learn more about the Finance and Stewardship Committee, contact Jim Majernik at jamesleemajernik@gmail.com.
Chair: Jim Majernik
Staff Liaison: Rev. Dr. Rich Kirchherr
Mission & Outreach COMMITTEE
“The greatest moment in worship is when, strengthened by word and song, we go out into the world to do the work of the church. We don’t go to church. We are the church”. (Source: unknown)
The First Congregational Church of Western Springs has a longstanding tradition of outreach and ministry beyond our walls. We often refer to this as ‘faith with our sleeves rolled up!’ As articulated in our Mission Statement and our call to be Christ’s disciples, numerous individuals and groups within our congregation work to: increase our love of God by increasing our love of neighbor; follow Christ to the side of all who suffer and despair; be Christ’s messengers and advocates for justice; and, be generous and thoughtful stewards of all of God’s gifts. We invite all who wish to join us to share in the joys and challenges of this calling.
Chair: Julie Jarabek
Staff Liaison: Rev. Meredith Onion
Music Committee
The First Congregational Church of Western Springs is blessed to have a well-respected, incredibly successful, and diverse music program represented by our Chancel Choir, which sings most Sunday mornings, and our two great children’s choirs, which make frequent appearances in worship. Additionally, we have our Spirit Worship Band, a steel drum band, and a handbell choir that all periodically contribute to Sunday morning worship. Our Spirit Worship Band (aka “The Band”) also performs monthly on Sunday nights in their Words & Music gatherings, to which anyone is invited! All music groups welcome new members with open arms to enhance our wonderful program. Please review our Music page to read more about a program of particular interest to you.
Chair: Nathaniel Orr-Depner
Staff Liaison: Ray Klemchuk
Nominating Committee
Every spring, members of our Nominating Committee work with church staff and lay leaders to fill open committee positions for the following program year (Sept–May). Serving on a committee is a wonderful way to work alongside other church members, growing God’s kingdom and making new friends. If you are interested in learning more about the Nominating Committee, contact our chair, Mary Ann Skvara, or staff liaison, Jeannette Lloyd.
Chair: Mary Ann Skvara
Staff Liaison: Jeannette Lloyd
Properties Committee
Our Properties Committee and ministry work to manage, maintain and enhance our three-story education building, sanctuary and grounds.
Chair: TBD
Staff Liaison: Scott Williams
Explore our Non-Constitutional Committees
- Children’s Ministry
- Preschool Committee
- Technology Team
- Welcome Team
- Youth Ministry Committee
