Our Ministry Leaders come from varied backgrounds to celebrate the strength diversity brings to a spiritual setting – and everyday life.
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Rev. Kristen J. Larsen, Senior Pastor - Kristen has been a pastor and elder of the United Methodist Church since 1990 and has served four Chicagoland churches before moving to Glen Ellyn. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kristen came to Chicago to receive her Masters of Divinity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. She so enjoyed the spirit of the people she asked the Land of Lincoln to adopt her as their own and they agreed after finding she had committed no serious crimes. Kristen loves reading, weaving, oil painting and the endorphins she gets from weight lifting. Contact Pastor Kristen at pastorkristenlarsen@gefumc.org . |
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Rev. Elizabeth Bowes, Small Group & Adult Ministries - Elizabeth has a passion for developing leaders and helping people lead spiritually deep lives of service and growth. She graduated from Gordon College in Wenham, MA and received her M.T.S. from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Her thesis dealt with developing a theology of work with the aim of helping people restore a sense of meaning and purpose to their work. She holds certifications in both Christian Education and Small Groups. |
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Justin Lowry, Youth Director -Justin found his calling to youth ministry as a Biblical and Theological Studies major at North Park University. He has been working in youth ministry for the past 3 1/2 years and truly enjoys it. He’s currently pursuing his Master’s of Divinity at Liberty University. Justin and his wife Sarah have three kids; Noah is 4 1/2, and their twin girls, Maia and Ariana, are 3 months old. In his free time, Justin loves hanging out with his family, studying God’s Word, playing Madden on XBOX 360, and taking naps. His favorite restaurant is Harold’s Chicken. He was All State in high school football at Edwardsville High school in southern Illinois, his favorite color is blue, and his favorite smell is pumpkin spice. |
| Anitta Milloro, Coordinator of Children’s Ministry | |
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Marianne Kim, Music Director – As an accompanist, arranger, chamber musician, organist and studio musician, Marianne has worked in a wide variety of public school, collegiate, church, amateur and professional settings. With a Bachelor’s degree in piano and composition, she plays a broad range of music styles, including classical, standard & fusion jazz, gospel, rock and contemporary church music. Highly skilled in improvisation, she is also familiar with a wide repertoire for solo vocal, choral and instrumental ensembles at all levels. |
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Evan Bruno, Associate Director of Music - A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Evan recently relocated to Chicago where he holds the position of In-School Conductor for the Chicago Children’s Choir. Evan received the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Bachelor of Music degrees from Christopher Newport University. Evan believes music to be a powerful force for peace and unity and enjoys using the music of other cultures to further his own knowledge of the world. |
| Randall Burkamper, Media Specialist | |
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Michele Tews, Parent’s Day Out Director - Michele is the coordinator for our Parent’s Day Out Program. She has a degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University, and over 14 years of experience working with children. A mother of four, she brings lots of excitement, energy and experience to this important ministry. |
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Gayle Posegay, Nursery Coordinator – Gayle brings her love of children and over 25 years of experience working as a teacher and Early Childhood programs director to our nursery program. A mother of three, and grandmother to five, she is a long time member of our church. |