The Illinois Conference is blessed to have dedicated staff serving, guiding and walking with our congregations and alternative ministry settings. There is a distinct commitment to partnership with clergy and lay leadership, and a desire to celebrate our diversity in the midst of finding strength in our oneness.
Currently, the Illinois Conference is staffing 5 offices and 2 camps.
Please note: Conference e-mail addresses are embedded to protect us from spam. To e-mail conference staff, just click on their name.
Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ
1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200
Westchester, IL 60154
Phone (708) 344-4470 Fax (708) 344-4564
Interim Conference Minister, Rev. Justo González II
Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Michelle Hughes
(Vitality, Transformation and Sustainability)
Conference Controller, Mr. William Serritella
Conference Bookkeeper, Mrs. Tracy Diehl
Conference Support Staff, Mrs. Naomi Else
Conference Support Staff, Mrs. Carmen Torres
(Conference E-Blast Editorial Assistant and Website Support)
Thriving Pastors in Revitalizing Congregations (TPIRC)
Administrative Assistant, Ms. Priscilla Rodriquez
Chicago Metropolitan Association
1407 E. 60th St.
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone (773) 324-7650
Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. Vertie Powers
(Chicago Metropolitan Association)
Acting Associate Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. James J. Olson, OCC.
(Chicago Metropolitan and Fox Valley Associations)
Conference Support Staff, Rev. Wayne MacPherson
Eastern Association
14142 S. Butler Court
Plainfield, IL 60544
Phone (630) 707-9991
Acting Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Kimberly Wood
(Eastern Association and Western Associations)
Fox Valley Association
1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200
Westchester, IL 60154
Phone (708) 344-4470
Fax (708) 344-4564
Acting Associate Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. James J. Olson, OCC.
(Chicago Metropolitan and Fox Valley Associations)
Prairie Association
617 N. First Street
DeKalb, IL 60115
Phone (815) 758-3497
Fax (815) 758-5037
Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Kathy Lawes
(Prairie Association and Western Associations)
Kathy’s Cell Phone (815) 501-2288
Conference Support Staff, Ms. Julie Grendahl
Western Association
1409R Kelly Ave.
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Phone (309) 685-5929
Fax (309) 685-9679
Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Kathy Lawes
(Prairie Association and Western Association)
Kathy’s Cell Phone (815) 501-2288
Acting Associate Conference Minister, Rev. Kimberly Wood
(Eastern Association and Western Associations)
Kim’s Cell Phone (630) 707-9991
Conference Support Staff, Ms. Connie Owens
(Also Illinois Conference Search and Call Specialist)
Pilgrim Park Camp
26449 1340 N Ave.
Princeton, IL 61356-8790
Phone (815) 447-2390 Fax (815) 447-2205
Site Director, Mr. Mitch Kloster
Assistant Site Director/ Resident Naturalist, Mr. Matt Martinkus
Conference Support Staff, Ms. Tara Cade
Tower Hill Camp
12173 Tower Hill Rd.
Sawyer, MI 49125
Phone (269) 426-3881 Fax (269) 426-8255
Interim Site Director, Rev. Peggy Johnson
Conference Support Staff, Ms. Jeri Edelberg
Illinois Conference Placement Office
1409R Kelly Ave.
Peoria Heights, IL 61616
Phone (309) 685-5929 Fax (309) 685-9679
Conference Search and Call Specialist, Ms. Connie Owens