Please welcome our newest members! This class was special and unique – because of Covid, we met outdoors under the tent. Pastor Chris presented messages on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus; the history of the Church; being a valued part of Christ’s body, the church, by using our gifts/talents; and the four building blocks of First Pres – Education, Small Groups, Mission and Family. After listening to Chris each Sunday, the class divided into three groups for discussion, led by Darric and Deb Brambora, Mike and Janet Carlson, and Leigh and Sherry Roadman.
Peter and Megan Clifford live in Glen Ellyn with their sons. When Peter isn’t busy assisting their boys as they navigate e-learning, the family puppy demands his attention. Megan is an associate laboratory director at Argonne. A day of leisure would find Megan occupied with a house project or some other cause. Peter would take the opportunity to enjoy a long walk with their puppy, catch up on his reading and cooking a special dinner. Both are very interested in learning about opportunities at First Pres that would involve the entire family. Their older son is part of the Confirmation class; their younger son enjoys SPARK with his friends.
Steven and Alyssa Cullen live in Glen Ellyn with their infant daughter who was born on Easter. Both work full-time – Steven as a sales manager and Alyssa as assistant to the CEO of Pampered Chef. If they had a free day, they would enjoy a long walk around Lake Ellyn with the baby and their dog Bogey. Alyssa would then head to the Farmers Market and Steven to the golf course. Later in the day, they would enjoy a BBQ dinner – both love to cook. When Covid is a distant memory, they will enjoy hosting dinners and events. Participating in Partner in Mission’s Bike to the Lake is something they would enjoy doing together.
Chad and Lindy Ellis live in Glen Ellyn with their children. Chad’s days are busy parenting while also remodeling their older home. Lindy is partner at Ernst & Young. If they had free time, they would spend time in their gardens, and being with family. If they could travel, going to a beach or revisiting London, where they lived for several years, would be fun. Both are interested in joining a small group and learning more about where they could be involved.
Michael and Erica Everson live in Glen Ellyn with their three children. Michael serves as an air traffic controller, and Erica is super busy at home. Both enjoy being outdoors – bike riding, tennis, golf. Despite the frustrations of being a fan, Michael is loyal to Chicago sports teams. Both have enjoyed watching the livestream of Sunday worship. Erica loves MOPS where she can connect with other moms, and is looking forward joining a small group to dive deeper in her faith. Michael is interested in learning more about and participating in the missions supported by First Pres.
Bob and Sara Griffeth live in Lombard, parents of five adult children, the youngest a 2020 grad of U of I. Both work full-time – Bob as a loss control consultant and Sara as an accountant. On a day with zero responsibilities, both would enjoy spending time with kids and grandkids in the far western suburbs. Camping, traveling, reading and home improvement projects are some of the many things this couple enjoys. Both also enjoy attending classic car shows/cruise nights. When First Pres resumes as a Pads site after Covid, both are interested in serving. Joining a small group and serving at the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings are also of interest.
Daniel and Kimberly Kolcz live in Glen Ellyn with their two sons. Daniel is a full-time attorney with a California law firm. Kimberly is busy with their young children and is also owner of an interior design firm specializing in hotels. If they had some spare time, Daniel would enjoy scuba diving with friends and a round of golf. Kimberly would reacquaint herself with hobbies such as gardening, and playing the piano and fiddle. Both enjoy sailing and international travel….they honeymooned in Uganda and are very interested in learning about the First Pres/Uganda mission partnership. Participating in Family Camp is also something in which they are very interested.
Shea and Jori Moroni live in Glen Ellyn with their young son. Shea is a physical education teacher at Arbor View Elementary School. He also coaches football at Glenbard West. Jori is hair stylist and owner of Oak and Steel in Glen Ellyn. As you can imagine, this is a busy family…and when they have free time, they enjoy being outdoors gardening or playing at a park, and spending time with family. In the future, Shea would like to get involved with Pads and Jori would enjoy children’s activities.
David and Kathryn Profitt live in Glen Ellyn with their son and daughter. David serves on the First Pres staff as Director of Children’s Ministry. Kathryn is a piano teacher and a nursing student. When they have an open day, they enjoy being outdoors, gardening, hiking, biking or camping. Both have a heart for refugee and immigrant ministry, and of course, kids ministry. Kathryn also participates in the worship band. David would like to join a men’s small group after hearing how much Kathryn enjoys her small group, Circle of Grace.
Sharon Reif lives in Glen Ellyn, and is mom to three adult children. Her career background is nursing. Sharon has been attending First Pres for a couple of years and has become active in several women’s small groups, co-leading one of the groups. She enjoys several activities – reading, sewing and gardening. Traveling into Chicago to visit her daughters is especially fun for Sharon. Looking ahead, she would like to get involved in volunteering activities – such as being a greeter on Sunday mornings, serving at Pads, and helping at Vacation Bible School.