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Staff

Dr. Harry Parker Senior Pastor since 1990, Dr. Parker received degrees from Kalamazoo College, Northern Baptist Seminary, and Pittsburgh Seminary with additional studies at Jacob Hiatt Institute of Brandeis University in Jerusalem, Marquette University, and Jerusalem College. He enjoys running, swimming, and “tinkering” with automobiles. He seeks to offer sermon messages that are relevant and engaging as they proclaim God’s grace and call to new life. “I invite you to join us at First Baptist. Here you will find a church that seeks to extend a warm welcome and offer a message of Grace.” Rev. Monroe Saffold Our Welcome Minister Rev. Saffold's professional career has been in education, teaching at both Oak Park/River Forest High School and at Lane Tech. He has graduated from North Park Seminary with a Master of Arts and Christian Ministry. He is now attending Northern Baptist Seminary to completing his degree work for a Master of Divinity with possible Ph.D.work. Monroe is also an accomplished pianist. He as been active in Bible Study Fellowship and in leading small group Bible study. His greatest claim to fame is winning the Mr. America crown for body-building in 1992. Nathan LeMahieu Nathan LeMahieu serves as Young Adult and Music Minister.  A native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Nathan was most recently an organ scholar at the University of Notre Dame where he earned the Master of Sacred Music degree.  He also holds degrees in organ and political science from Northwestern University and has received his Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield.  When not making music or studying, Nathan enjoys Northwestern football, fantasy golf, biking, and tennis.  Nathan currently lives in Highland Park with his wife Julie, who is an elementary school music teacher.  He has served at First Baptist Church since 2007.  Please contact Nathan with any questions about the music or young adult programs at FBC. Chrissy Bartholomew Christine Bartholomew has been our Youth Minister for three years.  Last spring she started serving as our Children's Minister as well.  Originally from Cincinnati, Christine received her undergraduate degree in philosophy and religion at Queens University of Charlotte.  She just received her Master of Divinity at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Chrissy's passions include art, theater, and writing.  She has been published in Christian Century and continues to pursue the written word.   John Hyndman As Building Manager, John brings a host of gifts from God to further His Kingdom at our church. He studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Previous travels to Italy inspired him in architectural restoration for 17 years before his position as Building Manager. He also is the Director of the Hand Bell Choir for both the Chancel Hand Bells (9th grade to Adult) and Junior Hand Bell Choir (5th thru 8th grade). Mary Lee Eneberg Mary Lee Eneberg serves as our Office Administrator since 1992. She is a graduate of Illinois State University in theatre and served as program coordinator at the Illinois Arts Council in Chicago. She was also the general manager of her family business, ArtGolf. In addition, she serves as director of our church’s five-scene live nativity, Journey to Bethlehem, and directs a hundred-plus cast and crew members, sheep, goats, a donkey, and a camel. Barbara Branch Director of Preschool & Kindergarten, Barbara grew up in Maywood, Illinois and graduated from Proviso East High School. She attended U of I/ Chicago and graduated from Denver University. She has been the preschool’s Director for five years. “I strongly believe that we provide an important Christian ministry for our children. Their physical and spiritual development is of equal importance to us. Ricardo Zela A native of Peru, Ricardo has been in the United States for 19 years. He serves as our Church Sexton, Security, Van Driver for our Preschool & Kindergarten, and assists with our building maintenance. Ricardo is an avid fan of soccer. He also enjoys reading.

Last Updated on Thursday, 02 September 2010 08:05