Staff

*First Baptist Church Oak Park 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 the Director of Music Ministries. He has studied church music at the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University, and holds a degree in political science as well. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield. In addition to his musical interests, he enjoys all things related to golf and functions as a walking almanac of Northwestern University sports. He would love to talk with anyone who is interested in singing with the choir or providing music in another way.

	Chrissy Bartholomew Christine Bartholomew is serving as our new Youth Minister. Originally from Cincinnati Christine received her undergraduate degree in philosophy and religion at Queens University of Charlotte. She is currently working on her Masters in Divinity at Northern Baptist Theological Seminary. Besides her academic endeavors, Chrissy is also a thespian serving in the improvisational comedy team Car Wash.

	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 O'Brien serves as our Office Administrator. 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.

First Baptist Church Oak Park Staff