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Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer, Pastor Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer has served as a pastor at O’Fallon UCC since January 1997. Prior to that she served UCC congregations in Miami Lakes, Florida and Bradenton, Florida. Pastor Martha grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and received a Bachelor of Music Education degree (emphasis on instrumental music/bassoon), followed by a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves, Missouri. She completed her Doctor of Ministry degree from Eden Seminary in 2003 with a doctoral thesis on ecclesiastical windows and representational art. Creative interests include stained glass, travel, music, books, movies, theater--anything to do with the arts, which provide a spiritual window to experiencing fullness of life and God’s presence in the world. The arts can lead to meaningful encounter with God and nurture a creative, dynamic faith. Worship truly touches the soul when senses are filled with the visual beauty of sanctuary windows and art, wonderful music, the inspiring Word and a deep sense of the Spirit moving in midst of our earnest prayer and joyful praise.
Dr. Phil Wilhelm, Director of Music Dr. Phillip Wilhelm, currently serves as Director of Music, overseeing the entire music ministry program and accompanying worship services. Phil also works at McKendree University where he is an Assistant Professor of Music Education, Coordinator for Music Education and conductor for the Chamber Choir. Phil taught in the public school system for multiple years, where he taught band, choir, and general music. One of his performing groups was even featured during a concert at Powell Hall. He has earned all three levels of Orff-Schulwerk Certification from Webster University and is active in the Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, where he is currently the president. Phil has been a guest clinician, conductor, judge, and consultant at various institutions and musical offerings throughout the bi-state area. As an innovative composer and arranger Phil released his debut album, Simple Gifts, in the fall of 2003. In 2008 one of his songs was selected to be included on the national release of the CD The Light of the World. He continues to be an active performer on both piano and voice throughout the region. Besides his solo work, Phil is also bassoonist and founding member of the Gateway Wind Quintet. As a bassoonist, he has performed with the St. Louis Philharmonic, the SIUE Orchestra and BandTogether. Phil has also been playing keyboard for many years. He has studied organ with Dr. Nancy Ypma and Henry Evans.
Carol Nelson grew up in the O’Fallon United Church of Christ, a daughter of Shirley and Milford Ahring. She lived out of the state for many years with her husband Jim and son Jason. She returned to the O’Fallon area some years ago and her son Jason was involved in the O’Fallon UCC youth group. Looking to share her spirituality of health and wellness with the congregation, Carol came on staff as our part-time parish nurse in 2009. She brings her natural gifts of caring and compassion to the position, and coordinates the Visitation Committee and Health Ministry program. She has been trained as a parish nurse through the Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministry in St. Louis. Her family also includes sister Marilyn Schmidt and husband Steve.
Tarrah Norgaard, Administrative Assistant Hours: Mon 8 a.m. –12 p.m., Tues, Wed, Thurs 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Hours: Mon 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Colleen Gass is the bookkeeper for O’Fallon UCC. Colleen and Gary have been members of O’Fallon UCC since 1981, when they moved to O’Fallon from St. Louis. Gary was confirmed in O’Fallon UCC, and his mother, Pauline, is also a longtime member of this congregation.
They raised three sons, Leigh, Chris and John on the family farm just north of O’Fallon. All three of their sons were confirmed in O’Fallon UCC. Her husband is a retired veterinarian, so of course animals are involved in their life. They raise sheep; have a guard donkey, several barn cats and a beloved dachshund named Dieter.
Colleen grew up in the small town of Savanna in northern Illinois. Colleen graduated from the University of Illinois, where she also met Gary. After graduating, she worked for the Univ. of IL. Extension Service in St. Clair County. She supervised program assistants and taught nutrition classes to youth and adult groups. When their first child was born, she became a stay- at-home mom.
Gary opened his own animal hospital and Colleen did the bookkeeping and payroll for him. After their sons were raised, Colleen managed the animal hospital until they both retired in Dec. of 2007.
Her hobbies include flower gardening, making cards with rubber stamps, scrapbooking and sewing. She’s also a member of the Women’s Guild.
Colleen has been the bookkeeper since March of 2009. She enjoys her job, working with the staff and the congregation of OUCC. She looks forward to all the new challenges of the job and getting to know our members better.
Jean VanDriel, Nursery Supervisor Jean VanDriel is married to Mike and mother to Krista and Cody. Jean is currently the nursery supervisor. She has worked in the nursery since 1991. Jean also serves on the BOCE (Board of Christian Education) and is a member of Mary & Martha. She is a life long member of the church.
Tarrah Norgaard, Youth Coordinator
Marshall Jennings, Assistant Youth Coordinator
Julie Totten has been a longtime member of O’Fallon UCC and served as a church custodian for over 20 years. Her father, Ray Brasel, held the position for many years. Julie began helping her dad with the job when she was in high school, and then became hired staff, serving in recent years as the Head Custodian and supervisor. As a fitness expert, Julie also teaches aerobics and is a personal trainer. Julie is very energetic and organized, and works hard to keep the facility in excellent condition. Her family includes her husband Steve, daughter Tiffany and son-in-law Paul Owens, and their infant daughter Raelyn; brother Scott Brasel and sister-in-law Lois, nieces Katie and Hannah; parents Carol and Ray Brasel.
Phil Reis, Sunday School Superintendant Phil Reis has been a member of O’Fallon UCC for nearly a decade, and has been very active in a variety of volunteer positions. Phil not only serves faithfully in educational ministry as a Co-Superintendent for the Sunday School, he also participates on the Board of Christian Education, has helped with youth activities, is a Co-Coordinator of the Cardinals fundraising program, trains staff/leaders on the AED/Red Cross life-saving certification, and assists with many of the church’s big events. Phil also serves as the liaison to all of the Boy Scout organizations which meet at the church, and he is very involved in Scouting. Phil attends church with his wife Karol, sons Andrew and Jon and twins Matthew and Lauren. Phil previously held the position of our church secretary and served the church well in that capacity; his fulltime position is at Eckert’s.
Carolyn Weber, Sunday School Superintendant Carolyn currently is a Co-Superintendant with Phil Reis. She’s been a member of O’Fallon UCC since 1998. She began as a Sunday School teacher for the pre-K and Kindergarten classes before becoming Superintendant. She’s an active member of O’Fallon UCC holding many different positions on different committees. |
O'Fallon United Church of Christ |
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206 West Adams St., O'Fallon, Illinois 62269, (618)632-3496, oucc@sbcglobal.net |
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