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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.
Tarrah Norgaard, Administrative Assistant Hours: Mon 8 a.m. –12 p.m., Tues, Wed, Thurs 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tarrah Norgaard is the Administrative Assistant for O’Fallon UCC. Tarrah is a life long member of the O’Fallon UCC and she brings more than 15 years of Administrative experience to our staff. She also has an extensive background in marketing and holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Accounting.
Tarrah is active in many ministries of the O’Fallon UCC which include Chancel Choir, Day 6 (a cappela group), Praise Band and is also currently serving as the Youth Ministry Director. She was born, raised and currently resides in Shiloh, Illinois with her children Gracelynn and Dalton.
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 Ministry Director Tarrah Norgaard has more than 17 years of experience working with children and youth. She is also life long member of the O’Fallon UCC. Tarrah grew up in Shiloh, Illinois and attended the same schools that many of the youth of our church are now attending. She currently resides in Shiloh with her two children Gracelynn & Dalton.
Her involvement with youth and children in our church family began with her directing music at Vacation Bible School at the age of 15; which she continues to do today. She has since been involved with the youth as a Jr. High Sunday School teacher, Director of the Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant, Youth Coordinator (under the direction of Dr. Phil Wilhelm) and she served for 3 years on the BOCE (Board of Christian Education).
Tarrah has a great passion for the involvement and inclusion of children and youth in our church family to participate in: worship, service & mission, fellowship and having fun of course! She is very comfortable working with our youth and constantly strives to engage and connect with them through mission work, leisure trips and group discussions.
Hobbies include scrapbooking, reading, singing, attending theatre productions/concerts, playing golf and spending time with friends and family.
Marshall Jennings, Youth Assistant Marshall Jennings began his involvement with children as a drama camp counselor at Althoff Catholic High School in the summer of 2003 where he served as assistant music director and choreographer. He continued this rewarding journey in the field of daycare. In the summers of 2008 and 2009 he received the opportunity to be a part of the AmeriCorps based organization Project Transformation in Dallas, Texas. Project Transformation is a non for profit organization that provides summer day camps to sites around Dallas, Texas. There Marshall was one of a ten member team who developed summer curriculum, planned activities, and filled the role of desperately needed mentors for a camp of nearly eighty inner city, underprivileged children and youth. The life changing experiences and irreplaceable relationships that Marshall was granted during these two summers will forever be a part of his heart, mind, and spirit. Currently Marshall is finishing his last semester of classes at McKendree University. To complete his program requirements there, Marshall plans to student-teach in the fall of 2010. After graduation Marshall will continue to change the world one opportunity at a time.
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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