As a Welcoming Congregation, we actively welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people as full participants in the life of the church. We are committed to standing on the side of love in our congregational life and our advocacy in the larger community.
Staff
| Staff - Administration & Board |
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Organization
Director of RE
Director of Religious Education Colleen joined our staff in August 2006. She holds a Master of Divinity degree from Iliff School of Theology (Denver, CO). She earned her B.A. in English and French from Lawrence University and was certified as a secondary education teacher. She has worked as Director of Religious Education for a United Methodist Church and has also worked as an on-call chaplain while raising her family. Colleen believes religious education is a life-long journey of personal discovery and growth – a path and purpose that underlies the community of a church. In her words, “I believe we are all spiritual beings seeking to find meaning and purpose. I look forward to joining you on the journey. . .” Director of Music
Director of Music and Pianist Jeff has been at Countryside since October 2003 as Pianist and as of January 2006 as Director and Pianist. He stays busy as a Chicago-area singer, accompanist, and diction coach and is employed as a manuscript editor at the University of Chicago Press. Over the past fifteen years, Jeff has been involved with numerous Chicago choirs, including Music of the Baroque, His Majestie's Clerkes, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Scholars of Cambrai, and Cantate. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree with a major in Russian from Emory University (Atlanta) and did graduate work in Slavic linguistics at the University of Chicago. As a Slavic and Romance diction coach, he has worked with the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Cantate, and is also currently working as accompanist and assistant rehearsal director for Cantate. Church Admin
Church Administrator Laurie joined the staff as Office Manager in November 2002 and has been a member of Countryside Church since 1995. Laurie grew up in Libertyville and lives in Palatine with her husband, Chris Smith, and their two children. Laurie's previous work-life includes elementary school teaching, financial aid administration, and stay-at-home motherhood. Laurie is an active member at Countryside and is involved in many areas including the Countryside Choir, children's religious education, and the Book Group. An accomplished pianist, Laurie plays for the occasional Sunday morning service. She enjoys gardening and scrapbooking. Board of TrusteesBoard of Trustees: July 2009 - June 2010
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