Leadership
Senior Pastor
George is husband to Susan and father of Christina and Stephen. He grew up in Rolla, Missouri, and despite spending most of his adult life living in “enemy territory” he is still a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. In addition to his love for sports, George enjoys reading historical biographies. He is also a big fan of the musical “Hamilton.” Pastor George relishes the opportunity to lead people to Christ, as well as shepherding and equipping the people of IPC for ministry. He considers his call to Immanuel a privilege and a wonderful gift from God. George has been senior pastor at Immanuel since 2008.
Minister of Congregational Life
The “church lady” and her husband, David, love having Immanuel as their church family. Annette’s work involves helping people connect—to God, to each other, to our congregation, and to the community. She attends a lot of committee meetings as liaison to the church staff. She enjoys helping people grow in relationships and find places to serve.
Annette likes to spend time with David, keep up with their young adult children, and have friends over to eat her husband’s cooking.
Minister of Music
Mary is a longtime lover of church music. Her mother was the choir director at the Presbyterian Church Mary grew up in. As Professor of Choral Music Emeritus at Wheaton College, she directed the Women’s Chorale and the Men’s Glee Club. Mary serves as Artistic Director of the Hinsdale Chorale. Mary is married to Peter Welander. Their daughter, Betsy, and her husband live in downtown Chicago.
Children’s Minister
Annika knows firsthand the value of growing up in a covenant family, having attended Immanuel since she herself was in the nursery. Annika and her husband, Eric, are parents to Jack, Ellie, Samantha, Abigail, and Will. Prior to working in children’s ministry, Annika worked as a first grade teacher then chose to stay home with her kids for ten years. She believes that walking beside children on their spiritual journey is one of the greatest honors and responsibilities in the body of Christ. Annika enjoys family game nights, camping and hiking in the Colorado mountains, reading with her kids, singing in worship at Immanuel, and meeting friends for coffee.
Youth Ministers
Anna and Scott Scheidt have been working with Immanuel’s youth for many years. Anna grew up attending Immanuel, and saw firsthand how important this group is for young people. Anna and Scott believe that the teen years are a crucial time for students to surround themselves with good friends and caring adults, who will help them to form a firm spiritual foundation.
When Anna isn’t busy with Immanuel’s students, you can find her with their two daughters, Ruby and Della, and with the family menagerie (including pet pig, Gus Gus). Scott’s day job finds him working as a project manager/construction engineer at Wheaton College. He loves the Chicago Bears and harbors a not-so-secret passion for karaoke (he once took third place in a Chicago-area “Karaoke Idol” contest).
Church Secretary
A long-time member of Immanuel, Barb recognizes her role as a link between the congregation, the community, and the pastoral staff. Barb’s love of people equips her well for her ministry at Immanuel, in which she has ample opportunity to help out.
Sexton
Frank moved from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to Illinois when he was in high school. He worked for Western Electric for 30 years and was employed in building maintenance at several companies before starting his own cleaning business. He loves keeping things organized and is passionate about recycling. When not at church he listens to country music and watches the History Channel. Frank enjoys ushering on Sundays.
