“What first drew me and my family to Gary Church was the gospel-centered preaching of the church’s pastor. We also felt called to raise our children in a congregation with strength of Gary Church’s children and youth ministries. Most importantly, we feel in love with the deep Christ-like community of Gary Church.”

Pastor Brian coordinates the church’s evangelism and pastoral care. Additionally, he organizes and equips some of the small-group ministries of the church. Along with numerous volunteers, he organizes and leads the church’s year-long confirmation class and also offers support to Gary Youth. On Sundays, he leads worship with Pastor Chris, preaching about once a month. Originally from Indiana, Brian and his family first joined the church in 2009 and he became part of the staff in 2014 after being appointed by the Bishop.

“I am honored to serve the faithful community of Gary Church, which represents the body of Christ through inclusive hospitality, vibrant worship, active faith formation, and impactful missions.”

Pastor Daniel joins the staff at Gary Church by way of a merger with the congregation of Aldersgate UMC in south Wheaton. He is passionate about working with others to offer intergenerational worship services, engaging faith formation opportunities, and creative ministries that encourage personal and social transformation through God’s abundant grace and radical love. Born in California but raised in Rhode Island, he has served congregations and campus ministries in New York, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Illinois. He holds a BA in Religious Studies and Classics from the University of Rochester (NY), an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School, and a PhD in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the author of Building the Body of Christ, which explores the role of visual art in shaping early Christian communities. An Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman, Pastor Daniel enjoys fly fishing, alpine skiing, tent camping, and traveling with his wife Lauren (an ordained Presbyterian pastor) and their two children. Their scruffy rescue dog, Luna, would prefer they never left the house at all.

“Gary Church is a safe place where I feel free to ask my honest questions. We try to understand God’s word in its historical context and to apply its principles in our modern world. Our congregation represents a wide variety of viewpoints, but no matter where we are in the journey, we are unified by our faith in Christ.”

Jennifer accepted the call to Gary Church in 2014. She oversees our vibrant music department, which includes six vocal choirs and four bell ensembles. She conducts the Chancel Choir, the Cherub Choir, and the spring Festival Choir and Orchestra. She began piano lessons at age six and grew up singing “special music” in church with her siblings. She has joyfully served in music ministry her entire life. She earned a bachelor’s degree in piano and English with a minor in art from Rockford College, a master’s degree in choral conducting from Northern Illinois University, and a post-master’s performer’s certificate, also from NIU. She has taught music classes, applied lessons, and choirs at all levels from preschool through college. Jennifer and her husband Rob live in Algonquin, IL. They are blessed with two daughters who are married and live close by. The family enjoys special occasions together with good food, board games, and grand-dogs. Jennifer also loves traveling, attending concerts, and wandering through the Art Institute.

“The first time I attended Gary, I felt like I’d come home. I have felt that way ever since. It is such a blessing to serve this loving, grace-filled community with open arms that welcome you home.”

Carey oversees educational offerings and ministry events for children and adults alike. After Carey joined Gary Church in 2010, she started volunteering in Kids’ Church. Over the years, her role expanded from volunteer to part-time Sunday School Coordinator to full-time staff. With a background in philosophy and theatre, Carey brings thoughtfulness and expression to the very young and young-at-heart. She still loves theater (and philosophy) but finds the most joy in raising her two children, cooking tasty food, and running through forest preserves.

“Gary Church definitely cares about its youth, which has been clear to me since the start of my hiring process. I have never had a job interview with youth as my interviewers. It means a lot when the church includes the youth in the youth director seeking process.”

Dan joined the Gary staff in April 2020. At Gary Church, he seeks to help every junior high and senior high student make steps toward a deeper relationship with Christ by building a youth ministry that is both meaningful and safe. Prior to coming to Gary, Dan served as the associate pastor of Christ UMC in Rockford, Illinois. He graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2012. Dan is married to Stacey and has a goldendoodle “son” named Brighton. In his free time, he likes to play basketball, practice pottery art known as Kintsugi, and travel to Japan.

“Gary Church is a welcoming and faith-filled community that offers opportunities for fellowship and growth. Gary Church is family and has become home.”

Deb is the primary staff liaison managing finances, human resources, facilities, and day-to-day activity. She has been a member of the church since 2009 when her son first attended Gary Preschool, and she joined the staff in 2018. Deb's education includes a bachelor's degree in communication from Valparaiso University and a master's degree in Nonprofit Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Deb is married to Eric, and they have a son, Corey. She enjoys hiking, gardening, and visiting National Parks.

“The worship tradition at Gary Church is a dynamic balance of liturgical practice and personal expression that supports warm relationships within the church family. I really love the fact that all congregants from the very young to the elderly are actively involved in leading the worship life of Gary Church.”

Kevin joined the staff of Gary Church in September 2018 and serves the congregation by leading worship from the pipe organ. He shapes thoughtful and creative accompaniments for congregational hymn singing and enjoys collaborating with the excellent soloists and ensembles. A weekly challenge that he particularly enjoys is improvising on a tune that relates to the children's sermon while the children exit. Kevin studied piano and organ under the tutelage of the organist of the local United Methodist church, a former professor of Wheaton College, a professor of Moody Bible Institute, and finally at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he also studied harpsichord. He has been active with the American Guild of Organists, played organ at many area churches for congregations small and very large, and collaborated at the keys for gospel mass choirs, outdoor praise, TV production, and a blues concert. Kevin lives in Wheaton with his wife and two children and enjoys gardening and yard work.

“Gary Church offers so many wonderful opportunities to grow in faith—I’m excited to share all of Gary’s good news.”

“The people at Gary have always felt like family and have made my faith stronger. They are people you can count on and always feel welcomed by. Besides that, I could not work with a better staff of amazing people. They each bring very special gifts to Gary daily.”

Pam has been Gary’s Print Coordinator since 2014, a role that includes designing and coordinating our monthly newsletter, posters, and other print materials. A member of Winfield UMC since 1994, Pam has attended Gary for 16 years. With a degree in Graphics Arts and Design from the American Academy of Art in Chicago, Pam previously worked as Sr. Art Director for two marketing/small ad agencies. She paints or draws nearly every day and has been teaching art at C.O.D. for eleven years. She has painted many private commissions and has offered her artistic talents for charity events, including 14 years of 3-D outdoor sidewalk pieces for “Pets and Pals” in LaGrange. Pam is married to Bruce and they have two daughters Dani and Hanna, a son-in-law Matt (married to Dani), and a grandson on the way. Pam loves being outside, cycling, photography, and painting whenever she can.

“Gary Church is my ‘Christian home.’ It’s a place where we learn about Christ’s teachings and love as well as a place where the members of the congregation have become family. I have been supported by our members over the years in good times and bad and have seen that support and love offered to all who enter our doors.”

Debra joined Gary Church in 1986 and began working in the Church Office in 1995. Her varied duties include answering the phones, preparing bulletins, printing newsletters, and working on financials. Many of her responsibilities involve working one-on-one with the congregation, which Debra says is one of the best parts of her job. Previously, Debra worked as a proofreader and customer service representative. In high school and college, she gained an array of experience working for her parents’ weekly newspaper and later running their Christian bookstore. A graduate of Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, Debra has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Music and a teaching certificate in English. She and her husband Todd have four children, AJ (Sarah), Ben (Joe), Manuel, and Juan. When not at Gary, Debra works in their Real Estate Appraisal business. She plays in Altar Bells at Gary, teaches Sunday School, and co-chairs the Susanna Wesley Circle. Todd and Debra enjoy traveling. In the family challenge of visiting all 50 states, she is in second place with 44.

“My favorite thing about Gary Church is our dedication to serving others in the community and beyond. Gary Church is a wonderful and supportive place for families to grow in their service to God, to each other, and others.”

Kirsten teaches at Gary Preschool, which serves children 18 months to six years of age, and became the Preschool Director in 2018. She joined Gary Church in 2014 with her husband, Patrick, and their son, Andrew. Kirsten enjoys canoeing and visiting the Boundary Waters in Minnesota every summer, as well as studying architecture and collecting vintage maps.

“We are so blessed to have met and become friends with so many loving, caring, friendly, helpful, interesting, good people!”

Donna and Mike have operated their custodial business since 1993. Since 1997, they have kept the Gary and Winfield churches clean and neat. Married since 1981, they have a son, Joseph, married to Pam, and a daughter, Christine, married to Justin. The Capras have two grandsons, Logan and Jay. In their spare time, they love to help out with their amazing grandsons, continuing traditions of Mike’s Italian heritage, passed down from his parents.

Jennifer feels blessed to welcome visitors and new members to Gary. She is passionate about helping both children and adults find a sense of belonging within our church community. 

Since joining Gary in 2013 Jennifer has been involved in many church ministries. She enjoys teaching Kids’ Church and her favorite event of the year is Gary’s Vacation Bible School. Jennifer is thankful for the opportunities Gary provides to grow in faith and fellowship with others.  

Jennifer’s perfect day includes a family adventure with her husband and son, a good book, and a strong cup of coffee.