Jen_Christianson.pdfJen loves to connect with and nurture people in their walk with God, bringing her vibrant faith and intellectual curiosity to each encounter. She grew up in Attleboro, Mass., attending the local Covenant church. She earned her B.A. degree in history from Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., and her Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to Winnetka Covenant in 2018, Jen was a three-year Pastoral Resident at Covenant Presbyterian Church In Charlotte, North Carolina. In her new post, she is focusing on pastoral care, adult Sunday school, Wednesday night group discussions and older adults at Covenant Village. “I fell in love with Winnetka Covenant,” Jen says. “You have a deep heart for the gospel, and a deep love for each other.”

You just joined us at Winnetka Covenant. Why our church?

"I get to do all the things here that I love! I’m passionate about education and bringing people together to explore and learn. I also have this heart for pastoral care and our senior members. And I get to preach. It felt like a gift from God to have a call that offered all these things. I’m also impressed with Winnetka Covenant’s heart. You don’t shy away from tough conversations—but I see such grace and compassion framing the way you speak to each other. That’s something I want to be part of."

Read our full interview with Jen.

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Joel lights up a room with his enthusiasm and sense of fun that’s grounded by his deep love for God and the journey they’ve been on together since his teens. He grew up in Minnesota, the fifth generation of his family to attend First Covenant Church in St. Paul. Joel gave his life to Christ at age 16, and earned his youth ministry degree at North Park in 2013. In 2017, he earned his Master of Divinity degree at North Park, where he also served as chaplain of the men’s basketball team. Joel came to Winnetka Covenant as youth pastor in 2017, and in his spare time, “I love sports, especially basketball—I could debate NBA stats all day.”

What have WCC kids taught you?

"How to love well! These kids love each other, and me and our world so much—and that makes my life more full and fruitful. They’ve also taught me that love covers a multitude of shortcomings—and I have them! When you have a real relationship with people and care about them, love washes over your mistakes. That’s something our world needs to see more of."

Read our full interview with Joel.

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Art’s Covenant ministry spans more than 50 years. He grew up in the greater Chicago area, attending North Park Academy, University and Seminary. He was WCC’s senior pastor from 1967 to 1986, overseeing the fundraising and construction of our current facility and sanctuary. Prior to joining WCC, Art held pastorates in Chicago; Long Island, New York; Waltham, Mass.; and Seattle, Wash. He also served as acting president and dean of North Park Seminary, and taught pastoral studies there. Twice he served as chair of North Park University’s board of trustees, and was also interim president from 1979-80. Currently, he is a board member of Ministry Mentors, which he also chaired, coaching ministers around the country. Art has been married to his wife Laurel for more than 60 years. They have three children and eight grandchildren. Art is the author of Prayers: Public and Personal, which guides pastors as they minister in special situations ranging from pain and grief to celebration.

You’ve helped lead our church for more than 50 years. A highlight memory?

"It was Mother’s Day, 1973—the first time our members gathered to worship in our current sanctuary. After years of prayerful, spirit-charged anticipation, I can remember kneeling on the steps below the communion table and cross, tears in my eyes. I was so filled with amazement and gratitude to God. We were transforming our place of witness in the community. That moment was—and remains today—a holy time in my life, matched rarely before or since as pastor."

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Judi is well-known for her success planning programs that address the special needs of women. She spent 20 years as executive director of the Women’s Exchange, a Winnetka nonprofit organization serving women across the North Shore, retiring in 2011. Judi was born in Canada and grew up Lutheran. Her family moved to Chicago in 1962. She married Howard in 1968, and they have three sons and eight grandchildren. Her family joined Winnetka Covenant in 1983. Judi earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Valparaiso University; got her master’s in counseling from National Louis University; and in 2014, received her Certificate in Spiritual Direction from North Park University. “Maintaining and deepening our relationship with God can be daunting during the best of times,” Judi says. “But making God a priority in our stress-ridden, time-challenged world can sometimes feel impossible. I want to create opportunities for people to deepen their spiritual growth through small groups and discussion. Spirit-filled people can’t help but spill out that fullness to their families, their work places, their communities and, most important, their church.”

Any new ministries you’re thinking about where you see a real area of need?

"I’ve been asked to launch a group for women who are living as singles for the first time. I’m also starting a group called 'Come Play With Me,' for women who just want to have fun in the company of other women. I also want to launch a monthly discussion group that delves into short articles or book chapters by people of faith who inspire us to ask questions and explore. I’m busy growing these ideas!"

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Melissa has devoted her life to teaching kids, serving for 30 years with the Wilmette school district, where she primarily taught kindergarten. She grew up in Northern Colorado, attending a Presbyterian Church, and came to Chicago to study at North Park University, majoring in education. She married Pete Nelson in 1984, and they have three kids. Her family joined Winnetka Covenant in 1999 because of its wide-ranging offerings for children. In 2016, after retiring, Melissa was named WCC’s children’s ministry associate. In addition to planning Wednesday night kid’s activities, along with intergenerational programs, she plans Sunday morning worship programs for kids who take part in the first half of worship, then leave before the sermon. “On Wednesday nights, I want people from different generations to truly get to know each other,” she said. “On Sundays, I want our kids to feel loved and safe and nurtured, learning how God can truly be a part of their lives.”

Your best moment on Sunday mornings with the kids?

"Listening to them pray. I have this “prayer pail,” and kids can pull out topics to help them get started. Getting to hear them pray is the high point of my day."

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Linnea is a seasoned children’s educator who grew up attending Winnetka Covenant as a 5th-generation member of the church. The daughter of John and Joan Wallgren, she went to North Park University and majored in education. After college, she worked as an elementary and preschool teacher, and also directed WCC’s former preschool. Linnea married Cam Johnson in 2003, and they have three daughters. Currently, she oversees all 9:30 a.m. Sunday school programs for newborns thru 5th grade. She also works with fellow staff members and volunteers to coordinate WCC’s Wednesday night suppers, helping Melissa Nelson plan special kids’ activities. In addition, she has a passion for young families, organizing special events and get-togethers. “I want to create a space where kids and families can feel like they’re really together in life--enjoying time with each other and God,” she said. “For me, this church has been the one place I could always count on. I want our kids and families to feel that same way--like this is their second home.”

You’re the mom of three young girls. What’s your best tip for getting everyone out the door on Sunday mornings?

"I have to leave early for church to get everything ready for Sunday school. My tip is to not be home. Then Dad has to do it!"

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Dimitri is a nationally-recognized vocalist and musician who has performed at the Lincoln Center in New York, and regularly sings with ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Chorus, the Grant Park Festival Chorus, and the Chicago Bach Project. He’s also a member of the Grammy Award-winning ensemble, the Crossing, which specializes in performing and recording new choral works. Dimitri grew up in North Carolina and Peoria, Ill., where his dad was a Presbyterian church music director and pastor. His whole family performed, played music and sang. Dimitri earned a five-year bachelor’s degree of music at Moody Bible Institute, and then earned his master’s degree in voice and opera from Northwestern University. He currently teaches voice, piano, guitar, drums and bass. Dimitri came to Winnetka Covenant in 2012 as a choir intern, and in June 2017 was named music director. In addition to directing our choir, he leads a Wednesday night praise band, and has launched a new children’s choir. “I want our music to enhance the solid theology we hear from the pulpit,” Dimitri says. “We also have such a diversity of musical tastes in our church--I want to explore both traditional and modern songs. And I encourage people to share their musical talent. It’s fun to showcase what people can do!”

Your favorite hymn?

"It’s “Evantide,” a well-known British hymn from the 1800’s. You’ll find it in our Covenant hymnal (#757) under the title “Abide With Me.” It’s based on Luke 24:29. My top pick."

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Joshua is an accomplished organist who has served our congregation for more than 15 years. He grew up in a musical family and began studying piano at age five. Joshua discovered the organ after visiting a friend who plays professionally in the Washington D.C. area. He quickly launched a search to find a competent instructor, and found Devon Hollingsworth, a world-class organist with Christ Church of Oakbrook. Joshua studied with him for two years, and then played professionally for several churches before coming to Winnetka Covenant in 2003 as a substitute organist. That same year, Joshua stepped into his fulltime role, helping lead our congregation in worship from the organ bench.

How many songs or hymns do you play in an average service?

"Anywhere from 9 to 15. That always surprises people!"

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Judy has spent almost four decades providing administrative support to the Covenant church, both locally and nationally. Her deep experience and knowledge helps our church office run smoothly. Judy grew up in Michigan attending a Catholic church, and she became a member of Winnetka Covenant in 1982. She spent 17 years working for the Covenant church’s denominational offices, and joined our church office staff in 1999. Judy has two grown daughters. In her spare time, she likes to garden. “This church attracts such a mix of people from all backgrounds and walks of life,” Judy says. “That’s why I love it here—I love the people.”

You perform hundreds of different tasks to keep our church running smoothly. Your favorite?

"Each year right before Easter I get to drive our church van to the florist to pick up the flowers for our big service. Oh, the colors and smells of those hydrangeas, begonias and lilies! We’ve just made it through winter, and I’m a gardener. It’s always a highlight."

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