Meet our Staff

Dr. John Rodgers, Senior Pastor The Reverend Dr. John R. Rodgers became our senior pastor in August of 1997. A St. Charles native, Dr. Rodgers spent his childhood as a member of our congregation. He was ordained in the Christian ministry in September, 1974. He served churches in Hinsdale, Palatine, Western Springs and Wheaton before moving back to his home church in St. Charles. A graduate of Chicago Theological Seminary, John has been active in both community and church affiliated activities. In addition to his avocations of wilderness canoeing and being a teaching tennis professional, he has led numerous work camp experiences for youth and adults in the United States and Europe. In February 2000 our community inducted him into the Saint Charles High School Hall of Fame in recognition of his athletic accomplishments when a student there.
Rev. Suzy Richards Daly, Associate Minister The Reverend Suzy Richards Daly began working at our church in the fall of 1999 as seminary intern and stayed with us in that job until her ordination in November 2001. We then hired her as the associate minister. She received her degrees at DePauw University and Chicago Theological Seminary. Suzy shares preaching with Rev. Rodger and has a love for mission work and for youth. She served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala as an agriculture volunteer as well as community building work. She currently leads four youth groups in our church, providing fellowship and mission projects for them. Her husband Mike is a UCC minister in Naperville.
Rev. Patricia G. Kitner The Reverend Patricia G. Kitner was licensed for Christian ministry in the United Church of Christ in December of 1983.  She was ordained and called to our church staff in October 2004.  She is responsible for coordinating various activities within and for our church. She leads worship on occasion, is available to fill pulpits for other churches, and officiates at weddings and funerals when called upon. Pat leads retreats and camps at Pilgrim Park, our church camp located near Princeton, IL. She is active in St. Charles community affairs as well as activities within UCC Fox Valley Association and the Illinois Conference where she has served on various boards & committees..
Mary Anne Rebernak RN, Parish Nurse Mary Anne joined the staff in November 2005. She has been a registered nurse since 1966, having worked in many areas of nursing practice including medical/surgical, pediatrics, obstetrics, stroke rehabilitation and ambulatory surgery. She has served on various committees and is a past president of our Church Council. She believes that the parish nurse is a visible symbol of the congregation’s healing and health ministry promoting physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Mary Anne is affiliated with The Provena Mercy Medical Center Faith Community Nursing Ministry and has completed her training to become a Faith Community Nurse.
Sue Peterson, Children's Ministry Coordinator Sue joined the staff in the fall of 1999. She has always loved children and Christian ministry. Sue received her bachelor’s and master’s in elementary education from Northern Illinois University. After teaching elementary school for 28 years she decided this children’s ministry opportunity was a perfect way to continue working with children and helping them grow in their faith.
Jim McCullough, Music Coordinator Jim began as our music coordinator and adult choir director in the fall of 2002. Jim brings with him a vast amount of musical knowledge and experience. He attended the University of North Dakota, Berkeley College of Music in Boston, University of Northern Colorado and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where he received his master’s in choral conducting and minored in music history and music theory. Jim teaches music theory and choir at St. Charles East High School.
Dennis Beiermann, Organist Dennis had previously been our organist in the 1980s but stopped to spend more time with his family. He joined us again in 1998 when we moved to our new building. He is our organist, accompanist and bell choir ringer. He has his bachelor’s and master’s in music education. He teaches music theory, music history, keyboard & video production at Burlington Central High School.
Denise Beiermann, Bell Choir Director Denise joined us as Bell Choir director in the fall of 2002. She is married to Dennis and is also very musically talented. She received her bachelor’s in music performance for the flute and her master’s at the Paris Conservatory, part of the Sorbonne. She has her doctorate in music from the University of Illinois and taught there for 4 years. She teaches music and computer at St. Peter in Geneva. Dennis and Denise maintain an active private music studio.
Carleen Bart, Office Manager Carleen has worked as our office manager since 1996. She received her bachelor’s from the University of Minnesota in Duluth. She handles correspondence, scheduling and coordinates office volunteers. Desktop publishing, layout and design are a huge part of her job, creating our church newsletter, The Highlight, the weekly church bulletin and brochures. She is an artist and has painted watercolors of our church building and our Memorial Garden.
Deb Diekman, Financial Manager Debbie joined our staff in October of 2005. She has a bachelor’s degree from Truman State University in Missouri. She worked for 18 years as a financial analyst for Jewel/Osco. After taking a break to spend time with her children she was glad to get back into her field of work again. As well as the church financials she also handles the accounting for Swing Set Preschool.
Jackie O'Brien, Office Assistant Jackie joined the church office staff in July of 2005. Before having children she was an office manager for companies in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. She assists Carleen & Deb with day-to-day functions in the office.
Sue Farr, Swing Set Preschool Director Sue started working at Swing Set Preschool in 1994 as a part-time teacher assistant. When the church moved to the new St. Charles location she began teaching. Sue’s career started as an office manager before taking time off to be a full-time mom of two sons. Before coming to Swing Set Sue worked as a teacher’s assistant at her son’s preschool in Addison, Illinois. She is looking forward to the new challenges of being the director of Swing Set Preschool which she began in the fall of 2006.