Rev. Shelly Satran, Senior Pastor
Pastor Shelly loves ministry to God's people in the church. One of her favorite verses in Scripture is from Psalm 122, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Throughout her life, the church has been the place where Pastor Shelly’s faith has grown and been nurtured. She is committed to leading and serving God’s people in and through the church so the church is a joyful, welcoming, vibrant community where all grow and deepen their life with Christ.
Pastor Shelly and her family moved to Glen Ellyn from Florida where they had lived for twelve years, but cold is not new to her. She is originally from North Dakota where she graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND with a Bachelor of Science. She then earned her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ, and a Master in Sacred Theology from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
She and her husband Kent Annan have two children Simone and Cormac.
Email Pastor Shelly : [email protected]
Pastor Shelly and her family moved to Glen Ellyn from Florida where they had lived for twelve years, but cold is not new to her. She is originally from North Dakota where she graduated from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND with a Bachelor of Science. She then earned her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, NJ, and a Master in Sacred Theology from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.
She and her husband Kent Annan have two children Simone and Cormac.
Email Pastor Shelly : [email protected]
Rev. Julie Peterson, Associate Pastor
Pastor Julie loves being a witness to God’s love, faithfulness, and mercy, and especially loves sharing that with others. She is passionate about spiritual formation for all ages, creative worship, and pursuing peace and justice alongside others. Pastor Julie studied at Princeton Theological Seminary and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Her first call was in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Pastor Julie is married to Andrew and they have two daughters, Junia and Maisie.
Email Pastor Julie: [email protected]
Email Pastor Julie: [email protected]
Dr. Zach Zwahlen, Director of Music Ministry
Raised in Las Vegas, NV, music has always been an integral part of Zach's life. He grew up singing in church and community choir, and played saxophone and oboe in band and orchestra. He earned his BM (piano and organ) and MM (organ) degrees from Brigham Young University, followed by his DMA in organ performance and literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Zach particularly enjoys accompanying, chamber music, and collaborating with other musicians. He has previously served as the Assistant University Organist at the University of the South (Sewanee), and as the organist/pianist at First Unitarian Church in Rochester.
Zach is very excited to be part of the worship team at Faith. He encourages everyone in the church and the community to get involved in the music program. Whether you sing or play an instrument, old or young, loud or quiet, there's a place for you!
Email Dr. Zach: [email protected]
Zach is very excited to be part of the worship team at Faith. He encourages everyone in the church and the community to get involved in the music program. Whether you sing or play an instrument, old or young, loud or quiet, there's a place for you!
Email Dr. Zach: [email protected]
Deacon Kayla Smrt, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministry
Originally from a small town in Michigan, Kayla moved to Chicago to attend North Park University. She graduated North Park with a BA in Nonprofit Management and a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies. Kayla fell in love and felt her call to youth ministry while working at Portage Lake Bible Camp for multiple summers, leading her to Faith Lutheran Church. She graduated from Luther Seminary in May 2024 with her MA in Children, Youth and Family Ministry and was ordained as a Deacon in the ELCA in August of 2024. Kayla loves getting to know students, building community, asking questions, and finding creative ways to help students learn more about God's love and grace.
Email Deacon Kayla: [email protected]
Email Deacon Kayla: [email protected]
Eileen Glynn, Director of Rainbow Place Preschool
Eileen is the director of our preschool, Rainbow Place. She began teaching here in 1992. She stays involved teaching within the program and has served as the preschool director since 1995.
She graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Business. She pursued her Master's studies at National Louis University focusing on children's literature and it's use in preschool curriculum. She enjoys sharing her passion of books and storytelling with the children. Eileen and her husband Rick both grew up in Glen Ellyn. They have a daughter, Anna. Visit their website on the right to learn more about Rainbow Place Preschool. Email Eileen: [email protected] |
Rainbow Place Preschool
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Eric Enskat, Office & Building Administrator
Eric manages the office and facilities at Faith, creates the bulletins and newsletters, and coordinates the many ministries making use of our fantastic building and grounds. He also ensures that office systems and processes are running smoothly, and that the building is in good working order.
He has been active in business and chambers of commerce, and as a volunteer in churches for many years. He has organized and promoted numerous mission trips, both domestic and international, for youth and adults, including interfaith teams. Eric has many loves which enhance his work such as photography, writing mission blogs, and a heart for faith and mission.
Eric lives in Des Plaines with his wife, Linda.
Email Eric: [email protected]
He has been active in business and chambers of commerce, and as a volunteer in churches for many years. He has organized and promoted numerous mission trips, both domestic and international, for youth and adults, including interfaith teams. Eric has many loves which enhance his work such as photography, writing mission blogs, and a heart for faith and mission.
Eric lives in Des Plaines with his wife, Linda.
Email Eric: [email protected]
Cheryl Cartee, Accountant
Cheryl enjoyed a 35-year career in finance and business operations before stepping away to focus on family matters in 2024. While attending worship service a few weeks back and praying for guidance on the next chapter in her life’s journey, she was more than excited to hear Pastor Shelly announce that the church was looking for “someone good with numbers”. She couldn’t wait to express her interest in the position to Pastor Shelly and now is looking forward to the opportunity to work, learn and grow with the Faith team. Cheryl loves spending time with her two grandsons and her “energy” companion Husky; Neika.
Email Cheryl: [email protected]
Email Cheryl: [email protected]
Gail Minkus, Software Systems Support Coordinator
Gail is a Math and Computer Science techie, who has already retired twice–once from Bell Labs/Lucent after 18 years, then again after 20 years from School District 41. Now she’s back to work again, happily helping with technology at Faith. She and her husband, Dan, have three grown sons, three wonderful daughters-in-law, and two feisty grandsons. In her spare time, Gail enjoys fitness classes at the YMCA, traveling, solving crosswords and sudokus, and reading.
Email Gail: [email protected]
Email Gail: [email protected]
Kara Ward, Seminarian
Kara Ward is a seminarian conducting her field education at Faith this year. Kara has lived in Glen Ellyn most of her life and was confirmed at Faith. Kara and her husband Bob have two grown children, Conor (Lexie) and Kirsten and a French bulldog named Waylon. Bob and Kara met teaching high school. Bob retired from teaching and Kara left teaching to pursue ministry credentials. Kara enjoys fitness pursuits, cooking and eating healthy food and reading.
Email Kara: [email protected]
Email Kara: [email protected]
Elyse Hecker, Summer Intern
Elyse is an intern at Faith. She grew up going to church here, and participated in Sunday school, confirmation, and FLY. She went on several mission trips as a student, and is excited to participate and lead as an intern. Elyse is an incoming junior at DePaul University, and is studying secondary education. She has a younger brother, and two crazy pugs. In her free time, Elyse loves to run and hangout with her friends and family.
Ben Ishimwe, Summer Intern
Benjamin Ishimwe is an intern at Faith Lutheran Church. One of his favorite scriptures is Hebrews 12:11: “While discipline or hardship is painful in the moment, it ultimately produces a positive, peaceful outcome.” The church has always been an important part of Ben’s life.
Ben is currently a junior at North Central College studying mathematics and secondary education as he works toward becoming a future high school math teacher—and a track coach on the side, as he is also a member of the track team. What drives him to teach is his love for building connections with students and helping them grow.
Ben’s hobbies include drawing, staying active, spending time with his family, and eating—oh boy, does he love good food, emphasis on good. Ben is excited to be an intern and support Faith in many ways!
Ben is currently a junior at North Central College studying mathematics and secondary education as he works toward becoming a future high school math teacher—and a track coach on the side, as he is also a member of the track team. What drives him to teach is his love for building connections with students and helping them grow.
Ben’s hobbies include drawing, staying active, spending time with his family, and eating—oh boy, does he love good food, emphasis on good. Ben is excited to be an intern and support Faith in many ways!
Rich Zima, Custodian
Rich has been a custodian at Faith since 1990. He is responsible for the care and cleaning of the building and grounds.
Rich enjoys learning about trains, doing puzzles, and spending time outdoors. Rich and his wife Kathy have two children, Ryan and Ashley.
Rich enjoys learning about trains, doing puzzles, and spending time outdoors. Rich and his wife Kathy have two children, Ryan and Ashley.