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]
Parvine Itangishaka, Children, Youth and Family Ministry Assistant
Parvine Itangishaka grew up going to Faith, participating in various Children, Youth and Family Ministry activities! She will help lead activities on Sunday mornings and behind the scenes during the week. Parvine will be working 8-10 hours a week at Faith alongside her full-time job at a Foster Care Home for boys.
She enjoys singing, hearing people's stories, reading, exploring and growing in her faith. She looks forward to working alongside and growing with our family in Faith!
Email Parvine: [email protected]
She enjoys singing, hearing people's stories, reading, exploring and growing in her faith. She looks forward to working alongside and growing with our family in Faith!
Email Parvine: [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 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]
Jane Schwartz, Accountant
Jane is a retired educator, and has 4 children, Jeff, Kate, Becca and Maggie. She also has 4 grandsons and a granddaughter on the way. She lives in Elk grove Village with her dog, Abe, and enjoys reading, gardening, travel and playing card games.
Email Jane: [email protected]
Email Jane: [email protected]
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.