Rev. Allen Mothershed, Senior Pastor

 I have always felt that the key to living an exciting life in faith is learning to listen for the ways God is still speaking to us through worship, study, social action, and in the people we meet.  We are making a cultural shift in our congregation to a church not lead from the top but guided, shaped, and formed by the Spirit of Christ in all our members.  We invite guest and members to learn to listen and follow this spirit.  When that happens, our fellowship is a place where we have meaningful friendships and support, a place we find support to grow in love and faith, and a place where we join others to make a difference.  I believe we all hunger to know God and to feel meaningfully connected in community with others.

My central roles at the church are as the primary preacher, teaching, pastoral care and counseling, supporting the church in its visioning its ministry, overseeing the work of the staff, and providing spiritual guidance to the Church Council, Trustees, Personnel committee, Church Life and Growth, and Hospitality Team.

I was called to First Congregational Church, Moline in June, 2005, where I began my ministry as an United Church of Christ pastor.  I previously served as the senior associate pastor of Winnetka Congregational Church for 6 years.  For several years I worked with individuals, couples, groups, and families as a pastoral psychotherapist at the Samaritan Institute and before that at the Life Enrichment Center also on Chicago’s North Shore.  I received my training as a pastoral Psychotherapist at Loyola’s Institute of Pastoral Studies in Chicago.  In my years in Chicago, I was worked part-time as an on-call crisis chaplain.  My initial ministry was as a United Methodist pastor in Mississippi where I served three appointments over a ten year period including being an associate pastor at Tupelo First United Methodist Church.  I received my seminary training at Emory University’s Chandler School of Theology where I graduated in 1983 and I received a Masters in Pastoral Psychotherapy at Loyola University’s Institute of Pastoral Studies in Chicago, in 1996.

Rev. Jackie Perry, Associate Pastor

 As an artist, I am intrigued by God’s creative activity in the world. Art can be a powerful expression of our relationship with God. I use the term ‘art’ broadly to include all forms of creativity such as painting, sculpture, music, performance, and poetry etc.

Art can help us to experience something beyond ourselves, and bring God’s message about how we are to treat God and others. Images and symbols form and shape our identity as children of God. For example, if we surround ourselves with images of a vine, we may grow to understand that we are connected to Christ and one another, and that God expects us to produce good fruit.

Art also builds up imagination. Without imagination, hope is not possible. In order to hope, we must be able to see beyond our present circumstances. Jesus often used art as story and parable to “paint a picture” of God’s coming reign.

My parents raised me in the United Methodist Church in a small town in Southeast Iowa. I studied painting at the University of Iowa and Boston University. Much of my life has been spent creating and exhibiting paintings and drawings.

In 2001, I joined the staff as an archivist for the State Historical Society of Iowa in Des Moines, and I discovered Plymouth Congregational UCC. Though I was effective in my job, I was energized by worship, fellowship, spiritual discussions, and service to people experiencing homelessness. It was during a period of mission renewal that I answered the call to full time ministry, and applied to Eden Theological Seminary.

While in St. Louis, I served as a student chaplain at Alton Memorial Hospital and adjoining nursing home in Alton, IL; and at Barnes Jewish Hospital as part of their Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program. As Student Pastor at Carondelet Church UCC, I directed the youth program. My experiences of teaching our faith to children and adults through art at St. Peter’s Church UCC in Washington, MO, helped me to integrate my passion for art and my service to the Church.

At First Congregational Church, I have a broad range of duties: worship planning and leadership, preaching, pastoral care, Christian Education, mission, and assisting small groups and pre-marriage counseling. I am interested in building and strengthening relationships through the Park Hill Neighborhood Association and throughout the Quad Cities. It is an exciting time to be in ministry in the Quad Cities and our wider world!

Heidi Hulme, Director of Children and Youth

Being a youth in today’s society has pressures that, as adults, we never had to deal with.  I can’t imagine having to worry about things like sports played with professional-like expectations, drugs, bullies, guns, war, sex, immorality on every level, global warming, making sure that they pass certain tests just in order to keep their school off the “Hit List”.  And those are just pressures at school, what about at home?  Both parents are having to work just to make ends meet, friends who pressure them about everything from what clothes they wear, to what their bodies look like.  The expectation of our culture to make these kids grow up earlier all the time is unrealistic.  I believe that they need to take time out of their lives to learn about not only themselves, but the relationship that God wants to have with them through Jesus Christ.  This time of their life is so scary, unpredictable, and full of changes, that I believe we need to teach them that God is there with them through all of this.  We need them to know that He is the one constant that they can count on.  He is not scary, he is predictable, and He loves us unconditionally.

I am fortunate enough to be in a position where I feel I can make a difference in someone’s life.  I am an advocate for children and youth within the church, being a voice for and with them, when sometimes they aren’t heard.  As Director of Children and Youth, it is important to me to provide the children and youth of this congregation a place where they are welcomed, a place where they see themselves as being needed, a place where they can continue to grow in their faith, a place where they learn to accept each other for what each of them has to offer, and a place that is safe for them to be not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. 

I grew up in a family where my mother was the first female to be ordained into the United Methodist Church in South Dakota.  When I was very young, she was called to 3 very small, rural churches on the White Earth Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota.  I have always been active in the church, but had other career plans.  I graduated from Upper Iowa University, Waterloo Campus with a BS degree in 1994.  I have worked as a Assistant Manager for a large shoe store, Wedding Coordinator, Property Manager, and Preschool Teacher.  When an opportunity arose for me to take over a CE Director position in Denver, CO, I took it, and found what I believe to be the career that God wanted me to be in.  I have held another CE Director position in Waterloo, IA, and was hired here in May of 2006.  I love working with the youth, and am so thankful for everything they have taught me.  I am married and the mother of two sons.  I am finishing up my LEARN classes through the Iowa Conference of the UCC, which will make me eligible to become a licensed-lay minister. 

Sara McLees, Parish Nurse

I began practicing nursing after graduating from St Johns Hospital School of Nursing, Springfield College in Springfield IL, and later, University of IL College of Nursing.  Initially, I worked in Cardiac Nursing.  As the concept of managed care and DRG’s was beginning, I was drawn to Home Health Nursing.   What timing! The field was quickly growing and my responsibilities grew with the company from Supervisor to Director of Nursing, Administrator, and later District Manager.   The company was sold to a National Corporation and I continued as District Manager, later accepting another district position in the Western States.  In 1991, I resigned my position to return to the Quad Cities to marry my husband Ted.  I began working for Franciscan Hospital as Administrator of Home Health and continued until the merger with United, now Trinity.  Olsten, my employer continued to merge with other companies.  After the third merger and birth of my 2nd child, it was time to make what was for me, a quality of life decision.   Time to change my priorities.   Time to slow down, experience life and family.  It was also time for spiritual growth. 

Returning to work needed to encompass wholeness and Spirituality before profitability.   I hoped to provide continuity and to help others throughout their life journey.  To teach, organize, administrate and advocate for others in the context of family and the faith community.  Historically, the Church was a place for spiritual, emotional and physical healing.  As time and technology progressed, somehow, profitability intervened, and the church was removed from the “system”.   Ultimately, the church body is where one can be cared for not because the profit margin is there, but because that’s what we are called by God to do…‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me...  Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me’” (Mt 25:35-40).  What a blessing to be able to serve in this context for First Congregational Church!

My role at the church is primarily as a resource for health education, wellness and referral. Serving as an advocate for church members concerning health issues. Assisting with coordinating visitation in homes, hospitals and extended care facilities.  Helping to locate/contact resources in the community, and to provide education, coordinated health screenings and monitoring. 

Dr. Chloë Stodt, Music Ministry Coordinator / Organist / Youth Choir Director

I was born in Burlington, Iowa, and began piano study at age 7.  Two years into lessons, I was asked to play the organ in my home parish, and began organ lessons concurrently with my piano study, playing my first public worship service at age 10.  Since then, there has never been a time when I have not been involved in music ministry, both as a volunteer, and later as a church music professional, whether part-time or full-time.

Within the forty-plus years after the worship reforms of Vatican Council II (1962-1965), all of the mainline Christian denominations have incorporated revised and renewed principles of worship into their most recent worship books and orders of service.  Primary among these principles is the “full, conscious, active” participation of the congregation, both spoken and sung, in hymns, psalms, spiritual songs, refrains, prayers, and responses.

My role as Music Ministry Coordinator at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ is to encourage and enliven this same congregational participation, within the theology and practices of the Reformed tradition, incorporating the most appropriate contemporary cultural/musical elements.  I think that the best way to accomplish this is by helping church musicians and members to understand better the conversational nature of worship, and all of the various relationships that are living and present in every Sunday worship service.

I joined the staff at FCC July 1, 2006, having once served as Organist/Chancel Choir Director here in the late 1980s.  I also teach private piano students at West Music, Moline, and here at the church.  Before coming back to FCC, I was Director of Music Ministries at South Park Presbyterian Church in Rock Island.  I also served as Director of Community Music at Rock Island’s Augustana College, as an announcer for WVIK-FM Radio, and as an adjunct associate professor of music at Black Hawk College in Moline.  I previously served other churches in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, in Kansas City, Missouri.

My educational background includes the D.M.A. (University of Iowa) and M.M. (University of Colorado) degrees in piano performance and pedagogy, and an M.A. degree (University of Notre Dame) in theology/liturgical studies.  My undergraduate work in music education and piano was completed locally at (the former) St. Ambrose College, Davenport.

Paul Renaud, Chancel Choir Director

I received my B. A. in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa, and have directed church choirs for over twenty-five years, the last fifteen with the Chancel Choir at First Congregational Church.  This choir was founded more than 150 years ago and has continued to be an active organization within the church and the community.  Averaging about 25 members, the Chancel Choir provides anthems and service music for worship three Sundays monthly, in addition to performing major works each year on Christmas Eve and during Lent.

I have also been active in music theater both professionally and through community theater.  As a vocal soloist, I enjoy performing for music programs and weddings throughout the community.  I am retired from AstraZeneca, Inc where I was a pharmaceutical sales representative.  I am married to Marcia, who also sings in the choir.

 

Gail Glockhoff-Long, Handbell Choir Director

When in our music God is glorified, And adoration leaves no room for pride,

It is as though the whole creation cried: Alleluia!

Let every instrument be tuned for praise! Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!

And may God give us faith to sing always: Alleluia!

Growing up singing in church choir, I can’t imagine worshiping and praising God without music.  In my 20 plus years of directing handbell choirs, I have worked with many pastors. One of my favorite pastors used to say that music is the glue that holds the worship service together.  Music can indeed serve as a transition between different sections of the service, prepare us for worship and serve as a way for the congregation to be involved in worship.  It can also serve an even higher goal.  As the pastor speaks the message to our mind, music delivers the message directly to our heart and soul.  A well written and performed piece of music can deliver a full range of emotions, from great joy to deep sadness, without a single word.  My goal is to enhance the message of the day through music. 

My bachelor’s degree is in music from Northern Illinois University, majoring in percussion.  During the day I am a Compliance Specialist at Modern Woodmen.  At home I have an office that also serves as my music room and contains a 4 octave marimba, an African guitar, a few flutes and a large collection of fun percussion instruments and ethnic drums.

Shannon Gruhlke, Business Manager

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you’ve always got." This quote is a favorite of a teacher at my daughter’s school. To me it means that my life must roll with many changes. In order to get the most out of life, you have to be willing to take leaps and trust what God has planned for you. If you accept what is the norm, you will only have the norm and not the extraordinary.

I have taken many leaps in my life. I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 21 during a difficult time in my life. I trusted God that it was the right thing to do even though my parents were very afraid. I came out of that experience with a solid foundation beneath my feet and confidence beyond all compare. I continued with my college studies while working full-time. In 2001, I graduated from Black Hawk College with an Associates Degree in Business Management. I worked in banking for about seven years. It was time to take another leap and decided to switch gears by becoming a real estate paralegal with a local law firm and continued to work there for about ten years.

After many thoughts and prayers, I decided that another change was in order. In September 2006 I left my paralegal job to become the Business Manager for this church, of which I have been a member since June 2000. I am responsible for the financials of the church as well as coordinator for the building, grounds, and the church office.

I am married to my wonderful husband Louis, and have a daughter, Grace, and a stepson, Lou Jr.

Coral Minge, Office Assistant

“Where do you see yourself in three years?” A very interesting question that was asked of me by Pastor Allen at my interview for this position. I only had to think for a brief moment to find my answer, “I don’t know, because three years ago I didn’t think I would be sitting here”. One thing I’ve learned in this life is that our plans for our lives and God’s plans for our lives are usually two different things.

I had always been a stay at home mom, but I decided to enter the “real working world” in 1995. I worked as a Human Resources Assistant for Ralston Purina, Co. for a few years, until my husband, David, encouraged me to go back to being a full time wife and mother. I was able to enjoy several years at this “job position” until God decided it was time for my beloved husband to go and be with Him in December 2005. So, it was back into the working world and by the grace of our loving Heavenly Father, I was blessed with the position of Office Assistant here at FCC. This job and the unbelievable staff I work with brings me so much happiness everyday.

My job responsibilities include publishing the bulletin and newsletter, answering the phones, and other clerical duties.

I have two amazing daughters, Kortney Minge & Brooke Snowden, and two adorable grandchildren, Sailor Jayne & Braxton.

“In His time, He makes all things beautiful in His time. Lord, please show me everyday, as You’re teaching me Your way, that You do just what you say, in Your time.”      ~Diane Ball~

 

Kathy & Harley Cox, Custodians

 

A husband and wife team – they clean and provide for the daily upkeep of our building and property and handle all event setups.  Kathy works mornings and early afternoons and Harley works late afternoon and evenings.  They alternate working on Sundays.