Take a few moments to learn about the staff members so that when you see them in the corridor, you can say hello.

Tom Babler has served as Senior Pastor of Community United Methodist Church since July 1994. A pastor in the Northern Illinois Conference since 1973, his prior Illinois appointments include Community UMC, LaMoille; Epworth UMC, Ottawa; and Bethany of Fox Valley UMC, Aurora.

Rev. Tom Babler is on renewal leave from September 1 through November 30. In his absence, please contact Rev. Emery Percell or Rev. Haeran Kim for pastoral matters, and Lauralyn Theodore for administrative matters.

Email: Emery (epercell@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 12

Reverend Haeran Kim - Associate Pastor

If Korea gave me birth and raised me with a solid identity, America nurtured me and gave me the opportunity to grow with education. I came to the United States of America with my family as immigrants. After graduating college I went to Japan as a mission intern, sponsored by the World Division of Global Ministries in the United Methodist Denomination. That was the official beginning of my ministry.

I graduated from the McCormick theological seminary in Hyde Park in Chicago. As an ordained minister I have served at Wesley Church in Aurora and First UMC in DeKalb as an associate pastor, Winthrop Harbor, Wauconda Federated Church and Calvary Church as a solo pastor. I have been serving as associate pastor at Community UMC since October, 2005.

Whichever church I serve, I, as Korean-American, am always like a missionary to the church which leads to opportunities to learn of the many diversities in life. We individuals within our church share many diversities yet are joined as one in the love of Christ.

Email: Haeran (hkim@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 13

Reverend Beth Elders - Minister of Christian Education

Beth Elders began serving as Director of Christian Education at Community UMC in January of 2007. A certified candidate for ordination as a Deacon in The United Methodist Church, Beth is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She comes to CUMC from First UMC-Evanston, where she served as Seminary Intern and Children's Choir Coordinator. Prior to entering the ministry, Beth had a career teaching elementary music, high school band, and private oboe in suburban St. Louis. Beth received her Master of Arts in Christian Education from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2007, and she also holds a Master of Music Education from University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO. When not at church, Beth enjoys yoga, bicycling, curling up with a good book, playing oboe, or watching baseball (Go Cardinals!).

E-mail: Beth (belders@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office Phone Number: 630/355-1483, ext. 14.

Nick Giannasi - Director of Contemporary Worship

Nick is the newest member of the Community UMC team, starting in August, 2008. His bio and photo are in the August 2008 e-Tidings.

Email: Nick (ngiannasi@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 16

Stephen Edwards - Director of Music Ministries and Worship Planning

Stephen Edwards, Director of Music and Worship Planning, joined our team in August of 2005. Stephen oversees the entire music and worship program and directs Sanctuary Choir, Women's Ensemble and Sine Nomine. Stephen's passion is worship. Stephen emphasizes the importance of worship not only on Sunday mornings, but in every aspect of one's life, for all of life is worship. In rehearsal, while learning music, we worship. In our gathering of community, we worship. Stephen also plans worship for Sunday morning Sanctuary Services in selecting music and liturgy.

Stephen's background in music is vast. His undergraduate degree is in both Instrumental and Vocal Music education. After teaching Junior High band for a year, Stephen moved to Waco, TX and received his Master of Music at Baylor University. Stephen has been conducting choirs, bands, and orchestras for over ten years and has played in several symphonies (French horn). Stephen is a member of Chicago Symphony Chorus, Grant Park Symphony Chorus, and has recently been selected to perform with Light Opera Works. In addition to this, Stephen also performs cabaret shows periodically throughout the year.

In his free time, Stephen loves to spend time with his partner, Matt. Together, they love to cook, attend the opera, theater and Broadway shows, spend time with family and friends, and of course play with their precious cocker spaniel, Toby.

Email:Stephen (sedwards@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 15

Joel Janis - Director of Contemporary Worship

Joel has been with Community UMC as Director of Contemporary Worship since September, 2006. He has been leading the OnCenter worship service in Contemporary and Alternative worship styles held in a year round tent facility. When Joel is not at Community he is usually playing music, enjoying some sports, or hanging out with friends.

Email: Joel (jjanis@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 21

Mary Jacobs - Director of Lay Ministry

Mary joined the staff at Community in January 1992, and serves as Director of Lay Ministry [ministries that assist laypersons in recognizing, developing and sharing their gifts]. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in education, Mary taught elementary school, taking time off to raise two daughters. She has lived in Naperville for over 30 years and been a member of Community for most of that time.

Mary and her husband, Rod, have four grandchildren, and they love sharing in their lives.

Email: Mary (mjacobs@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 17

Lauralyn Theodore - Church Administrator

The responsibility of the administration of business at Community United Methodist Church is in Lauralyn's hands. Business operations, administrative services and property management of the church fall under her responsibility. Responsibilities include oversight and direction of the administrative, financial, facility, personnel and program activities, recently celebrating 15 years in ministry.

"Church administration is a passion of mine and the position challenges me daily to determine ways to perform professionally and with proficiency.

While not meeting the challenge of professionalism and proficiency, my husband Hank and I love to play with our two grandsons and appreciate being a part of our two daughters' lives.

I find that my degree in professional and corporate communication is a huge plus for this position as administrator."

Email: Lauralyn (ltheodore@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 19

Marianna McCauley - Administrative Assistant

Marianna McCauley joined the staff of Community Church in October 1994. She currently serves in the position of Administrative Assistant, Membership Secretary, and Financial Secretary. Marianna has been a member of Community Church since 1973. She has two adult daughters and one grandson, Finn Thomas.

Email: Marianna (mmccauley@communityunitedmethodist.org)
Office phone number: (630) 355-1483 extension 10