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Weather/Closings

Church Staff

Erik Gauss, Senior Pastor
Send An Email: egauss@hiscross.org

(In Jesus) “We do not have a high priest (or God/Savior) who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but rather, we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are – yet was without sin.” Hebrews 4:15
• Graduated in 1999 from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a B.S. degree in Biology
• Married his awesome bride Alicia (Stuber) in 2000
• Received his Master of Divinity, from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in 2003
• Has three daughters – Isabel born, in 2003; Amelia, born in 2005 and Olivia born in 2007
• Served 3 years as Associate Pastor - St. John in Darien, IL - where he initiated and oversaw small group ministries
• Joined Cross staff in September 2006

Brian Jensen (Mr. J), Director of Worship
Send An Email: bjensen@hiscross.org

"Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.” Romans 12:1-2

• BA Elementary Education in Music and DCE certification from Concordia University, River Forest, IL
• Has served in 7 congregations in the Midwest in areas of Music, Youth and Parish Education
• In my 40th year of service to our Savior, the congregation and the community. I lead worship with a passion for my Jesus.
• I’ve served at Cross as both Director of Family Life Ministry and Director of Worship Ministries
• I strive to find people with a heart for God to worship the One who first gave of Himself for us.
• Ministry focus is to bring people into the awesome presence of God in worship!

Bill Ziech, Youth Minister
Send An Email: bziech@hiscross.org

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
• Graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a B.A. in Psychology
• Graduated from Wheaton College with a M.A. in Clinical Psychology & a Certificate in Advanced Biblical Studies
• Completed required certification program in Senior High & Junior High Ministry through Group Publishing
• Certified Youth Ministry Consultant
• Has over 20 years of experience in Youth Ministry

Debbie Heibel, Director of Children's Ministry
Send An Email: dheibel@hiscross.org

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
• Moved here from California in 1984
• Married to husband , Pete and mother of three, Jenny, Pamela and Pete
• Proud Grandma to one, Nicolas
• Actively involved with Children’s Ministry since 1986
• Interests are dance, drama and music
• Joined Cross as part time staff in 2003

Alicia Gauss, Nursery Director
Send An Email: agauss@hiscross.org

"…neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:39
• Graduated from Concordia University, Wisconsin in 1999, with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education
• Married husband Erik, in 2000
• Mom to three girls: Isabel (2003), Amelia (2005), and Olivia (2007)
• Taught preschool at St. Mark in Houston, TX.; Grace in St. Petersburg, FL; and directed St. Paul’s Early Childhood Center in Des Peres, MO
• Joined Cross when Erik became Pastor of Discipleship in October 2006

Karen Hardecopf, RN,PN,CLM Director of Care Ministries
Send An Email: khardecopf@hiscross.org

"I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me...." Matthew 25:45
• Baptized, Confirmed, attended Cross Lutheran School
• Graduated from Waubonse Community College 1973, and passed the Illinois State Boards for Registered Professional Nurse
• Graduated from the Distance Learning Program for Parish Nurses, Concordia University of Wisconsin in 1997
• Lay Minister: Graduated from Concordia University of Wisconsin in 2004
• Completed Parish Nurse Coordinator Leader training (Parts 1, 2 & 3) from Concordia University, Wisc. in 2008
• The Northern Illinois District Parish Nurse Representative to the Synod
• Member of Illinois Parish Nurse Coordinators Group

Kathy Braden, Community Human Care Coordinator
Send An Email: kbraden@hiscross.org

"Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2: 15-17
• Caring Hands Thrift Shop Manager
• Member of Cross’ North Campus Team
• Over 25 years experience as office manager, front end manager, cashier and interior designer
• Graduate of Joliet Junior College with Associates Degree in Interior Design
• Stephen Minister
• Member of Kendall – Grundy Department of Community Action Board
• Member of Cross Lutheran Church Worker Scholarship Committee
• Member of Cross Lutheran since 1978
• Joined Cross staff in July 2006
• Married 30+ years to Dave and proud grandmother of 3
• Always ready to travel to see our children in California or New Orleans

Mary Pat Bretthauer, CLM Director of Connect Ministries
Send An Email: mbretthauer@hiscross.org

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
• Graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in 1974 with a BS Degree in Biology
• Continued evening course work in Business Management and Organizational Behavior at College of DuPage in 1992-93
• Worked in the area of Loss Prevention & Property Protection for 19 years as supervisor and manager till company had to restructure
• Joined Cross, with Husband Rex, in April 1996
• Hired as Director of Operations for Cross in January, 2000
• Moved into the area of Assimilation as of January 2006
• Trained Stephen Minister – with H.E.R.O.E.S. Training to support Military families
• Completed the LCMS Certified Lay Ministry Program in 2010
• Co-coach / trainer for the Northwest Chicago Team CVC (Church Volunteer Central Network thru Group Publishing)
• Thrivent Community Advisory Board Co-chair
• Ministry focus is to help individuals grow in their faith and connect them to meaningful ministry (using the gifts God has uniquely given to them) to help put their faith into action
• Interests – camping, hiking, snow shoeing and home yard projects with her husband, Rex

Mary Konrath, Business Manager
Send An Email: mkonrath@hiscross.org

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:13b-14
• Grew up in Cicero, IL and the Dutch Christian Reformed Church. Attended Timothy Christian School but spent much of my teen years with friends from the local Lutheran Church (Faith Lutheran) and attended their youth group and retreats
• Joined Word of Life Lutheran Church in Naperville, IL in 1988 where both my children were baptized
• Became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle, IL in 1995 and was very active in the Drama Ministry
• Earned an Addictions Counseling Certification from College of DuPage in 1992
• Entered the field of Human Resources in 1996 with Ameritech and moved to Ty Inc. in 1999 and in 2001 became the Employee Relations Administrator until 2006
• Earned a Professional in Human Resources Certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in May of 2006
• Joined staff at Cross as Business Manager in June of 2006 and also joined the drama team
• Married to Al and have 2 sons, Boomer and Peter

Pam Hahn, Financial Assistant and Treasurer
Send An Email: phahn@hiscross.org

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us our generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 10:10, 11
• Graduated from Delta University, MI in 1985 with an Associates in Business
• Graduated from Concordia University, MI in 1988 with a Bachelors in Secondary Education
• Member of Cross Lutheran since 1990
• Married to Jeff, and mother to Micah, Josiah & Rebekah
• Volunteer of Cross for over 20 years - in past areas of Hot Lunch program and as basketball coach
• Currently is leading Confirmation class & coaching volleyball
• Joined Cross staff in the fall of 2007, as Financial Assistant
• Hobbies are Prayer Shawl Ministry to help comfort the sick and hurting, gardening, softball & bowling

Cherie Bruce, Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor
Send An Email: cbruce@hiscross.org

"We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us hope that will never disappoint us. All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5
• Graduated from Rutgers University, NJ in 1996 with a Bachelors in Plant Science
• Graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2004 with a Masters in Business Administration and Marketing
• Married to David, and mother to Kaitlynne
• Joined Cross Staff in the Fall of 2011, as Administrative Assistant
• Passionate about the long term vision for ministry with women
• Hobbies include gardening, scrap booking, card making, quilting, reading, cooking, crafts, sewing and cross stitch

Diane Andermann, Church Secretary
Send An Email: dandermann@hiscross.org

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
• Oswego native; graduate of Oswego High School (when there was only one!)
• Honors graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy
• Certified Public Accountant and Notary Public
• Financial and systems manager for U.S. and international corporations for over twenty years
• Wife to husband, John; bookkeeper for his farming and excavating businesses
• Member of Cross since 2005; actively involved in financial, funeral, international missions and narration ministries
• Part-time church secretary at Cross since 2010

Debbie Schmidt, Church Secretary
Send An Email: dschmidt@hiscross.org

“Thy word I have treasured in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Psalms 119:11
• Earned a BS in Criminal Law from Illinois State University in 1998
• Married husband Jason in 1999
• God blessed us with Julia & Samantha, twin girls in 2008
• Actively involved as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society
• Enjoys quality time with family & friends
• Interests are gardening, softball and scrapbooking

Ray Pagels, LCMS Gift Planning Counselor
Send An Email: ray.pagels@lfnd.org

Through Lifetime Giving Ministry we offer F.A.I.T.H. based stewardship - Fantastic Adventures In Trusting Him - to provide the Gospel for our time and future generations so they fulfill Cross’ mission: to invite people to walk with Christ, equip them to live like Christ, and send them to work for Christ.
• Cross has engaged in partnership with the LCMS Foundation to help develop a F.A.I.T.H. based program, utilizing the experience of Ray in helping people plan; and help people direct their passion to give to family and the Lord.
• Ray is a trained LCMS Gift Planning Counselor.
• The LCMS Foundation has trained Ray Pagels for this purpose, and stands behind our Cross congregation to provide the information and service, as our disciples alert him of their areas of need for guidance.
• He is available and happy to meet with you (privately and confidentially) by appointment at Cross or elsewhere that fits your need. For more information call Ray at 630/259-8471or email.
• This start up is currently funded by a partnership grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

School Staff

Susan Lopez, Principal
Send An Email: slopez@hiscross.org

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
• Graduated from Concordia College St. Paul, MN in 1975 with a B.A. in education
• Working on her M.A. in School Leadership from Concordia University, River Forest in 2001
• First call was to Trinity Lutheran Sauk Rapids, MN to teach grade one
• In 1976 a call from Cross to teach grades 1-3 was received
• A new call was issued in 1987 to be principal and teacher at Cross
• Called to full-time principal in 2002
• Sue has served as secretary for NID Principals' Conference
• Accreditation Visitor Team Member
• Member of Cross Praise Team, 5th /6th grade Girls Volleyball Coach, Member of the NID Teacher’s Conference Arrangements Committee
• Scripture Reader

Candy Nolan, School Secretary
Send An Email: cnolan@hiscross.org

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5
• Graduated from Concordia, River Forest in 1984 with a B.S. degree in Computer Science
• Have been truly blessed with a wonderful husband, Jim and two great children, David and Katie
• Been a part of the Cross family since 1997
• Joined Cross staff as part time School Secretary in 2006

Laura Laesch, School Secretary
Send An Email: llaesch@hiscross.org

“Peace I leave with you: my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
• Married Jim in 1971
• Mother of 4, and grandma of 3
• Missionary with Lutheran Bible Translators in Liberia for 13 years
• Joined Cross staff as part time School Secretary in August of 2006

Jeffrey S. Hahn, 8th grade Homeroom Teacher, 5th-8th Math & Athletic Director
Send An Email: jhahn@hiscross.org

" I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." Romans 1:16
• Graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI, 1989, with a B.S. in Education
• Joined Cross School Staff in 1989
• Is the acting Athletic Director and coaches the basketball team

Chris Morkert, 8th grade Homeroom Teacher, 5th – 8th grade Social Studies Teacher
Send An Email: cmorkert@hiscross.org

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
• Graduated from Concordia University – River Forest, Il in 1992 with a B.S. in Education
• Served 4 years as a member of the Peru Mission Team
• Taught at Cross Lutheran School from 1993 – 2001, and now joined Again in June 2005
• Married to Michelle, and father to Hannah, Emma-Kate and Eli

Kamela Stone, 7th grade Homeroom Teacher, 5th-8th grade Science Teacher.
Send An Email: kstone@hiscross.org

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1.
• Earned a B.A. in Education from Concordia University, Seward, NE, 1998
• Joined Cross in 1998
• Currently serving as 7th/8th Girls Volleyball Coach, Girls Basketball Coach, Track Coach
• Director of Calendar Coordination Ministries

Karen R. Schumm, 6th grade Homeroom Teacher, 5th-8th grade English Teacher, Spring Musical Director
Send An Email: kschumm@hiscross.org

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
• Earned Associate Degree at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI., 1978; B.A. in Education at Concordia University, River Forest, IL, 1981; M.S. Ed. at Northern Illinois University, 1994
• Joined Cross staff in 1980
• Currently involved as a Rainbows Facilitator, Winterim Coordinator, Scripture Reader, and Director of 5th-8th Grade Musical, Community Bridges Ministry Advocate
• Served 3 years as a member of the Peru Mission Team

Nancy Lee, 5th Grade Home Room Teacher, 5th-8th Grade Reading Teacher
Send An Email: nlee@hiscross.org

"I am the vine: you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I am in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you cn do nothing." John 15:15
• Earned a B.A. in Education at Concordia Teaching College; currently working toward an M.S.Ed. at Concordia University, River Forest
• Joined the Cross Staff in 1990
• Previously she taught at Emmanuel Lutheran School from 1977-1981 & 1987-1990 and St. Lukes Preschool (Montgomery, IL) from 1984-1987
• Is currently involved as Keyboard/Organ Player, Childrens Choir Director, Adult Choir Member, and L.W.M.L. Member

Sonya Lutze, 5th grade Teacher
Send An Email: slutze@hiscross.org

"He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress. I will never be shaken.” Psalm 62:2
• Earned a B.A. in Education from Concordia University, Seward, NE, in 1996
• Taught at Zion (Matteson, IL) from 1996-1999 and St. Luke’s (Montgomery, IL) from 1999-2004
• Joined Cross Staff in July of 2004

Mary Neyer, 4th grade Teacher
Send An Email: mneyer@hiscross.org

"He came to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many people." Mark 10:45
• Attended Concordia St. Paul, MN for two years and graduated with a B.A. in Education from Concordia River Forest, IL in 1989 with emphasis in Youth Ministry
• Married to Gary and blessed together with 3 sons, Joshua, Jacob & Jonathan
• Trained Stephen’s Minister, active in small groups and bakes a cookie of two to help welcome our new disciples as they commit to join Cross
• Joined Cross staff in 2005, having taught Kindergarten and 4th Grade

Barb Pinnow, 3rd grade Teacher
Send An Email: bpinnow@hiscross.org

"I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
• Ms. Pinnow earned a B.A. in 1984 and M.S. Education in 1994 from Concordia University, River Forest, IL
• Joined Cross staff in 1984

Alissa Bocek, 2nd grade Teacher
Send An Email: abocek@hiscross.org

"It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers; to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ…” Ephesians 4:11-12
• Graduated from Concordia University River Forest, IL in December 2005 with a BA in Elementary Education
• Been a life long member of Cross Church
• Joined Cross Staff in 2006
• Helps coach 5th grade volleyball and coaches 7th and 8th grade basketball

Miriam Ulrich, 2nd grade Teacher
Send An Email: mulrich@hiscross.org

"For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”" Jeremiah 29:11
• Earned a B.S. in Education from Concordia University, River Forest, IL, in 2002
• Joined Cross Staff in August of 2002
• Is the Director of the 1st/2nd grade Choir
• Member of a Small Group Bible Study, Comfort Blanket Ministry, and Lay Scripture Reader

Claire Pavia, 1st grade Teacher
Send An Email: cpavia@hiscross.org

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs." Matthew 19:14.
• Earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Education at Concordia University, River forest, 1999
• Mrs. Pavia worked at St. John Lutheran School from 1999-2001
• She Joined Cross Staff in August of 2001
• Coaches 5th-8th grade Boys/Girls Track Team, and is a member of our Praise Team

Karen L. Biermann - Miller, Kindergarten Teacher
Send An Email: kmiller@hiscross.org

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
• Earned B.A. in Education from Concordia College, St Paul, MN, 1987 and M.S.Ed. from Northern Illinois Univerity, 1992
• Joined Cross staff in 1987
• Children's Choir Director, Spring Musical Director, Scripture Reader
• Praise Team Member
• NID National Lutheran Schools Accreditation Team Member and NID Teachers Conference Committee Member
• Swim Instructor at the REC Center in Yorkville

Cindy Jensen, Preschool Teacher
Send An Email: cjensen@hiscross.org

“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:15
• Earned a B.A. in Education from Concordia, River Forest in 1982
• Taught grades 1-2 at St. Mark’s – St. John’s Lutheran School in New Germany, MN from 1982-1984
• Taught grades 3-4 at Emanuel Lutheran School in Hamburg, MN from 1984-1988.
• Discussion Group Leader for MOPS group in Bourbonnais, IL from 1991-1995
• Team Member on 2 short term mission trips to Peru in 2000 and 2002
• Married to Brian Jensen for 29 years and blessed with 3 sons together: Joshua, Seth and Nathan
• Join Cross staff as Preschool Teacher in August, 2006

Michelle Leedham, Preschool Teacher
Send An Email: mleedham@hiscross.org

“For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
• Graduated from Concordia Teacher’s College in Seward, Nebraska in 1980 with a B.S. in Education
• Taught at St. Peter - Richmond, MI; Nazareth Lutheran – Chicago, IL; St. Paul – Chicago, IL; and St. Luke, Montgomery, IL
• Teacher Assistant to LD program at Boulder Hill Elementary in Montgomery, IL
• Married to Ron, and mother of Matthew & Elizabeth
• Joined cross staff in August, 2007

Jessica Mouis, Special Ed Teacher
Send An Email: jmouis@hiscross.org

""But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
• Graduate from Concordia University in Seward, NE in December 2000 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Specialty in Special Education
• Called to Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM) of Chicago in January 2001 and placed here at Cross Lutheran School, Yorkville and at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Aurora. and During my time with LSEM, I also worked at Bethany Lutheran in Naperville in the fall of 2001 while continuing on at Cross Lutheran School
• Was called to Cross Lutheran School full time in August of 2005
• Has helped coach volleyball since 2001
• Currently helps organize the Jump Rope for Heart
• Helps coordinate the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing for the school
• Director of the Card Ministries for the school
• In my spare time, I enjoy reading, working at the hot dog stand at the park and traveling with family and friends

Camile Hixon, School Librarian
Send An Email: chixon@hiscross.org

"Don’t worry about anything, but in everything go to God, and pray to let him know what you want, and give thanks.” Philippians 4:6
• Graduated from the University of Michigan (Flint) in 1993 with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and a minor in Finance
• Married husband Geoff in 2000
• Blessed with one son, Benjamin, born in 2003
• Moved to Yorkville in 2008
• Disciple of Cross since 2010