Pastor Paul studied Religion with a Psychology minor at Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.  He received his M.Div. in pastoral and theological training from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN, and was ordained as a pastor in 1986. Serving congregations in and around Detroit and Chicago, Pastor Paul earned a D. Min. from Lutheran School of Theology in 2006. Soon after he was recruited and received special training for intentional interim ministry. Since 2005, he has served as interim pastor in over a dozen churches. He has served as Co-Convener of the Metro. Chicago Synod transition minister’s cohort. Pastor Paul and Pei (pronounced like “pay a bill”) were married in 2006. They and their dog Piper live in Bolingbrook. Known by the tagline, God is Good, All the Time; and All the Time, God is Good.

Called to St. Mark’s in 1996 to lead this church’s song, it is pure joy to share Christ’s abundant love through the gift of music. The song here takes many forms and is expressed in many ways: from the classics, traditional choirs, and sacred cantatas to Dixieland, jazz, and contemporary praise teams and worship bands. It is always fun and inspiring! Working with students, singers, and musicians, teaching musical concepts, and preparing and presenting great music that draws people to God and deepens their faith are my passion. I graduated from DePaul University with a degree in piano performance and a minor in voice and conducting. I also enjoy traveling, the out-of-doors, hiking, riding bikes, fishing, gardening, and cooking. My husband, Bruce, and I enjoy living in the Midwest, where we have raised our four children.

Click here to email Kristin. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 103

I grew up in Beloit, KS. I attended Fort Hays State University and moved to Chicago in the late nineties. My mom, brother, and his family still reside in Kansas. After working in Chicago and Naperville, I moved to Aurora in 2002, where I met my late fiance, Warren L. Thomason. We were together almost 19 years until he passed unexpectedly in January 2021. I enjoy gardening, billiards, almost any kind of music, and spending time with family and friends. I host and participate in craft shows a couple times a year. My Rottweiler named Reaper, who thinks he is a 90-pound lap dog, and a cat named Brat keep me busy as well.  I've been employed at St. Mark's as Office Manager since April 2022. I became Office & Communications Manager at the end of 2023.  Always looking forward to the next phase of the journey!

Click here to email Joni.  Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 100

I was born and raised in this area (Chicago and Elgin) and went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where I was a member of the Badger football team and met my wife, Vicki. We married in 1969 and have three adult children and seven grandchildren. I've migrated through two careers, from owning a ServiceMaster franchise for 15 years, to working for AT&T for 25 years. Now, my "third career" is helping keep the St. Mark's building running and working well. Vicki and I have been members of St. Mark's since 1974, and have been involved in multiple projects over the years. During my free time, I keep active hiking, biking, weight training, competitive stair climbing, and traveling in the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA.

Click here to email Al. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 106

I was born in Monmouth, Illinois, and raised in Kewanee. I served in the Air Force from 1963 through 1967, and then graduated from Illinois State with a degree in applied computer science. When my wife, Sandy, and I came to Aurora in 1986, we found St. Mark’s. It’s amazing to see how this church has grown since we joined and gratifying to know that my family and I have been a part of that growth. I’m a widower with two adult daughters, Anna and Lauren, father-in-law to Michael, and grandpa to Bridget. In addition to being on staff at St. Mark’s, I am a member of The Lion’s Voice Choir. I enjoy time with my family, classical music, all sorts of puzzles, and travel.

Click here to email John. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 105