First Christian Church, Galesburg, IL
(Disciples of Christ)

 Church staff
Pastor MJ Fitch:  A native of Oklahoma, she has spent much of her life in Texas. She holds a BA in Religion from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Master of Divinity from the Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth. She has served as a Minister to Children at South Hills Christian Church in Fort Worth and as a Co-Pastor with her husband Greg at First Christian Church, Sterling, Colorado and First Christian Church, Allen, Texas. Pastor Martha-Jean (MJ) has served First Christian in Galesburg since July 2003.
     She and her husband Greg have three children. In her personal time, Pastor MJ enjoys reading, cross-stitching, playing the piano and cooking.

Pastor Greg Fitch: A native of Nebraska, Pastor Greg has spent much of his life in Colorado. He holds a BA in Religion from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas and a Master of Divinity from the Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth. He has served as an Associate Minister at Rosemont Christian Church in Dallas, Texas and as a Co-Pastor with his wife Martha-Jean at First Christian Church, Sterling, Colorado and First Christian Church, Allen, Texas. He also served for 3 years as the Associate Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Colorado-Wyoming. Pastor Greg has served First Christian in Galesburg since July 2003.
     He and his wife Martha-Jean have three children. In his personal time, Pastor Greg enjoys golfing, fishing, reading, cross-stitching, and cooking.

   Office Manager, Terri Oehlert and her husband William moved from Iowa to Galesburg in 1985. William (Swede) is employed by BNSF. They have a son, Ryan, now in the army, two cats and a dog. Terri has been employed by FCC since September of 1989 and has seen many changes and growth in the church during that time. She loves her job!
Treasurer/Bookkeeper, Lynda White is a member of First Christian Church and has been the Bookkeeper since February 2000. She graduated from Galesburg High School. She is a member of the Church board and Circle 3. She is married with 3 children and one granddaughter.
Minister of Music  Stephen Jackson joined the staff of First Christian Church in August 2009. Steve is a native of Galesburg who graduated from Galesburg High School in 1985, majored in music and philosophy at Knox College (1989), and earned a doctorate in music (jazz studies) at the University of Illinois (May 2009). Steve has served in music ministry (and in youth ministry with his wife Tracy) at Norwood Gospel Chapel and Northwest Bible Chapel in Chicago and at Stratford Park Bible Chapel in Champaign. Steve and Tracy, who helped lead Steve to Christ in 1992, have two young children. Steve also teaches music classes at Carl Sandburg College and plays in the Knox-Galesburg ymphony.
Organist, William Jewsbury took organ lessons from Knox College Professor Dr. James Waddell for four years. He enlisted in the navy in 1945 and served as organist for the Blue Jackets Choir and church services while stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Station 1945-46. While attending the University of Illinois he played for services at Chapel One at Chanute Air Force Base and evening services at University Place Christian Church in Champaign,IL. He has played for the Christian Church at Henry, Illinois; Presbyterian Church in Knoxville,IL and First Baptist Church, Immanuel Methodist Church, Christian Science Church and First Christian Church in Galesburg, IL.

Custodian  Dave Lunardi worked many years as a draftsman/engineer, and retired from Maytag in 2003.  He has worked for the school district as a custodian.  He enjoys basketball and baseball.  He and his wife of 37 years have three children and 7 grandchildren.  
 
Nursery attendant, Renee McEllen is a native of Galesburg and a graduate of Galesburg High School.  She cares for the children in the nursery during church services and Sunday School, and also at other times during the week when her services are needed.
 Nursery attendant, Kasandra Chavez is a senior at Galesburg High School.  She is enrolled in a course of child care which prepares students to work with pre-school age children.  She moved to Galesburg this year from central Florida.  
Nursery attendant, Charvel Johnson is also a senior at Galesburg High School.  She came from central Florida to be with family and will stay until graduation.  She enjoys her class in child care at school.  She and Kasandra are good friends.


Staff, Christmas 2011