The People of St. Paul’s

Pastor Jim Benzing

Interim Pastor

Pastor James Benzing is a native of the small town of Wapakoneta, Ohio. He grew up attending church services with his family at St. John United Church of Christ, Mansfield, Ohio. His call to ordained ministry was founded in his involvement in the United Church of Christ as a child, through the nurture of his devout Christian parents, William and Greta Benzing, his Sunday School classes, the Youth Fellowship program, and Sunday Morning Worship. Outside of the Church, James was an active member of his community as a Boy Scout, Troop 131, where through hard work, selfless dedication, and many camping adventures he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. James lived a selfless life, working for others and living out Christ’s teachings to be a servant for and a leader in his community; the following being one of his guiding principles in faith: “We must pray as if it all depends upon God and act as if it all depends upon us.”

 James’ call to the Lord’s teachings brought him to Heidelberg University (Tiffin, Ohio), where he studied Sociology and Religion, earning his Bachelor of Arts in 1982. James went on to continue his theological studies at Eden Theological Seminary (Webster Groves, MO), earning his Master of Divinity and was ordained as a United Church of Christ Pastor in 1987. Through his time at Eden Theological Seminary, he developed his personal ministry and understanding of what the leadership role of a pastor is defined by. His ministry of preaching and teaching the Gospel is one of enabling and empowering people to see their unique call as ministers in God’s world.   He believes that the Ministry of the Church is not the function of one person but is the calling of all who profess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and way to God. The fundamental root of his pastoral leadership is the work of pastoral care for each member of the Church. This pastoral care includes counseling, visitation, funerals, worship, and by being present at times to bring the love of God to those to whom he is called to provide ministry. Within This pastoral care is the great gift of the sacred stories of God’s people that he is able to share. And connect to the lives of the individuals in the congregations. This connection allows God’s people to see that their lives are a continuation of the faith stories that have been handed down.to us through the generations.

Upon graduating from Eden Theological Seminary, he immediately took up the position of Associate Pastor at St. John’s United Church of Christ (Granite City, IL), where he became an integral member of both the church and secular community. It was at St. John’s where he met and fell in love with his wife of 35 years, Deborah Benzing (née Buer), a devout member of the church since childhood. Not only was James the Associate Pastor, but an active member of the
Church Softball Team, Bowling League, and leader of the Church Youth Group, a role that he cherished and shined in. In 1991, he was called to lead and serve a new congregation, Christ Memorial Church (Blue Island, IL), which moved his family from Southern Illinois up to the suburbs of Chicago. He served this community from 1991-1994, and during this time of ministry he welcomed his daughter, Rachel Benzing, into the world. Since then, James has been sought
after numerous congregations to lead and provide his personal brand of pastoral care: the Congregational Church of Algonquin (1995-2000), Immanuel United Church of Christ of Bartlett (2000-2006), and the First Congregational Church of Carpentersville (2006-2014). Throughout this time he also served as an on-call chaplain for the Advocate Healthcare Sherman Hospital. (Elgin, IL), administering pastoral care and emotional support to patients in need of Christ’s love in their time of poor health. James’ uplifting spirit and dedication to helping those in need allowed him to be an integral part of the healthcare system at Sherman Hospital for many years.

After numerous years of service to Christ’s followers, the community, and the word of God, James officially retired in 2015, but his love for service and fellowship has continued on. Since 2015, he has been an actively sought-after supply preacher in the United Church of Christ ministry and has served numerouscongregations around the Chicagoland area in need of pastoral leadership.  In this role he has been both a source of wisdom and guidance on Sunday mornings, and a support system to the congregation as they work to find the correct leader for their community.  James also occupies his weekdays serving his local community school district. as a substitute teacher. Empowered by God’s love and teachings, he enjoys working with youth of all ages, backgrounds, and learning abilities in the classroom and brings his personable and uplifting spirit to his work. He has become a staple in the hallways of the schools and has become an important permanent fixture in the lives of many of the youth he has worked with through this capacity.

James has a tremendous passion for God’s word coupled with a love for God’s people, that is apparent in his work as a Pastor and in his human spirit. He has a contagious and charismatic energy that flows through every facet of his personality and ministry, and those who have known him either as Pastor or community member have been fortunate to receive his kindness and giving spirit in their lives. When not working, James enjoys baseball (Go STL Cardinals! ), reading books of all genres and spending time with his family and dogs.

Lena Vocalino

Office Manager

Welcome Lena to St. Paul’s as our Office Manager.   Before joining St. Paul’s,  Lena worked in a variety of administrative, support and business management positions in the hospitality and other industries.    She is a single mom and has a 29 year old daugther, Savanah. One of Lena’s passions is continual learning.   This led her to obtain a certificate as Professional Wedding Planner,  which became an interest of hers in a prior position.   She also operates a side business as a Wedding Consultant.   More recently,  she became interested in learning more about social media and has taken several classes in that arena.  She completed her Master Digital Marketing Certification, which will assist in improving our online presence and allow us to reach more of the community with the message of Jesus Christ.   In Lena’s role,  she coordinates virtually all church communications and functions and ensures that services, events, and activities run smoothly.

Kristin Lundine Scheets

Director, Bells of Praise and Church Organist and Pianist

Kristin joined the St. Paul’s musical staff in 2013 as our Bell Choir Director.  Since then she has expanded her musical talents to become our church organist and pianist as well as worship vocalist.  Kristin holds a Bachelor degree in Musical Theory and Composition from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana as well as a k-12 Teaching Certification from Vandercook College of Music Education.  Prior to coming on board on our musical staff,  Kristin worked as a church choir accompanist and has been teaching piano since the age of 13!   Another of her talents is playing the trombone and keyboards in the “pit” for area musicals.  Her favorite way to praise God is by leading the congregation in singing Gospel-style hymns.   Her enthusiastic spirit and talents helps make the music of St. Paul’s come alive!

Lon Schmidt

Adult Choir Director

Lon has been an active member of St. Paul’s since 1967.  He is a local talent that we are blessed to have at St. Paul’s.   After graduating from CL Central high school,  he headed to Milton College in Wisconsin where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree.   He then pursued further studies and received his Master’s degree in Music from  Chicago Musical College at Rossevelt University.   Now retired,  Lon was employed by the Cary School District for 32 years as their middle school Director of Choral Music and Classroom Guitar Instructor.  We have been very fortunate to have his talents on our musical staff where he has directed our Adult Choir since 2010.   He continues to teach guitar in his spare time.

George Rook

Director, St. Paul’s Brass Ensemble

George Rook coordinates our unique church musical group,  the St. Paul’s Brass.   George formed this brass quintet in 1982, and the group has been providing the golden sounds of brass to St. Paul’s ever since.   George has played trombone since grade school,  where he was tutored by another of our long time church members,  Gordon Triefenbach.   It was under the teaching and instruction of Mr. Triefenbach, who directed instrumental groups of young musicians,  that George learned much of his musical ability in playing in small ensembles.  George obtained his advanced musical training at Western Illinois University where he was the Principle Trombonist for the WIU Wind Ensemble.  George also has the distinction of performing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.   Over the years George has played with a number of Big Bands and the St. Paul’s Brass,  also known as the Crystal Brass,  and has performed in the area for other churchs, weddings, and special occasions.