The People of St. Paul’s

Pastor Bob Wang

Interim Pastor

Pastor Bob Wang has been called to St. Paul’s as our full time Interim Pastor. He is an Ordained Minister with full standing in the United Church of Christ. He was ordained on October 28, 1989. He graduated from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He continued his studies and received his Master of Divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois.

He considers himself “first generation UCC” by virtue of the fact that he was born the year after the UCC formed. Having been raise, nurtured, educated, ordained, immersed in parish life, married and affirmed throughout his journey. He remains loyal to the practices of the UCC and is passionate about all that it stands for.

Pastor Bob considers himself a loving person and therefore is passionate about the many opportunities at St. Paul’s for making acquaintances and being able to watch relationships develop into supportive and trusting friendships. He has been blessed to observe this phenomenon in countless ministry settings. From youth and adult fellowship, church camp and retreats, mission trips, committee work, fellowship groups, to
the literally thousands of Sunday morning worship services which have then been followed by the cherished coffee hours where he has the opportunity to engage in the lives of those whom he has served.

Pastor Bob is currently celebrating 35 years of marriage to his wife Judy, who is also a Pastor. They have two grown children and they make their home in Bristol, Wisconsin. They love the outdoors and take advantage of road trips and camping experiences.

As we move forward in our search for a settled pastor, we will look to Pastor Bob for guidance and direction in determining our future. St. Paul’s is excited and blessed to welcome Pastor Bob to our church
family.

Jasmine Becker

Youth Director

St. Paul’s is pleased to welcome Jasmine Becker as our Youth Director.  Jasmine will work with our present youth, 5th-grade level to high school.  Her focus is also on growing our youth group within St. Paul’s and within the surrounding community.  She will work to develop activities, outings, and programs that will be of interest to our youth.  In addition,  Jasmine will be involved with our Kids Konnect program to build and enhance this ministry for our young ones.

Jasmine’s full-time position is working for the AON corporation as an analyst. However, she has a passion to work with youth and develop programs that are both interesting and challenging for them.   She brings with her 8+ years of working with youth in the county in a variety of settings.  Her background includes starting a “for fun” dance team for underprivileged children between pre-K to middle school where they performed for local businesses and at community events.

She has worked with high schoolers and created and coordinated engaging activities to challenge them and provide an outlet for their boundless energy.   She also has been very engaged with her homeschooled nephews, ages 5 and 8, and has found great satisfaction in keeping them interested and active in their learning process.

Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business and a Master of Business Administration.  Jasmine is excited to bring her energy and engaging philosophy to our congregation.  All community youth are welcome to check out St. Paul’s new Youth Group in a safe and nurturing environment.

Rebecca Lucking

Director, St. Paul’s Guiding Light Preschool

Rebecca received her Bachelors Degree in Human Services & Psychology from Judson University, and holds a Montessori Early Education Teaching Certification from the American Montessori Society. She has 20+ years of experience as a preschool & kindergarten educator, school director & owner, and Montessori consultant. Rebecca’s pride and joy are her two daughters, Riley and Sophia, who grew up in her classroom and went on to volunteer and lead programs of their own. Rebecca is delighted to share God’s love with the little ones of our community and walk along side them on their educational journey.

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.