Rev. Jean Marie Durán, Associate Pastor
Pastor Jean studied at Trinity College in Bellevue, Wash., and earned her undergraduate degree in biblical studies in 1982. In 1992, she earned her master of divinity degree in theology from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and was ordained. A true servant of the Gospel, she is a valuable member of our pastoral team. She provides creative, caring direction as she preaches, teaches, counsels, and administers her day-to-day responsibilities. According to Pastor Jean, “I have been truly blessed by the people I have met here at Living Lord. The commitment of the congregational members to the ongoing ministry here has been phenomenal! I thank God for allowing me to serve in such a special community of faith.”

Nancy Collins, Director of Preschool and Sunday School Ministries
Nancy is in a unique position at Living Lord. She is the director of both our Preschool and Sunday School programs. As Preschool director, she is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Preschool as well as its curriculum and staff. She oversees three teachers and ensures that all standards from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are met. She also keeps the lines of communication open among the Preschool parents, board, and staff. As Sunday School director, Nancy oversees programs for preschoolers, grades K-4, and grades 5-6. She is responsible for planning, recruiting volunteer staffing, coordinating training, purchasing supplies, and facilitating communication among the parents, church staff, and church council.

Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree in child development/family life from Western Illinois University, Macomb, in 1983. She became a certified parent educator through the University of Missouri, St Louis, in 1993, and completed the Parents as Teachers program of Illinois school district U-46, also in 1993. Nancy loves children of all ages and has worked with children and families for more than 20 years. “Witnessing the joy children find in learning and their love of life is the best reward. I learn something new from them every day.”

Mary Bergner, Director of Music
Mary is a talented pianist and organist with a strong passion for church music. Before becoming Living Lord’s Director of Music, she nurtured and shared that passion at Living Lord for many years in volunteer capacities. Her involvement has included organizing and playing music for Sunday School, Christmas programs, and Vacation Bible School; playing piano and organ during worship services; directing children’s choirs; accompanying adult choirs; and developing and working with special musical ensembles and groups.

As Director of Music, Mary is committed to enhancing our congregation’s worship experiences by growing and expanding our musical offerings. She is working to recruit more members for existing and new musical groups, and trying new ideas, such as starting music-outreach ministries within our congregation and in conjunction with other local churches. Mary believes that “music is a wonderful tool to nurture the Holy Spirit in everyone, and when people participate, take ownership, and feel joyful, the entire fellowship of believers will prosper.”

Mark Kohlmeier, Church Organist
Mark is a gifted organist and pianist who earned a certificate of music theory from the Hochstein School of Music in Rochester, NY, and studied pipe organ under a leading organist in St. Louis, Mo. Mark has been playing organ and piano in church worship services since the age of 14 years. His responsibilities at Living Lord include serving as organist for Sunday morning worship and piano accompanist for the Praise Singers and other groups at Living Lord. What Mark finds most rewarding in his music ministry is using “the blessing of music skills that I have been given to enhance the worship experience, giving all the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Judy Turk, Church Secretary
Judy works in many different ways to keep the church office running smoothly. She publishes the weekly announcements in the worship bulletins; assists in managing worship-assistant schedules; coordinates mailings; recruits and manages volunteers; performs data entry; and assists with special projects that come up on a daily basis.

Judy and her family have been members of Living Lord for many years. She has been involved in multiple areas of ministry over the years, including Bible study, music ministry, Stephen Ministry, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, confirmation, retreats, mission trips, spiritual coaching, Tables of Eight, social ministry, and stewardship. Judy finds her position as church secretary to be a natural extension of her many ministries. “I love to help people who are in need and hopefully make their day a little brighter. I think of the church as a safe refuge and a place to spread God’s love.”

Kris Mainellis, Director of Communications
Kris and her family have been members of Living Lord for more than 15 years. Her current volunteer activities include participation in Living Lord’s music ministries, a women’s small group, and the Sunday School program. Kris works to help our congregation communicate internally and externally. She publishes the monthly newsletter; creates brochures and other informational pieces for church and preschool ministries; handles media communications; develops and updates the content for our church Web site (www.livinglordlutheran.org); and explores and implements ways to improve communication at Living Lord. Kris earned a bachelor’s degree in English and communications in 1990 and a master’s degree in communications in 1991, both from the University of Illinois at Chicago.