Bob Esmail
Director of Youth and Family Ministries

Bob’s main responsibility is to oversee the development and growth of Living Lord’s Youth and Family Ministry. This ministry focuses on the faith development of the entire family. Under this model, the church provides resources and helps build relationships within families and the church community. Bob also leads teen Bible studies and a variety of weekly youth activities, coordinates the teen small group ministry, plans and leads mission trips, assists with the Confirmation Program for seventh and eighth graders, and helps with Midweek MANIA, our ministry to fifth and sixth graders.

Bob and his family have been members of Living Lord for more than 16 years. Before joining the church staff, he was actively involved in working with the youth of Living Lord for more than 10 years as a volunteer. Bob finds the most rewarding part of his job is that “the youth trust and accept me as a friend and mentor. They invite me into their lives.” He’s found that these relationships have brought him closer to God through the teens’ “authenticity and honest love for Christ.” 

Steve Ricci
Director of Sunday School and Youth Music

After a 41 year career in the transportation industry and 24 years as a Sunday School volunteer, Steve joined the Staff of Living Lord in 2019 as Director of Sunday School and Youth Choir. Steve taught Sunday School for five years and along with Mary Ellen, his wife, has led the Music portion of this ministry for 24 years. As Sunday School Director Steve oversees programs for preschoolers, and grades K -6. He is responsible for curriculum selection, recruiting volunteer staffing, coordinating training, purchasing supplies, and teaching and adhering to our Safe Haven training. Each summer, Steve is also responsible for the selection and oversight of VBS, managing over 150 children, parents and teens in this vibrant and exciting faith journey. Additionally, Steve facilitates communication among the parents, church staff, and church council.

Steve has been an active participant in vocal and instrumental music his entire life. He and Mary Ellen lead the JOY! Choir, for 1st through 8th grade children and The Little J’s, a weekly parent/child music and Bible story ministry for preschool and kindergarten age children. Steve and Mary Ellen also direct the yearly Living Lord Christmas Pageant, managing over 50 children, teens, and adults in the telling of the Christ child’s birth. Steve and his family have been members of Living Lord for more than 25 years.

Mary Beth Smith
Office Administrator

Beginning September 22, 2026, Mary will serve as the Office Administrator at Living Lord, where she will support the daily operations of the congregation, including: serving as the primary receptionist; maintaining church records; handling administrative office duties and communications; coordinating building use and calendaring; coordinating worship service volunteers and materials; and assisting with event planning and congregational outreach.

Mary has called Bartlett home for the past 30 years, and it is where she and her husband raised their three sons. Her deep connection to the Bartlett community has been an important part of both her personal and professional life. Mary recently completed 11 years with the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, where she focused on member relationships, communications, community events, and supporting local businesses and organizations. Prior to the chamber, Mary worked with the Bartlett Public Library District, where she developed community outreach and marketing initiatives and built relationships with local organizations, businesses, and public officials. She also has a strong history of volunteerism in local schools and youth organizations, and with Lurie Children’s Hospital. Mary is excited to use her experience and love of community to support our ministries and missions.

Jonathan Hirtzig

Organist

Jonathan has been serving as organist with a deep love for music and worship since beginning his organ studies in 2016. In addition to organ performance, Jonathan is a dedicated violinist and has performed with the Harper Symphony Orchestra, where he has played violin since middle school.

Jonathan is a versatile multi-instrumentalist with experience in percussion, cello, double bass, drums, and guitar. He has also performed at Judson University and Elgin Community College, reflecting his continued growth and passion for musical excellence.

Outside of music, Jonathan enjoys simple favorites like cheese pizza and classic chicken nuggets and fries — a reminder that great musicians are fueled by great comfort food.