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 Choir

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.

Gracie Moritz
Office and Financial Administrator

Gracie serves as the Office & Finance Administrator at Living Lord Lutheran Church, where she supports the daily operations and financial stewardship of the congregation. In her role, she manages bookkeeping, payroll coordination, donor records, budgeting support, and administrative communications, while also assisting with event planning, and congregational outreach.

Grace is passionate about creating organized systems that help ministry run smoothly behind the scenes so staff and volunteers can focus on serving the community. She brings strong attention to detail, creativity, and a collaborative spirit to her work each day.

Alongside her role at Living Lord, Gracie is pursuing a Bachelor of Science at Penn State University  with a double major in Finance and Accounting with a focus in Quantitative Analysis. She is actively involved through the Blue & White Society, Finance Club, and the American Association of University Women, and has been recognized on the Dean’s List and through Honor Society membership for her academic achievements. Grace also gains additional professional experience through accounting internships, where she continues developing her skills in financial reporting and analysis.  She enjoys combining her financial knowledge with her love for organization, communication, and creative problem-solving to support the church’s mission.

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.