Council Contact Information and Bios
Council President
I have been a Lutheran all of my life and enjoy the many opportunities to practice my faith at Good Shepherd. My husband Jim is also active in many of our ministries. Outside of church I work for the Department of Veterans Affairs as director of more than 800 volunteers who serve our Veterans. My hobbies include travel, Chicago sports teams, our dog Marley, and friends and family.
Church Council Secretary
When my husband, Meinrad, and I became empty nesters a couple of years ago, it freed up a little time to pursue some things I had been putting on hold; the time felt ripe to take my turn on Good Shepherd’s council. This is my first year holding the position of council secretary and my third year on council. Meinrad and our sons Stefan and Daniel have been members of Good Shepherd for almost 18 years.
I have enjoyed so many opportunities to grow spiritually and in community at Good Shepherd by participating in worship, choir, special events, social ministry, Christian Education, and many small groups such as Feast of Friends.
I currently teach Theater, Film, and Digital Imaging in the Proviso High Schools. In addition to my involvement in the arts, I enjoy traveling and doing outdoor activities, like biking.
Church Council Member
My partner Lynn and I, along with our children, Grae and Spencer, joined Good Shepherd in 2009. We have lived in Oak Park for the past 12 years. I am a realtor in Oak Park working at Beyond Properties Realty, and also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I was called to Good Shepherd because of the welcoming atmosphere at the services and the boys enjoy the vibrant Christian Education program.
Church Council Member
I began attending Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in February 2010 with my wife, Christine Li-Grining, and our two children, Nate and Cole. We were immediately drawn to the community of people at Good Shepherd and knew that this was the church for our family. We were quickly invited to join a Feast of Friends dinner group and continue to enjoy that camaraderie today. Nate began attending Sunday School and both Christine and I began discovering a few of the ways that we could become involved. Over the past year, Christine has participated with Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and staffing the nursery. I am currently on Church Council and serve as the liaison to the Finance, Stewardship, and Parish Life committees. I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and graduated from Saint Louis University with a degree in business / accounting. At work, I have spent the last 9 years as the corporate controller of a large national homebuilder in both the best and worst of times. At home, my time is centered around our children where I routinely pull the boys around town in the wagon or bike trailer, or head out to one of Chicagoland's great museums, zoos or parks in search of adventure. Please pull me aside at church to introduce yourself, say hello, or share some thoughts on a church related (or other) topic.
Church Council Member
My husband, Tim and I, along with our 3 children have been members of Good Shepherd since we moved into the neighborhood over 5 years ago. Amelia, age 15 was recently confirmed and Cole, 13 and Lillie, 11 both serve as acolytes. I have participated in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs and have also helped with Youth Ministry. I usually attend the 10:30am worship service where I am often lucky enough to care for Mary (one the the triplets).
Church Treasurer
My wife Cathy and I started attending Good Shepherd shortly after moving to Oak Park in 1999. We started attending during a call process and were surprised when it seemed every time we attended there was a new pastor preaching. Our three children have all been baptized at Good Shepherd and we all actively participate in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. This is my second stint on council, having served a few years back as Property Chair before the recent council reorganization.