Peace Memorial Church

Senior Co-Pastors

Reverend Shana Johnson and Reverend Todd Bean

For our Senior Co-Pastors, Pastor Shana and Pastor Todd, ministry is truly a family affair. For many years now, not only have their shared their family life together, but their work life as well in ministry together as co-pastors.

Reverend Shana Johnson was born and raised in East Peoria, Illinois. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Greenville College, earned her Master of Divinity degree at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri and is currently working on her Doctorate there as well. She was ordained in June of 1997 and has served UCC churches in Southern Illinois, Central Illinois and Missouri.

Reverend Todd Bean was born in Centralia Illinois, and spent most of his childhood in California. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Greenville College and a Master of Arts in Marketing from Webster University. Pastor Todd worked in non-profit and for-profit industries prior to his call to ministry in 2003. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Pastor Todd is a third generation pastor who has served UCC churches in Missouri.

Shana enjoys reading and creative writing. Todd enjoys the great outdoors, running, and all kinds of sports. Shana and Todd also love spending time with their two daughters: Abigail and Megan.

As Co-pastors, Pastor Shana and Pastor Todd are occasionally asked, “Who is in charge?” And their answer is “We both are! We share the tasks and responsibilities of leadership equally. Our ministry is truly a blending of our own unique gifts, and our styles are very complimentary of each other.”

Operations Manager

Alison Sammartano

Alison Sammartano recently came on board as the new Operations Manager. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications/Public Relations from Valparaiso University. Alison worked for State Farm Fire & Casualty for ten years as a claims representative. This included building construction training and damage evaluation. Alison also has worked part-time as a paralegal and office manager in the last couple of years. Her strengths are her great organizational and communication skills. She is really excited about helping members find their spiritual gifts and ways to use them through volunteering. Alison is supported by her husband, Vince and her two children, Mirella and Matteo. She is looking forward to this new journey in her life!

Administrative Assistant

Pam Kueltzo

Pam has been working in the church office for over 30 years and is also the editor of the church’s news paper, “The Messenger.” Out of the office, Pam keeps busy with her husband and their three kids, two of whom still live at home. Pam reports that she enjoys being in the office and helping out with all of the church’s activities; the variety makes every day a little bit different from all the others.

Accountant

Linda Carlson

Linda Carlson has worked for Peace Memorial Church for over 10 years. She enjoys what she does and she does it well. Linda enjoys spending time at her house in Michigan. If you are ever in the office, stop by and say hello. Her smile and positive attitude are contagious.

Choir Director

Angela Marciszewski

Peace Memorial Church welcomes Angela Marciszewski, our new Choir Director! Biography and picture coming soon!

708-448-7833

Organist

Joe Felice

Joseph Felice has been Senior Organist with Peace Memorial Church since 1994 with his church organist career spanning nearly 3-1/2 decades. Joseph is an avid musical arranger and singer, having sung with the Chicago Symphony Chorus for ten seasons, and is a Charter Member of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus since 1986.