Peace Memorial Church

Co-Senior Pastors

Pastor Shana Johnson & Pastor 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, who enjoys art and competitive swimming, and Megan, a basketball player and animal lover.

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.”  

Associate Pastor

Pastor Gordon Reif

Gordon Reif Pastor Gordon came to Peace in 2001 as the Interim Senior Pastor and was subsequently called as Associate in 2002. He, along with his wife Peggy and their dogs Millie and Sophie, live to serve Christ and His church. They welcome you into the full life, ministry, and fellowship of our faith community.

Program Director

Louise Smith

Want to know where the coffee pots are? The banners from 1927? A bulletin from aught-7? Louise knows! A life-long member of Peace, Louise’s heart for ministry still burns as brightly today as it did years ago. With a beautiful smile and a heart-felt laugh, Louise invites all to active participation in the church. Just… don’t mess with her clipboard!

Senior and Junior High School Youth Program Coordinator

Chris Fryzek

A product of our own youth program. Chris is now one of our fantastic youth coordinators. Come out to youth group! Join us for games, bible study, mission trips and service projects. Have some fun, and learn about Jesus.

Office Supervisor

Pam Kueltzo

Pam has been working in the church office for over 21 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

Write-up coming soon…..

Director of Music

Jack Sulouff

Jack came to Peace in December 1999 after a years rest from his previous position as Director of Music at Community Presbyterian Church in Clarendon Hills. A firm believer in an inclusive choir, Jack promotes participation by all those interested regardless of ability and experience - “A sincere desire to sing praise to God and the ability to have fun as you learn are the major requirements for participation in choir.” Jack lives in Clarendon Hills with his wife, Ann, and their two beautiful daughters, Allison and Victoria.

Director of the Children’s Choir

Linnea Rimkus

Linnea has been a member of Peace since 1963, the same year she began singing in the choir (the Children’s Choir, of course!). Linnea volunteered with the PMC Story Hour which eventually became the Peace Child Care Center. Linnea’s philosophy is to have fun at rehearsal: “The children love to move while they sing. They jump, dance, move their arms… it’s a privilege to work with them! They’re the brightest spot in my whole week!”

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.

Associate Organist

Debbie Rehling

A life-long member of Peace Church, Debbie began playing the piano when she was seven years old. Today, music is still a large part of her life as she’s employed full-time in the field of musical education. In her work, in her leisure, and in her hobbies, music is her way of life. In her current position at Peace, Debbie also serves as the main accompanist for the Children’s Choir.