First Pres is excited to welcome three additions to staff in the coming weeks! Read about them below.
Dr. Robert McConnell joins First Pres as our new Director of Music and Arts. Robert brings to us twenty years of experience as a conductor, organist, and composer. From 2010-2021, Robert was the Music Director of St. John’s Lutheran Church of Wilmette, and he has most recently served as the Associate Organist at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest. Please join us in welcoming Robert!
Jack Reeder is thrilled to join the music staff at First Presbyterian Church as Director of the Sanctuary Choir. Jack’s rich background in liturgical music has led him to conduct and sing with numerous ensembles in the Chicagoland area, including as the Choral Conductor in Residence at Makom Solel Lakeside. Jack has prepared choruses and conducted in collaborations with Northwestern Opera Theater, Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, and the Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble. His most recent positions include Director of Music and Worship at Gloria Dei in Northbrook and Section Leader/Substitute Organist at Glencoe Union Church. He cannot wait to begin making a joyful noise with the Sanctuary Choir and community at First Presbyterian Church.
Youth and Young Adult Faith Formation Committee and church member Anne Winebrenner joins the First Pres staff as Interim Director! We are excited to welcome a familiar face to the staff to support the church’s youth program in the coming months.
From Anne:
“I look forward to serving as Interim Director for Youth and Young Adult Faith Formation. I have been so grateful to our church for helping us to raise our 5 children. When our kids were young, I enjoyed teaching Sunday School. As they grew, I had the pleasure of serving alongside them on 8 Work Trips. As a member of the YYAFF committee, I helped Pastor Jim to plan the program year for Confirmation, Middle School and Senior High Youth.”