2026 Congregation Council
Anna Wick, President
My family and I have been attending Epiphany for just over four years. My husband Grady and I have 2 children - Allison (14) and Nate (13). We have lived in Elmhurst since 2008. I was born and raised in Wisconsin and then attended the University of Illinois, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, I took a job in IT and worked in that field for about 10 years.
Since Allison was born, my main job has been as a stay-at-home-mom. However, I have always made time to volunteer at church. In the past I have been able to help with everything from organizing a walk for water to help build a well in Africa, to helping out with church advertising and website updates, to helping with the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) ministry. I also have been attending Coffee Break Bible Study for almost 15 years, and have been a small group Bible study leader for many of those years. In my free time, I am an avid reader and I practice yoga. This will be my second term on Congregation Council, and I feel blessed to be able to contribute to our church family in this way.
Since Allison was born, my main job has been as a stay-at-home-mom. However, I have always made time to volunteer at church. In the past I have been able to help with everything from organizing a walk for water to help build a well in Africa, to helping out with church advertising and website updates, to helping with the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) ministry. I also have been attending Coffee Break Bible Study for almost 15 years, and have been a small group Bible study leader for many of those years. In my free time, I am an avid reader and I practice yoga. This will be my second term on Congregation Council, and I feel blessed to be able to contribute to our church family in this way.
Bill Bringman, Vice President
My wife (Jill) and I began attending Epiphany at the beginning of 2023, becoming members in March. I started playing with the praise band in February and enjoy sharing my music with the congregation. Prior to Epiphany I was a lifelong member of Faith Lutheran in Brookfield until it dissolved at the end of 2022.
In my years there I was the music and handbell choir director, worship and music chairman (for 30+ years), served on church council and was council president for a few years. (plus many more roles over the years) I work for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, supporting our project managers. I enjoy scuba diving, camping, gardening and hunting geodes.
In my years there I was the music and handbell choir director, worship and music chairman (for 30+ years), served on church council and was council president for a few years. (plus many more roles over the years) I work for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, supporting our project managers. I enjoy scuba diving, camping, gardening and hunting geodes.
Meghan Schleich, Secretary
My family and I joined Epiphany shortly after moving to Elmhurst in 2014. When my husband, Brian, and I first visited Epiphany, we were immediately drawn to the welcoming congregation, along with the focus on family and strong sense of community.
We have two children, Maddie and Charlie, and recently adopted a Beagle named Floppy. I worked in radio and the music industry before taking a break from the corporate world to be home with the kids. I can often be found volunteering at various organizations around Elmhurst, walking the dog around town, or on the tennis court. I started getting more involved in Children’s Ministry at Epiphany prior to the pandemic and have continued to enjoy helping teach kids, grow the curriculum, and support our team with various initiatives.
I am honored to serve on the Congregation Council and look forward to supporting the church in any way I can.
We have two children, Maddie and Charlie, and recently adopted a Beagle named Floppy. I worked in radio and the music industry before taking a break from the corporate world to be home with the kids. I can often be found volunteering at various organizations around Elmhurst, walking the dog around town, or on the tennis court. I started getting more involved in Children’s Ministry at Epiphany prior to the pandemic and have continued to enjoy helping teach kids, grow the curriculum, and support our team with various initiatives.
I am honored to serve on the Congregation Council and look forward to supporting the church in any way I can.
Pat Jones, Treasurer
and I joined Epiphany in 2016 and have been blessed to call it our church home ever since. We have two children, Parker (16) and Kate (14), who have grown up as part of the Epiphany community. Professionally, I work in finance and work for InProduction, a leading live events production company in the United States. I've always enjoyed traveling the world and lived in Singapore for three years. I believe that these experiences have enriched our faith journey and deepened our appreciation for the diverse body of Christ.
Our family treasures their time worshiping at Epiphany and is grateful to have found such a welcoming spiritual home. I am honored to serve as Epiphany's Treasurer and look forward to continuing to support the church's mission and ministry in the years ahead.
Our family treasures their time worshiping at Epiphany and is grateful to have found such a welcoming spiritual home. I am honored to serve as Epiphany's Treasurer and look forward to continuing to support the church's mission and ministry in the years ahead.
Laurie Hier, Financial Secretary
Emily Beerhalter
Emily joined Epiphany in 2013 after moving to Elmhurst and has been active in the Resale and Youth Ministry Committees and more recently, the Altar Guild. Her husband, Jon, and she have been married for 22 years and have two children, Lily (in college in Pittsburgh) and Landon (attending York Community High School).
Professionally, she has worked in technology and marketing in ecommerce roles her whole career and currently supports custom technology solutions for Great Wolf Lodge. She enjoys cooking, reading, travel, and walks, especially with her rescue dog, Josie. As her children have gotten older, she is working on fulfilling a personal commitment to get more involved in causes that are meaningful to her, including serving as the membership chair for the Elmhurst group of Moms Demand Action and now the Epiphany Congregation Council.
Professionally, she has worked in technology and marketing in ecommerce roles her whole career and currently supports custom technology solutions for Great Wolf Lodge. She enjoys cooking, reading, travel, and walks, especially with her rescue dog, Josie. As her children have gotten older, she is working on fulfilling a personal commitment to get more involved in causes that are meaningful to her, including serving as the membership chair for the Elmhurst group of Moms Demand Action and now the Epiphany Congregation Council.
Rhonda Berg
Rhonda lives in Elmhurst with her husband Erik. They have two children, Avery and Steven. Rhonda works for Mercer as a consultant in the area of work place benefits. She has 27 hears of experience in employer benefits consulting, particularly in defined contribution plans like 401(k) and 403(b).
Rhonda completed her first term on council and has agreed to serve a second term.
Lisa Budris
I have been a longtime member of Epiphany, where I raised my 2 sons. I also married Dave Chudik here in 2017! (He volunteered as a member of our Praise Band for 10 years and is also a member at Epiphany.)
I have been active with our Outreach Committee, heading up the Tree of Love and Caring. I also helped organize several events within Outreach over the years. I was a member of the Rachel’s Women’s Group, and now a member of Hannah’s. Dave and I have also participated in the Men in Mission Golf outings, and we are also part of the Epiphany Tables group!
This past year I was a member of our 100th Anniversary Committee and co-organized the May 2024, 100th Anniversary Picnic. I also saw a need for a ladies, lunch/dinner group, and started up the JULIET’S group in October, 2024. (Just Us Ladies Intent on Eating Together!) My professional background includes several years in outside sales with a primary focus on financial services as well as the veterinary industry. I am looking forward to continuing to serve as a member of Council at Epiphany Lutheran Church!
I have been active with our Outreach Committee, heading up the Tree of Love and Caring. I also helped organize several events within Outreach over the years. I was a member of the Rachel’s Women’s Group, and now a member of Hannah’s. Dave and I have also participated in the Men in Mission Golf outings, and we are also part of the Epiphany Tables group!
This past year I was a member of our 100th Anniversary Committee and co-organized the May 2024, 100th Anniversary Picnic. I also saw a need for a ladies, lunch/dinner group, and started up the JULIET’S group in October, 2024. (Just Us Ladies Intent on Eating Together!) My professional background includes several years in outside sales with a primary focus on financial services as well as the veterinary industry. I am looking forward to continuing to serve as a member of Council at Epiphany Lutheran Church!
Andrew Hebert
Andrew and his wife, Grace, moved to Elmhurst in 2016. Their daughter, Acadia, was born that year and they soon after began attending Epiphany, where Acadia was baptized. Andrew has helped as a Sunday School teacher for Epiphany in the past, and Grace currently serves on the Community Outreach Committee.
Andrew grew up all over the U.S. as a Navy brad, but has lived in the Chicagoland area for about 20 years. He has been a public high school teacher the entire time, after a brief stint in California as an engineer. His parents still live in San Diego, and he enjoys going back to get some time at the beach. He enjoys coaching basketball and soccer, although he is not truly qualified to coach soccer. He appreciate the opportunity to serve in leadership for the Church.
Andrew grew up all over the U.S. as a Navy brad, but has lived in the Chicagoland area for about 20 years. He has been a public high school teacher the entire time, after a brief stint in California as an engineer. His parents still live in San Diego, and he enjoys going back to get some time at the beach. He enjoys coaching basketball and soccer, although he is not truly qualified to coach soccer. He appreciate the opportunity to serve in leadership for the Church.
Brigette Hoaglund
Brigette has lived in Elmhurst for over 35 years with her husband, John. They have two adult children; Erik lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and Lindsey lives in Hastings, Michigan. Brigette is retired but continues to work at two part time jobs - reception at a veterinarian's office and as an IT consultant for her previous employer. She is on a project team facilitating the implementation of corporate wide software solution. Her 33-year career with them included positions in accounting, purchasing, and IT.
Brigette completed her first term on council and has agreed to serve a second term.
Mike Lewis
Mike and his wife Lori have been members of Epiphany for about 25 years. Mike is a worship assistant, and has been one for a long time, back when they wore robes and there was an 8:00 a.m. service. Mike was on the Nominating Committee once and has been a member of a men's Christcare group for about 20 years and has been the leader for about 10 years. Lori has served as a council member, participates in Hannah's, and was on the choir for several years as well as the Social Ministry Committee.
Mike is a licensed counselor and has worked in the behavioral health field in a variety of settings and populations for 52 years. He currently works in a practice in Naperville.
Mike is a licensed counselor and has worked in the behavioral health field in a variety of settings and populations for 52 years. He currently works in a practice in Naperville.
Larry Magnesen
Larry Magnesen and his wife, Peggy, live in downtown Elmhurst. They have three grown children in Chicago and four grandchildren. Larry retired in 2022 after 41 years in bank marketing and communications.
Although they have lived in several other cities in the Midwest, Larry was originally confirmed at Epiphany, and he and Peggy joined Epiphany five years ago. Peggy’s career was in clinical microbiology. They enjoy travel and ballroom dance.
Although they have lived in several other cities in the Midwest, Larry was originally confirmed at Epiphany, and he and Peggy joined Epiphany five years ago. Peggy’s career was in clinical microbiology. They enjoy travel and ballroom dance.
Maureen McPherson
Maureen McPherson has been a member of Epiphany since she was born and is looking forward to her second term on council. Maureen and her husband Nate have three children, Asher, Clark, and Margaret. You can find Maureen singing with the praise band most Sundays while her husband teaches their kids down in Sunday School.
All five McPhersons enjoy VBS and other family-friendly events at Epiphany. Outside of church, Maureen is a Spanish teacher and enjoys cooking and hanging out with family. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”
All five McPhersons enjoy VBS and other family-friendly events at Epiphany. Outside of church, Maureen is a Spanish teacher and enjoys cooking and hanging out with family. Her favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Jill Mueller
My husband Jim and I joined Epiphany shortly after moving to Elmhurst in 1994. We visited several local churches and found Epiphany to be the most welcoming and family friendly. We have three children who were all baptized and confirmed at Epiphany, in addition to attending Sunday School and LYO.
Since joining Epiphany, I have served in multiple capacities. I have been a Sunday School teacher, assistant Sunday School superintendent, Resale Committee member, Youth Ministry Committee member, and choir member. As a recently retired special educator, I look forward to using my new-found time for this opportunity to serve Epiphany.
Since joining Epiphany, I have served in multiple capacities. I have been a Sunday School teacher, assistant Sunday School superintendent, Resale Committee member, Youth Ministry Committee member, and choir member. As a recently retired special educator, I look forward to using my new-found time for this opportunity to serve Epiphany.
Katie Wilbur
My husband Chris, daughters Joanna (3) and Eleanor (1), and I have been members of Epiphany since 2020 and Elmhurst residents since 2017. In 2021, we bought a house a few blocks from church, so we’re neighbors now, too! We really enjoy helping as Confirmation small group leaders during the school year.
Chris and I are both in education. He teaches high school social studies. I taught multilingual learners for several years, most recently in Skokie, where more than 50 languages were spoken. I also had the opportunity there to facilitate community equity groups through Project SEED. After my daughter was born, I spent a couple years as a consultant and coach creating professional development for teachers. Since the birth of my second daughter, I’ve been at home full time. As a newer Epiphany member, I’m
looking forward to learning more about how I can best serve the church.
Chris and I are both in education. He teaches high school social studies. I taught multilingual learners for several years, most recently in Skokie, where more than 50 languages were spoken. I also had the opportunity there to facilitate community equity groups through Project SEED. After my daughter was born, I spent a couple years as a consultant and coach creating professional development for teachers. Since the birth of my second daughter, I’ve been at home full time. As a newer Epiphany member, I’m
looking forward to learning more about how I can best serve the church.
Keelie Witzel
Keelie grew up in a Lutheran (ELCA) church in suburban Milwaukee. Earned a BS in Architectural Studies from UW-Milwaukee. She moved to the Chicago area over 30 years ago and worked for GSA. When she and Joe got married, they settled in Elmhurst and joined Epiphany in the mid 1990's. They raised tehir three children, Zoey, Karly, and Seth at Epiphany. In her free time she enjoys walking, yoga, reading/listening to audio books, and traveling. She works for a small company in Elmhurst.
Keelie started teaching Sunday School when her oldest was 2 and continued in the 2's classroom for 10 years. She participated in small groups, the Children's Toy and Clothing Resale and the Spa Spirituality Retreats over the years. She was part of the renovation committee. Her group interviewed and selected the architect and created the scope of work which changed with the budget. They also provided input during the design and construction phases. She is looking forward to continuing her role on the council to support Epiphany's Mission.
Keelie started teaching Sunday School when her oldest was 2 and continued in the 2's classroom for 10 years. She participated in small groups, the Children's Toy and Clothing Resale and the Spa Spirituality Retreats over the years. She was part of the renovation committee. Her group interviewed and selected the architect and created the scope of work which changed with the budget. They also provided input during the design and construction phases. She is looking forward to continuing her role on the council to support Epiphany's Mission.
