REV. KENT KING-NOBLES
PASTOR
At Normal First, Pastor Kent shares the good news that God loves everyone,has fun, enters into deep conversations about the meaning of life and what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ through the different circumstances that come up today,plays volleyball, cries with people who are crying and laughs with people who are laughing,serves the poor and works for justice, celebrates the enthusiasm of children, learns from his elders.When not staying busy at the church, you might catch Pastor Kent watching his kids play soccer,going on walks with his wife and his dog, hiking, biking, traveling, or reading. He is guided by Matthew 6:33 "Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all the rest will be given to you as well" and is very passionate about overcoming hate and injustice with love.
REV. KATHY KING-NOBLES
PASTOR
At Normal First, Pastor Kathy enjoys being a part of the faith journey with people of all ages. From worship to small groups, to conversations around a meal or building at the Habitat house, Pastor Kathy enjoys the opportunity to hear people’s stories and support them on their life journeys. Kathy enjoys the "noise" of the church when the college students are around or the children are laughing or people of all ages are sharing life together. Her favorite Bible verse, especially when sung ("Great Is Thy Faithfulness") is from Lamentations 3:23. "Morning by morning new mercies I see". Every day is a gift given to us by God. Kathy enjoys long walks with her husband Kent, watching their children play soccer, keeping in touch with their foreign exchange students, and playing card/boards games. And always when there’s an opportunity to travel, it’s a great day.
REV. KIM BURKE
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES
At Normal First, Kim gets the privilege of hanging out with amazing young and their families! Our youth ministry serves others locally and far away, helps lead worship, participates in Bible study, and has a great time hanging out together. Kim also teaches classes, provides pastoral care, and sometimes you’ll even catch her in worship preaching! Her favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8 "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
She’s most passionate about all people knowing there is nothing they can do to make God love them more, and nothing they can do (or has been done to them) can make God love them less. She’s also passionate about helping people realize their connection to the Holy and that we are all just walking each other Home. Kim is also passionate about social justice and continuing to draw our circle wider!
AMY FULLER
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & FACILITIES
As Director of Finance and Facilities, Amy manages all aspects of our church finances, along with managing and maintaining our church building and grounds.
Amy’s past career as the Vice President of Operations at Original Smith Printing/Taylor Corp prepared her well for this calling.
She is honored to serve on the staff of the church family where she grew up.
When she’s not working at the church, Amy and her husband Jeff and children Bryan and Sara operate a family farm.
Amy also enjoys spending time with family and friends, woodworking, gardening and anything outdoors.
NANDER NOVAES
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
A classical guitarist, choral conductor, and music minister from São Paulo, Brazil, Nander Novaes is internationally noted for his engaging and virtuosic skills as a music performer. He was formally introduced to the paths of music under the tutelage of his parents, both Methodist music ministers. He first occupied a position as a Director of Music Ministries at the age of eighteen, which led him to represent Brazil as music director at the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin American and the Caribbean. Nander pursued a Performer Diploma and a Master of Music degrees from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in the areas of sacred music, early music voice, and guitar performance. He graduated with honors from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Music Ministry degree and became a member of the Theta Alpha Kappa National Honors Society for Religious Studies and Theology. Currently, he is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Northwestern University Bienen School of Music. He lives in Bloomington, IL, with the love of his live, his wife Ana Claudia.
PAM SHEPARD
DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES
My husband Alan and I live in Normal. We have 7 children as a blended family. I brought 3 children from my 1st marriage and Alan brought 1. We began fostering a few years into our marriage and shortly after we adopted 3 children. Our family is a slightly smaller version of the movie Yours, Mine and Ours. We are also the proud grandparents to 3 incredible children.
I love working in ministry because it allows me to combine my two greatest joys: Working with children and families and serving Jesus.
In my spare time I enjoy attending a multitude of my children’s various sporting activities including: Softball, baseball, football, and basketball.
As someone who has been involved in early childhood education for many years, I would say that I am inspired by Fred Rogers. Mr. Rogers was not only a champion for children, but also for marginalized peoples too. As a minister he used his gentle spirit and platform to share God’s love with others in such a beautiful way.
Micah 6:8 is one of my favorite verses: Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.
ERIKA CHEESEMAN
OFFICE MANAGER & CONGREGATIONAL CARE COORDINATOR
Scott and I have been members of Normal First for close to 20 years. Along with being a staff member at church, I also work at Olympia North Elementary School as an aide. The thing I enjoy most is spending time with my husband and boys. During the colder months I love to watch my younger 2 boys play hockey, and during baseball season you will see me rooting for the Cubs. When the weather is nice I enjoy walking my dog and camping/hiking with my husband. I am looking forward to getting to know our church members better and to meeting the new faces that will walk through our church doors.
KARI KAPS
ORGANIST & PIANIST
Kari is a seasoned pianist, specializing in theater and contemporary styles. By day, she is a pianist for the School of Theater at Illinois Wesleyan University, playing for individuals, student productions, and mainstage performances. The pipe organ has become an instrument she especially enjoys due to the vast abilities of the instrument and the wide variety of music available to be played on it. Kari holds an undergraduate degree from Bradley University and a Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from Illinois State University. She and her husband, Matt, live in El Paso, IL with their two cats, April and Daisy. In her spare time, she enjoys home improvement projects and refinishing furniture as well as spending time with her extended family.
DALE HOERNER
WORSHIP TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR
Dale and his wife Michelle have been members of Normal First since 2003, residing in Bloomington, Illinois. Their son Michael (and wife Jennifer, grandson Nathan) lives in Springfield and son Adam lives in Monticello. With over 40 years of experience in audio/visual work, Dale has a passion for running sound for local bands. Prior to his retirement from Evergreen FS in Bloomington after 25 years, Dale spent 15 years farming with his father on a grain and livestock farm in the Pontiac area.
Dale finds inspiration in Proverbs 21:5: Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. He lives by the motto, "Nothing is impossible with a positive attitude and a hammer!" In his spare time, Dale indulges in carpentry, singing, and supporting sports teams like the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and LA Rams. He also enjoys outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and dirt track/NASCAR racing. Most of all, Dale cherishes moments spent with family and friends.
SANDY SCHALLER
COOK
Sandy started attending Normal First in 1970 as an ISU student. She transferred her membership from Union United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL and joined Normal First in 1979. She was a member of Faith Circle until it disbanded and recently joined Mercy Circle. She is retired from McLean County Court Services and lives in Normal. She has 2 sons, John (36), and Jeff (34) who grew up in Normal First.