Rev. Kent King-Nobles
Pastor
At Normal First, Pastor Kent shares the good news that God loves everyone, has fun, and 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. He is guided by the verse, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all the rest will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33) and is very passionate about overcoming hate and injustice with love.
Rev. Kathy King-Nobles
Pastor
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, she enjoys the opportunity to hear people’s stories and support them on their life journeys. Her favorite Bible verse, especially when sung (“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”) is “Morning by morning new mercies I see”. (Lamentations 3:23) Every day is a gift given to us by God.
Rev. Kim Burke
Pastor
Kim’s favorite Bible verse is Micah 6:8, which is especially fitting because, as an ordained deacon, she is called to ministries of compassion and justice. She finds meaning journeying with youth and adults during the challenging parts of life. In her free time, Kim can be found with her goldendoodle Winnie (who is both a certified therapy dog AND a certified good girl!) or “birking” (birding + hiking) with friends. She is mom to 3 young adult children and grammy to 3 grandkids.
Pam Shepard
Director of Children & Family Ministries
Pam and husband Alan have 7 children as a blended family. They began fostering a few years into marriage and shortly after adopted 3 children. They are also the proud grandparents to 3 incredible children.
Pam loves working in ministry because it allows her to combine her two greatest joys: Working with children and families and serving Jesus. One of her favorite verses is “Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Pam loves working in ministry because it allows her to combine her two greatest joys: Working with children and families and serving Jesus. One of her favorite verses is “Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Ryan Haas
Director of Youth Ministries
Ryan gets the amazing privilege of hanging out with and guiding our youth and young adults. Ryan’s favorite Bible verse is “’Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?’ He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment.’ And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 26:36-40)
Amy Fuller
Director of Finance and Facilities
Amy manages all aspects of our church finances, along with managing and maintaining our church building and grounds.
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.
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.
Erika Cheeseman
Office Manager & Congregational Care Coordinator
Erika and husband Scott have been members of Normal First for close to 20 years. Along with being a staff member at the church, she also works at Olympia North Elementary School as an aide. The thing she enjoys most is spending time with her husband and boys. During the colder months she loves to watch her boys play hockey, and during baseball season you will see her rooting for the Cubs. When the weather is nice she enjoys walking her dog and camping/hiking with her husband.
Kari Kaps
Organ & 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. 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. 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, Dale spent 15 years farming with his father. Dale finds inspiration in the verse, “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5) 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 Illinois State University 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.