Our Team
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
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Deacon Laura Gorton
Interim Minister
Deacon Laura joined the ministry team at Christ Lutheran in 2020. A St. Paul, MN native and CLC flower recipient leader by a wide margin, Laura has a love of worship, liturgy and reading. (Yep, she’s got the books.) Experienced in education, children and youth, and service ministies, she constantly brings new ideas to the table and we’re here for it. But wait — the hits keep on coming as Laura is also a newlywed. Hence the flowers maybe?
Dominant fruit: faithfulness
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Deacon Jennifer Fox
Minister for Worship and Music
Our staff sage, Deacon Jennifer has been directing music ministries at CLC since 1996. A former school choir director, she oversees worship planning, music, choir and bell directing along with the development of lay leaders for worship. Jennifer also assists with pastoral care needs within the church. We couldn’t be happier to have her back full time in the Midwest after her Montana resort managing days have come to an end. When something needs doing, ask Jennifer. Oh, and she likes horses.
Dominant fruit: patience
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Katie Belinson
Director of Outreach & Communications
Katie puts her 15 years of church communications experience to work every day at CLC. With previous stints in the worlds of advertising (post Mad Men era) and freelance copywriting, she revels in blending her B2B marketing pedigree with church messaging. Producing staff videos (as the team allows) has become a new love. Need a prayer? See Katie. She kinda has a thing for the Cubs. And the Illini.
Dominant fruit: faithfulness
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Michelle Nelson
Finance & Office Administrator
Instead of listing what Michelle does, the better approach might be, “What doesn’t she do?” This kind soul wears a multitude of hats and makes the office run with the utmost efficiency. She has a strong finance background to go along with her strong (farm girl) work ethic. Safe to say, she’s the GOAT of resourcefulness.
Dominant fruit: kindness
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Chris Parkinson
Church Musician
Can you say “accomplished musician”? That’s really the only way to describe Chris. Well, “cheerful friend” works, too. Always up for an adventure, Chris spends her weekdays leading the lucky kids of Lena-Winslow schools in music education. She is a pianist, organist, harpist, bell ringer and former LOMC Swing Choir director. Probably missed a few more. Her accompanist résumé is the stuff of legends.
Dominant fruit: joy
The staff that works together also plays together. Enjoy this interpretation of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Congregational Leadership
Jenny serves as liaison to PATHWAYS. A recent empty-nester after homeschooling for many years, she enjoys reading, home organization projects and traveling. Jenny also enjoys time with her husband and visiting their two daughters.
Jenny Campbell
President
Howard works part time as a bus driver and driver instructor. He enjoys fishing and gardening. His favorite things include traveling and spending time with his wife, Sue, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
Howard Yakey
Vice President
Shirley and her husband, Lyn, joined Christ Lutheran in 2007. Shirley enjoys sewing and other crafts, gardening and spending time with family and friends. She is a member of both the Spirit Singers and Spirit Ringers.
Shirley Collins
Secretary
Elizabeth serves as liaison to the Finance Advisory Committee. A believer in lifelong learning, she works in finance for a company in Rockford. With her husband, Jason, she cultivates in her children: love for God, curiosity, joy, kindness and a desire to learn. Elizabeth loves to read, travel and spend time with family and friends.
Elizabeth Brinkley
Treasurer
A retired Registered Nurse, Jenny is enjoying retirement with family and grandchildren. She loves going to their sporting events and school activities. A member of Golden Glow (antique Christmas ornaments organization), Jenny volunteers at the Belvidere Historical Museum and gives tours at the Funderburg House.
Jenny Breckenridge
Brad is a semi-retired accountant in the homebuilding industry. He and his wife joined CLC in 2024. They have three children and three grandchildren. A member of the Men in Christ group, Building & Grounds Committee and Finance Advisory Committee, Brad is treasurer of the Belvidere Cemetery Assoc. and enjoys Sudoku, crossword and jigsaw puzzles.
Brad Cooper
Scott currently works at Genoa-Kingston C.U.S.D. #424 as I.T. Director, ensuring everyone can navigate its digital world of resources. A CLC member for the last 15 years, Scott immediately became involved with the audio/visual ministry. (We don't know what we'd do without him!) He attends almost every service, so stop and say hello to him at the sound desk.
Scott Herrig
John joined CLC in June of 2022. He retired from 30 plus years in contract food service management. He now enjoys his six Saturdays per week reading, gardening, and volunteering in our community.
John Herring
Peter has been a member of Christ for 20 years, and currently serves as an offering counter and worship host. He also volunteers at Habitat for Humanity. A retired mechanical engineer (Purdue 76, MBA NIU), Peter enjoys traveling with his wife, Deb. He is a vegetable gardener and has three grown children and two grandchildren plus a grand dog and cat.
Peter Hightower
Lori has been a CLC member for seven years and serves as liaison to the Service & Outreach Team in addition to assisting with our homebound ministry. She works for United Healthcare, and in her free time, enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing cards, games, and traveling.
Lori Murphy
Don grew up in Park Ridge and graduated from NIU (DeKalb) with a business degree. He has two children from his first marriage, who now have children of their own. He loves visiting them and being a grandpa. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Rockford with their dog, Chip. In addition to traveling, they both enjoy the fellowship and services at CLC.
Don Skadow
Gil has been a CLC member for 23 years, and serves on the Building & Grounds Committee and as a communion assistant. He is retired from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Police, where he served as a Senior Deputy, Range and SWAT officer. Gil and wife, Sandy, have four children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys being with family and friends and time on his boat.
Gil Stansell