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About Christ Lutheran
CLC is a welcoming, multi-generational family of faith that provides contemporary spiritual support while balancing traditional ideals. Our three services offer something for everyone, whether you prefer a more traditional or contemporary style. We offer thriving education, social, and community programs in a warm and friendly setting for those of any age. We are glad you are here and hope these pages will answer any questions you have about Christ Lutheran Church.
Short History of Christ Lutheran
"Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a kernel. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." John 12:24
Christ Lutheran is a story of dying and rising. In spring of 1995, its struggling predecessor, Living Christ Lutheran Church, closed its doors. A faithful remnant of Living Christ's members moved to a storefront, where -- under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Bergren -- it reopened its doors as Christ Lutheran.
Experiencing rapid growth, Christ Lutheran was organized as a congregation on October 6, 1995 and became a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on June 21, 1997. Soon after, it purchased a parcel of land and built its beautiful new facility on Riverside Road. This facility was dedicated on December 10, 1998. Today, Christ Lutheran is a vital community of faith with 500+ baptized and associate members.
Read more information on what Lutherans believe at http://www.elca.org/Faith/ELCA-Teaching
Staff
Rev. Carol Baumgartner
Transition Minister
Pastor Carol comes to us from the South Central Wisconsin Synod, ELCA. She lives in Janesville, WI, with her husband, the Rev. Michael Mueller. Pastor Carol has a BA in vocal music education and is trained in Intentional Interim Ministry, Spiritual Guidance, Chaplaincy, Contemplative Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence. She has served congregations in Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Deacon Laura Gorton
Associate Minister
Deacon Laura joined the ministry team at Christ Lutheran Church in September of 2020. She recently moved to the Rockford area from St. Paul, MN. She brings with her experience with education, children & youth ministries, and service ministries. She
has a love of worship, liturgy, and reading.
Deacon Jennifer Fox
Minister for Worship and Music
Deacon Jennifer began directing the music ministries here in 1996. She is responsible for worship planning, music, and drama in worship and development of lay leaders
for worship.
Katie Belinson
Director of Outreach & Communications
The new kid on the block, Katie joined the CLC staff in August 2021 as a part-time employee and transitioned to full-time in February 2022. She has over ten years experience in church communications. Prior to this, Katie worked at two Rockford-based advertising agencies and was employed as a freelance copywriter.
Michelle Nelson
Office and Finance Administrator
Michelle joined the Christ Lutheran staff in 2010 as Finance Assistant. She has worked
in similar capacities at Bright Stars of Bethlehem and Faith Lutheran Church in Rochelle. Prior to that she worked as a Financial Analyst at AMCORE Bank.
Dagny Brandt
Spirit Singers Director
Dagny joined the Christ Lutheran staff in 2021. She has served as the Celebration
Choir Director for 18 years at First Lutheran Church in Freeport where she also served
as Music Coordinator and Children’s Choir Director. She is employed at Highland College as the Highland Youth Choir Director and a vocal music instructor.
Craig Carlson
Congregational Musician
Craig has been a part of the music ministries at Christ Lutheran since worship began
in 1996. He and his family are charter members and reside in the area. He brings
with him many gifts and talents. In addition to his work at Christ, Craig works in the banking industry.
Chris Parkinson
Congregational Musician
Chris joined the Christ Lutheran staff in summer of 2021. She served as organist at First Lutheran Church in Freeport for 10 years. An elementary music educator in the Lena-Winslow Schools, Chris has also served as the LOMC Swing Choir director.
Congregational Leadership
Al Francik, President
Al currently serves as council president and as a liaison to the Mission Endowment Fund Committee. A retired dermatologist at the Rockford Clinic and Associate Professor of Dermatology at the U of I Chicago and Rockford School of Medicine, he is married to Gail, has three children and seven grandchildren.
Lee Blackburn, Vice President
Lee currently serves as council vice-president, as liaison to the Spiritual Life Team and as a member of the Youth and Young Adults Team. She is a paralegal who also loves baking, cooking, and spending time with good friends.
Diane Peters, Treasurer
Diane currently serves as council treasurer, as a liaison to the Financial Advisory Team, and a member of the bell choir. She is the Senior Marketing Specialist for Savant Wealth Management and serves as treasurer for the Rockford Dance Company. She and her husband, Chris, have three sons.
Sue Hunter, Secretary
Sue currently serves as council secretary and as a liaison to the Service & Outreach Team. A recently retired VIP Corporate Travel Agent, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, friends, the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks, and studying American history.
Jenny Campbell
Jenny serves as liaison to PATHWAYS. A recent empty-nester after homeschooling for many years, she enjoys many things including reading, home organization projects, and traveling. She also enjoys time with her husband and visiting their two daughters.
Allie
Carlson
Allie is a new member to council and helps lead the Young Adults Group at CLC. She is a registered clinic nurse at Rockford Gastroenterology and has been a nurse since 2017. She is enjoying planning her wedding for August 2023.
Bob Casagranda
Bob is a retired manufacturing consultant, and assists with our worship bulletin ministry and blood drives. He and his wife, Sheila, have four children and four grandchildren. His hobbies include carving and antique car shows.
Tari Flack
Tari serves as liaison to the Education Committee. She is the Finance Manager at Midwest Aero Support. She and her husband, Ned, have 3 sons. She enjoys spending time with them on ski hills and golf courses.
Lori Murphy
Lori serves as liaison to the Evangelism Team. She works for United Healthcare and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and jigsaw puzzles.
Syd Nola
n
Syd serves as liaison to the Financial Advisory Committee. Recently retired, he enjoys automotive, historical scale modeling and campcraft hobbies.
Denise Rindels
Denise serves as liaison to the Education Committee. Responsible for accounts payable at a machine tool distributor, Denise enjoys spending time with her husband and looks forward to having her daughters home from college.
David Swanson
Dave Swanson serves as liaison to the Stewardship Team. Dave and his dog Sunny volunteer in the Therapy Dog program at Saint Anthony Hospital.
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