Ministry Team
PASTOR CHRISTINE McNEAL
I'm so glad you are here. As a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, St. Paul welcomes all people!
I am a lifelong Lutheran who grew up on a farm in northern Illinois about 12 miles outside of Dekalb.
I received a master’s of divinity degree in 2012 from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. After being ordained that same year, I served at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, until 2017. Before this call to St. Paul, I served as the senior staff chaplain and coordinator for Faith Community Relations at Carle BroMenn, Bloomington. In those years I gained additional specialties in palliative care, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Youth Mental Health First Aid. I also currently serve as the secretary of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod of the ELCA.
Whether as a journalist, a chaplain, or a pastor called to serve a congregation, my focus has always been the care of God’s people. “We are called to act with justice, we are called to love tenderly; we are called to serve one another, to walk humbly with God…” (ELW 720)
Join us here at St. Paul Lutheran Church where together we are a light for the world. And contact me about this church or any questions regarding your faith journey.
Peace+
Pastor Christine
815.842.2095
JUDY SYKES
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
We're so happy that you have visited our web site! As a member of St. Paul and Administrative Assistant, I would encourage anyone who loves to hear the Word and would like to feel the loving and welcoming spirit of our Congregation, to come visit us! We are here as a servant congregation, interested in sharing the Gospel in Word and Deed!
Judy
815.842.2095
Congregation Council is the elected governing body of a congregation responsible for overseeing and supporting the church’s ministry. Working in partnership with the pastor, the council provides spiritual leadership, sets vision and policy, manages finances and property, and ensures that the church’s mission is carried out faithfully and effectively within the congregation and community.
Congregation Council 2026
President: Jack Bristow
Vice-President: Betsy Westergreen
Secretary: Blayne Dixon
Building Community Liaison: Carissa Webster
Building and Grounds Liaison: Joel Rapp
Finance & Stewardship Liaison: Kristi Becker
Lifelong Learning Liaison: Michelle Harms
Worship and Music Liaison: Julie Mehlberg
Financial Officers:
Treasurers: Dennis Leach and Kris Lambert
Financial Secretary: Mark Mackinson
The People
