Pastor Jarrod joined Journey of Hope in August of 2019 after serving 4 years at Lanark UMC. He is a second career pastor and is currently working on his Doctor of Ministry at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, focusing on flourishing in life and ministry.

Jarrod brings a passion for worship, music, and relationships to Journey of Hope. Pastor Jarrod is excited about the possibilities within this community for mission, relationship building, and growing in our faith and love of God.

Pastor Jarrod was born and raised in Rockford, IL and currently resides in Elgin with his wife, Sherry, and daughter, Jessica. Sherry is enjoying her position as an administrative assistant for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Gilberts and being a health coach. Jessica is attending Elgin Community College, working toward her bachelor’s degree. His other daughter, Stephanie, was married in September 2020 to Kyle Colson and lives in Pingree Grove. Stephanie is a social worker who works with the elderly in the Dekalb/Sycamore area and Kyle is a family attorney in Crystal Lake.

e-mail Pastor Jarrod.

Chris earned a Bachelor’s degree of Music in Music Education from Millikin University and Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. In addition to being the Music Director here at Journey of Hope. Christopher has been choral director at Hampshire High School (HHS) since the fall of 2004. At HHS he teaches Bass Chorus, Treble Chorus, Varsity Treble Choir, Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz, and directs the annual musical. During his tenure at HHS, his students have toured extensively. Choral students from HHS have performed in Orlando, New York, Washington D.C., Nashville, Memphis, England, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

Chris is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, Illinois Music Educators Association, and a Grammy nominated music educator. Outside of HHS is an adjunct professor at Elgin Community College where directs the concert choir and music directs the musical theatre productions. Chris lives in Hampshire with his wife, Karen, and son, Mason.

e-mail Christopher.

Donna Bach was the long time organist at Wesley UMC and joined Journey of Hope during the merger process. Donna has been an organist/pianist for over thirty years, a paralegal for ten years, elementary teacher and piano teacher. Donna has three grown daughters and three grandchildren and enjoys reading, crocheting, embroidering, and playing the piano.

Jan Paskiewicz, Worship Musician / Hand Bell Choir Director

A long time member of Journey of Hope, Jan is our service musician accompanying the choir as well as playing organ on the fourth Sunday of the month as well as our Handbell Director. Jan is also a Paraprofessional at Burlington Central High School.

Jan lives in the area with her husband, Keith; she has one adult son and grand-dog, Commander.

Shari Weber,
Office Administrator / Coordinator

Robyn joined Epworth UMC in 2013 as the Office Manager and assists with office administrative duties as well as take care of social media, marketing and branding needs for Journey of Hope. Robyn is in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Robyn lives in the Elgin area with her husband, Ron, and two teenage sons, Colin and Mitchell.

Shari Weber is both a church member and staff member of Journey of Hope. She lives in Elgin with her husband, Bob. They have three children and four young grandchildren. Shari is in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and is most likely playing with her grandbabies or playing her flute on her days off.