Staff and Circle Coordinators
Rev. Dr. Beth Johnson - Minister
Rev. Beth Johnson, Minister
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minister@hinsdaleunitarian.org 630-323-2885 ext. 111
Rev. Beth joined us in March, 2023. Prior to joining the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, she served for 18 years as Minister of the Palomar Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Vista, California. Rev. Beth is committed to innovative, spirit-filled, justice-centered worship, preaching, and teaching -- bringing a moral voice to justice work through sacred activism linking spirituality and radical social change. As a minister/activist/public theologian understanding that everything is connected, everything is at stake and everything we do matters, Rev. Beth works on intersectional justice issues including immigration, racial and worker justice, LGBTQIA2S+, and environmental justice. In this momentous time she provides practices that lead to personal and systemic transformational change, grounded in radical love, fierce compassion, and eyes-wide-open hope. Her approach is grounded in trauma-informed somatic practices and breathwork. She is a certified Spiritual Director who leads workshops and retreats in the Work that Reconnects with an equity lens. Rev. Beth received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Antioch University, and the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Claremont School of Theology. Prior to going into ministry she spent twenty years as a certified chemical dependency counselor and program manager. She lives in Clarendon Hills with her 18-year-old kitty, Ms B Haven. As a native Chicagoan she is glad to be back in Chicagoland near her beloved family. Learn more about Rev Beth’s ministry on her website. |
Pam Fodor - Director of Programs
Pam Fodor, Director of Programs
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Pam is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. Having grown up in the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale, she has with many fond memories of being dedicated at the age of six, building a cardboard house in Haunting House, participating in the UU sexuality education course, and of youth group activities.
After graduating from National-Louis University with a degree in Elementary Education, Pam spent ten years teaching various grades, as well as some early childhood classes, in both public and private schools. She began sharing her teaching talents with the church in 1992, teaching all the grade levels, while becoming a trained Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education Facilitator and Senior Youth Advisor. She also served on the Religious Education Committee, several years as the chair. In 2004, Pam was hired as the Director of Religious Education and became the Director of Programs in 2013. Her position gives her the opportunity to work with all the members and friends of the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale. Overseeing programs for people of all ages, providing opportunities for social action and supporting the work of this community brings her great joy; "It is the way I share my knowledge and love of Unitarian Universalism with the world." |
Julia Beckman - Choir Director
Julia Beckman, Choir Director
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Julia Beckman has been Director of the UCH Celebration Singers for more years than she cares to remember! She appreciates and enjoys finding a wide range of music which fits with our church's mission. She holds a BS in Music Education from the University of Iowa and a MS degree in Industrial Relations from Loyola University of Chicago. Before moving to Illinois, Julia conducted adult church choirs in Iowa. In Illinois, she conducted a children's choir and taught private voice lessons before finding UCH, which had no choir! She was happy to found the Celebration Singers in 1974 and has been proud of their dedication and hard work ever since! She is always recruiting new singers.
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Jamie Pastman - Music Coordinator
Jamie Pastman, Music Coordinator
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Jamie Pastman began his career in music over three decades ago. Since that time, he has worked as a composer, musical director, concert pianist, and keyboard player in collaboration with a number of well-known musical artists. His music has crossed into the film industry as well. In the 1990s, he worked on the musical score for the 1997 film, "The Last Time I Committed Suicide," starring Keanu Reeves, Adrien Brody, and Thomas Jane. He has also composed shorter pieces for hundreds of television commercials. Jamie's keyboard playing can also be heard on the 1982 Mainstream Records album, "Rough Draft," which he recorded with his band Apprentice. Critics appreciated the band’s sound and have described its “jazz rock fusion” music as “phenomenal” and “high energy.”
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Circle Coordinators
There are six program circles that hold each of the active committees of the church. Each circle has a volunteer Circle Coordinator who works with and supports the committee chairs. These Circle Coordinators report to and are supported by a paid staff member.
Community Circle |
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Growth & Learning Circle |
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Home & Garden Circle |
The Home & Gardens Circle manages the upkeep and care for both the church and the religious education buildings and the nearly acre lot that they both inhabit. The church was built in 1889, designed by the Rev William Channing Gannett, a friend and contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright. |
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Social Justice Circle |
Tiff Schafer Char Cepek |
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Stewardship Circle |
The Stewardship Circle holds the finance committee, fundraising committee, and the pledge drive and supports the treasurer. |
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Worship Circle |
The Worship circle holds Sunday services, worship arts, flowers, lay worship, and music. The worship circle is always looking for volunteers for lay-led services and worship leaders. |
