Staff

Rich Darr Lead Pastor
rsdarr@earthlink.net
Dr. Rich Darr serves as the Lead Pastor for the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge. He came to Park Ridge in July 2009 after nine years as the Pastor of the Minooka United Methodist Church, located near Joliet, Illinois. Born in Akron, Ohio, Pastor Rich grew up in Mali, West Africa, where his parents served as missionaries. He earned his Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Seminary in 1983 and then studied in the Garrett Evangelical Theology Seminary/Northwestern University PhD program from 1983-1985. He completed his Doctorate of Theology at the Boston University School of Theology in 2005.

 

Carol Hill  Associate Pastor
carol@parkridgeumc.org
Rev. Carol Hill came to the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge as the Associate Pastor in July 2009. She graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity and received her Bachelor of the Arts degree from Vanderbilt University.  The daughter of a United Methodist pastor, Carol is the seventh generation of pastors in her family.  She brings great passion and enthusiasm for the church and ministry to our world.

 

 

Rev. Bob Campbell Extension Ministry

Bob Campbell, ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, participates in the life of this congregation by offering leadership and guidance in Adult Education and Spiritual Formation.  Bob has served many churches, and has a special gift for Pastoral Counseling.  Bob also has a conference appointment as the Co-Director of the Willow Wellness Center in Park Ridge.  Bob graduated with an Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1995 and has a Psy.D. from Adler School of Professional Psychology.

 

Susan Laurie

Parish Coordinator office@parkridgeumc.org
Sue Laurie is the welcoming face of our church, greeting everyone who calls or stops by during the week.  Sue joined our staff team in January 2011, bringing a myriad of experiences that have helped shape the church office and the broader church itself.  Sue has her Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, was formerly a math teacher, and worked for the Reconciling Ministries Network.

 

John Schuman

Director of Music Ministries  musicparkridge@gmail.com

The newest addition to our church staff, John brings his many gifts to our worship experience. A multi-instrumentalist, John is our church organist for traditional music, leads our contemporary praise music group, works with the staff in developing our worship and music programs, and directs our choirs. He has been the music director of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods and music teacher in their school for Pre-K through 8th grade students. From his musical talent and expertise to his delightful personality to his ability to patiently teach, we are blessed to have him with us.

 

Caroline Uhlig

Music Minister for Chapel Worship   cwvine@sbcglobal.net
Caroline Uhlig is our talented musician for our early morning chapel service.  Caroline teaches private piano lessons to students of all ages throughout the week, participates as a member of UMW, as well as being the choir director and music minister at First Baptist Church of Park Ridge. Caroline also is an active accompanist and pianist for musicals.  Caroline’s sense of humor and zest for life make worship all the more lively.

 

Kathy McIntyre   Church Accountant    kathrynmci@aol.com

 

Adrian Hill

Church Custodian     H_3_K@yahoo.com
Adrian Hill provides upkeep of the facilities at First UMC.  Adrian is currently studying at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary to receive his Masters of Theological Studies in May 2012.  Adrian grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate studies in History.  Adrian brings his love for the church to his care of the building, making sure all are comfortable in this space.