mEET OUR STAFF

James serves as our Lead Pastor with responsibilities for preaching, leading worship, administration, teaching, pastoral care, adult formation, stewardship, and shepherding our vision. With a passion for hospitality and welcome, he is committed to reaching new people for Jesus Christ, seeking God’s justice in the world, and proclaiming a message of full inclusion within and outside the church. James also serves in many ways with our surrounding communities and within The United Methodist Church.

As our Assistant Pastor, Clayton serves in ministry to junior/senior high youth and their families, oversees our missions and serving ministries, and coordinates our online and digital ministries. He is married to Caitlin and they have one son, Clark, who is five. A huge baseball fan, Clayton loves to read, write, and of course, watch baseball.

Jenn serves as our Minister to Children, Families and Welcoming. She is married to her husband, Jim, and they have three children. Aside from having the best job as mom, Jenn leads all ministries for children, their families and children’s outreach. In addition, she coordinates our welcoming and including ministries as well as connecting with guests at Kingswood. She likes to read, cook, exercise and tend her seven chickens.

Felicia is a lifelong Chicago native who currently serves as our Ministry of Music and Contemporary Worship Leader. She also leads our children’s music program. A talented singer and musician, she continues to sing professionally as a solo artist and with her band, Chicago Soul Revue. Felicia lives with her husband and two daughters in Chicago.

Elizabeth serves as the Church Administrator at Kingswood and is responsible for managing the church office, calendar, and building.  Elizabeth and her family have been long-time members of Kingswood and have served in various places. Elizabeth has a passion for hospitality, welcome, and making our facility the best possible venue for mission and ministry.

As our Coordinator of Finance, Larry is responsible for managing church finances (i.e. budget, accounting, payroll, etc.)

As our Director of Choirs & Traditional Worship, Randy directs the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Men's ensemble (King’s Men), other ensembles, and special seasonal music offerings.  An accomplished vocalist, as well as director of choirs and instrumentalists, Randy has a passion for sacred music, worship, and preaching. He is a Certified Lay Speaker in The United Methodist Church.

As Coordinator of Communications, Lauren is responsible for our web page, weekly newsletter, electronic and social media communication, worship program production, and promotion of events and mission. Lauren and her husband, Mike, raised their three children in Buffalo Grove and are enjoying this season of life as empty nesters. She has a passion for sharing the story of ministry at Kingswood.

With a Doctorate of Music in Piano Performance from Northwestern University and a Bachelors of Music from Wheaton College, Michael serves as our organist and piano accompanist for worship, weddings, funerals, and special services. As a highly skilled and creative musician, Michael has a passion for worship, sacred music, people, and instructing children and youth in piano.

Paula services as the Director of Parents Day Out (PDO) program, our weekday ministry of learning and care for children, 2 years to 5 years. Through PDO, Paula is able to live out her passion and commitment to caring for children and helping them grow in faith and knowledge. She also likes to read and scrapbook/craft in her free time.

As an accomplished musician and long-time Kingswood member, Dawn serves as the Director of the Allelus, a women’s music and singing ensemble. With a career as a Preschool Music Teacher and as a member of the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band, she and her husband, Tom, are Coordinators of the Food Pantry ministry. They are also proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three amazing kids.

A full time computer programmer, Dan serves at Kingswood as the Weekend Custodian. Dan is committed to creating a clean and welcoming space for worship and other weekend activities. Dan is an animal lover and shares his home with four cats, one dog and two turtles. He is also a husband, father, and soon-to-be grandfather.

A native of the St. Louis area, Wesley serves as our Coordinator of Media Arts and Livestream Ministries. He is responsible for coordinating our audio-visual ministry as well as our livestream worship services. He also coordinates and trains volunteers to assist in these areas as well. Wesley has a passion for music, digital life, and sound and video production