Our Staff
Lead Pastor
Michael Mann
As a pastor for over 20 years, my greatest joys have been helping others discover their own vision of what faith and life can be.
When I'm not reading the latest theology or working on the next church meeting, I love hanging out with my two kids, date nights with my wife, Julia Jones, and taking time to pray while walking on a nature trail.
I'm passionate about justice, especially for those left out because of their gender or identity; I'm a follow of Jesus who loves that he offers more questions than answers; and I cannot stand worship that is boring or irrelevant. I would be honored to hear your story sometime.
Director of Children's Ministries
Chris Smith Kozlowski
Christine Kozlowski received her Masters of Divinity degree from Garrett Seminary (in Evanston, IL). She is also a practicing Art Therapist with many years of experience working with both children and adults. She received her Masters of Art in Art Therapy from the Art Institute of Chicago.
In addition to being the Director of Children’s Ministry at First United Methodist Church of Lombard, she also works at the School of Expressive Arts and Learning (“S.E.A.L”, in Lombard, IL) and helps children with special needs. She believes that a large part of her calling in life is to “help others to find their voices through the creative process”. Chris lives in Lombard with her wife, Rachel, and their daughters Amelia and Ruth.
email: office@firstumclombard.org
Director of Music
Brianna Harris
Brianna was raised in Lombard, and she grew up in this church. She attended Glenbard East High School and Elmhurst College, and a Masters Degree in Music Education.
While directing the Chancel Choir, Aldersgate Handbell Choir and Fusion at First UMC, she works her “real” job as the band director at a secondary school in Aurora.
Brianna plays flute, oboe and trumpet, and she loves chocolate, Fall, Halloween and wearing scarves – not necessarily in that order. She has a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh.
email: brianna@firstumclombard.org
Technical Production
Alex Teater
Alex Teater is a middle school band director who just taught music for over 10 years. He currently teaches at Emerson Middle School in Park Ridge, Il, where he directs the Emerson Cadet Band and Concert Band, as well as the 5th Grade Beginning Band.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Illinois State University and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois.
Alex is the drummer for our church’s praise band Fusion, and also gigs irregularly as a saxophonist with the rock band Bob Bradish and The Backstabbers from Ottawa, IL.
Alex, his wife Kaitlyn and their three children are members of First UMC Lombard.
email: alex@firstumclombard.org
Pianist
Daniel Hennel
Daniel Hennel graduated from Elmhurst College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in music and a performance certificate, and from Northern Illinois University with a Master of Music degree in piano performance.
He has taught privately since 2000. Daniel has been a music copyist for Doug Beach Music, which specializes in educational jazz, since 1997.
He continues to be an active performer in and around Chicago.
email: office@firstumclombard.org
Custodian/Community Service Coordinator
Jim Lapinskas
Jim coordinates our community service workers.
Workers can show up on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 7am to begin their service.
email: jiml@firstumclombard.org