Working closely with the Church Council, Leadership Teams, and mission leaders,
the Ministry Team helps implement the day-to-day mission and ministry of the congregation.
Our Ministry Team
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Rev. Hank Fairman
Senior Pastor
The Rev. Henry E. “Hank” Fairman was called as the eighteenth Senior Pastor of St. John UCC on August 7, 2016. His ministry with the congregation began on September 1, 2016.
You are welcomed and encouraged to check out his blog posts from from his 2023 Sabbatical:
His covenant was to post “pretty regularly,” and he will be adding and updating the posts while we process our re-gathering.
Pastor Hank has served United Church of Christ congregations in Illinois, Michigan, and Virginia as well as spending many years with the Ohio Conference UCC Outdoor Ministries. He has had regular involvement with the wider church in local, regional and national settings of the UCC, especially in ministries related to children’s ministry and youth ministry.
Rev. Fairman was born in Rockford, Illinois and raised in southern Virginia, Michigan and Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University focusing on the art, history, and religion of the ancient Near East. He received his Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary with emphasis on youth ministry and pastoral care. Hank has a passion for investigating the transitional moments in our personal lives and congregational life, and how they inform and challenge our growing and evolving faith.
Hank and his wife Christina are the proud parents of Elliot. Hank enjoys engaging the outdoors with his family, working on local and regional affordable housing projects, reading too many books, and sharing his passion for music. Hank and Christina also enjoy touring the byways by motorcycle.
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Rev. Ted Michalsen
Visitation Pastor, October 2024-June 2025
Rev. Ted Michalsen re-joins the St. John UCC ministry staff, expanding our Wellness Ministry and elder visitation. He will help our Care & Community Leadership Team embrace its mission in the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health of the congregation
Pastor Ted is a close friend (and neighbor!) of our congregation, currently teaching art and art history at Aquin Schools.
Ted is an ordained minister in the UnitedChurch of Christ, serving in local church ministry for fifteen years.
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Pamela Wessel
Director of Congregational Life
Pam's gifts in ministry enrich the life of our congregation as she discerns the gifts of the people and helps them match their gifts with the ministries and missions of the church. Pam's organizational skills direct the events of the church and her caring manner reaches out to members and non-members alike.
Pam is married to Dan and they enjoy spending their time with family, doing fun activities together in the outdoors.
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Randy Cook
Principal Musician and Accompanist
Randy joined the Music Ministry team in March 2019. He is an IT specialist by profession, but his passion is music. He served Embury UMC as organist for 26 years and is accompanist for the Freeport Choral Society. His gifts include in accompanying our choirs, leading our service music, and offering special music on the organ and piano.
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Judi Buus
Choir Director
Judi joined the Music Ministry team in 2021, regathering our choirs from their COVID hiatus. She is a retired music educator, serving in school and church settings. Her gifts include vocal and instrumental direction, piano accompaniment, and creating new arrangements that fit the varying needs of our music ministers.
