Our Staff

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As one team, united, our pastor partnering with our ministry staff and lay leaders, cast and lead the vision of our church. Working together, we share the love of Christ throughout our community sharing the message… “No Matter who you are, or where you are on Life’s Journey, You are welcome HERE.”

Meet our Team…

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Jim Hilker

Pastor

Rev. Jim Hilker is serving as pastor in a shared ministry with Grace UCC in O’Fallon and Faith United Church of Christ in Wentzville, where he had been serving as a pastor for the last 5 years.  Rev. Hilker grew up in the United Church of Christ in central Pennsylvania.  He was active in his home church, Christ UCC where he was baptized and confirmed.  He graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Eden Seminary in St. Louis in 1993 and was ordained in January of 1994.  He as served 4 churches in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Missouri over that last 30 years.  His ministry experience includes: training in congregational revitalization, stewardship development, worship planning and leadership, creating faith formation opportunities for all ages and caring for people as counselor, teacher and pastor.

Pastor has 3 grown children and lives in St. Charles with his wife, Rev. Lisa Martin.  His hobbies include: riding his bicycle, model railroading and playing drums.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2157″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”img_link_large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]

Jon Garrett

Music Minister

Jon Garrett, our Music Minister, has been involved in church worship and production for over 25 years. He is also a recording artist, composer, collaborative pianist, musical theater director, conductor and operatic tenor.

Jon has performed with Winter Opera St. Louis, Union Avenue Opera, the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus, Missouri Ballet Theatre, and Stray Dog Theatre.  His compositions have been featured in performances by the Chamber Chorus, St. John UCC Chancel Choir, and Missouri Ballet Theatre. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, where he studied piano with Evelyn Mitchell and voice with Dr. Mark Madsen. He also received a Master of Music in Music from the Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville where he studied piano with Dr. Kris Pineda and voice with Dr. Emily Truckenbrod.

He lives in St. Peters and is the father of three lovely daughters.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”3043″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_border” onclick=”img_link_large” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”28px”][vc_column_text]

Patti Bergner

Preschool Director

Patti Bergner is the Director of the Grace Church Preschool. She has been a faculty member at the Preschool since the fall of 2010 and was promoted to the Director position in August, 2018. Patti previously taught in the 2’s, 3’s, and Pre-K classes.

Prior to coming to Grace, Patti worked as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, and Instructional Specialist in the Hazelwood School District.  After having her first child, Patti wanted a part-time teaching position, joining the Fort Zumwalt in the Parents as Teachers program.  Patti is involved with her church, as well as the PTO and school board at her children’s school.  She is an active volunteer in the community.

Patti resides in O’Fallon with her spouse, Greg, and their two sons, Ryan and Daniel.

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Angie Hinzpeter

Custodian

Angie Hinzpeter is our Custodian and also one of our preschool teachers. She is married to her husband Matt. They have three kids: Alexandria, Brendan, and Ashlynn.

Her two younger kids started at Grace Preschool in 2010 and shortly after that she joined the Preschool as the Music Program Director.  In 2014, she began teaching other classes at Grace Preschool. Angie says, “I absolutely love teaching these sweet kiddos!” Last year she accepted the custodial position and began cleaning the building.

Angie spends her spare time running kids around, hanging out with her family, and spending time at the Lake.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]