Staff
Rev. Dr. Thomas Dickelman, Founder and Minister
tom@thecommunitychurch.us
Tom is an ordained Presbyterian minister (PCUSA) and founder of the Community Church. A graduate of the University of Utah (B.S. ‘78), Tom also holds the Master of Divinity (’83) and Doctor of Ministry (’91) from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Tom has additional professional experience in marketing and organizational development, and spent many years as a consultant, speaker, and corporate trainer. During his 20+ years living in the Lake Forest & Lake Bluff communities, Tom has served as President of the Rotary Club and on a number of boards including CROYA, LF/LB Senior Center, Cable Commission, LBMS Steering Committee and McCormick Theological Seminary. Tom was also involved in starting KidsUganda, the Lake Bluff-based charity serving needy children in Mityana, Uganda and founded the Center for Innovative Ministry. In addition to the Community Church, Tom has worked at the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, Lutheran General Hospital (chaplain) and the Union Church. His greatest joys are his family (wife Jean and children Tommy, Kate and Annie), family dogs Nori and Telluride, and time spent on the water.
tom@thecommunitychurch.us
Tom is an ordained Presbyterian minister (PCUSA) and founder of the Community Church. A graduate of the University of Utah (B.S. ‘78), Tom also holds the Master of Divinity (’83) and Doctor of Ministry (’91) from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. Tom has additional professional experience in marketing and organizational development, and spent many years as a consultant, speaker, and corporate trainer. During his 20+ years living in the Lake Forest & Lake Bluff communities, Tom has served as President of the Rotary Club and on a number of boards including CROYA, LF/LB Senior Center, Cable Commission, LBMS Steering Committee and McCormick Theological Seminary. Tom was also involved in starting KidsUganda, the Lake Bluff-based charity serving needy children in Mityana, Uganda and founded the Center for Innovative Ministry. In addition to the Community Church, Tom has worked at the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, Second Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, Lutheran General Hospital (chaplain) and the Union Church. His greatest joys are his family (wife Jean and children Tommy, Kate and Annie), family dogs Nori and Telluride, and time spent on the water.
Rev. Sean Miller, Minister
sean@thecommunitychurch.us
Sean Miller was raised in Deerfield and is a proud graduate of Deerfield High School, class of 1997.
After a wonderful upbringing in Deerfield, Sean attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, receiving
Phi Beta Kappa membership and graduating Suma Cum Laude with degrees in music and religious studies. After spending five great years in Boulder, Sean attended McCormick Seminary in Hyde Park and graduated in 2004. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in 2005, Sean’s ministry has taken him from Arlington Heights as a youth pastor, to Potomac, Maryland and Greenwich, Connecticut as a Senior Minister. He has served in congregations from 40 to 2,000 members and has taken on numerous leadership roles both within the Presbyterian Church and in the communities in which he has served.
Sean is most of all thrilled to come home to the North Shore, to work with Tom and the Community Church, in beautiful Lake Forest and Lake Bluff where his mom, dad, and stepmom have lived for many years.
Sean is a beloved teacher and preacher, known for his energetic, thoughtful, and relevant sermons, engaging style, and joyful outlook on living a life of faith. In his spare time, Sean loves to spend time with his children, Hannah and Drew, exercise, read poetry, cheer on his beloved Cubs, and occasionally show Tom a thing or two on the golf course.
sean@thecommunitychurch.us
Sean Miller was raised in Deerfield and is a proud graduate of Deerfield High School, class of 1997.
After a wonderful upbringing in Deerfield, Sean attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, receiving
Phi Beta Kappa membership and graduating Suma Cum Laude with degrees in music and religious studies. After spending five great years in Boulder, Sean attended McCormick Seminary in Hyde Park and graduated in 2004. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church in 2005, Sean’s ministry has taken him from Arlington Heights as a youth pastor, to Potomac, Maryland and Greenwich, Connecticut as a Senior Minister. He has served in congregations from 40 to 2,000 members and has taken on numerous leadership roles both within the Presbyterian Church and in the communities in which he has served.
Sean is most of all thrilled to come home to the North Shore, to work with Tom and the Community Church, in beautiful Lake Forest and Lake Bluff where his mom, dad, and stepmom have lived for many years.
Sean is a beloved teacher and preacher, known for his energetic, thoughtful, and relevant sermons, engaging style, and joyful outlook on living a life of faith. In his spare time, Sean loves to spend time with his children, Hannah and Drew, exercise, read poetry, cheer on his beloved Cubs, and occasionally show Tom a thing or two on the golf course.
Dr. Darrell Bloom, Pastoral Associate
darrell@thecommunitychurch.us
Darrell has been blessed with a wonderful career in teacher education, first in the Peace Corps (Philippines), then teaching in Cabrini Green, and for the last few decades on the faculty at National Louis University. While president of the International Council on Education for Teaching, he has had the opportunity to work with education policy makers internationally. His religious experiences as a child were through heavy involvement in the Lutheran Church, then on to the Presbyterian Church and ultimately the Community Church of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, where he found a home as a pluralist in his faith journey. Darrell has four adult children and six grandchildren. While he enjoys participating in a variety of sports, don't ask him about nutrition or exercise unless you have a lot of free time.
darrell@thecommunitychurch.us
Darrell has been blessed with a wonderful career in teacher education, first in the Peace Corps (Philippines), then teaching in Cabrini Green, and for the last few decades on the faculty at National Louis University. While president of the International Council on Education for Teaching, he has had the opportunity to work with education policy makers internationally. His religious experiences as a child were through heavy involvement in the Lutheran Church, then on to the Presbyterian Church and ultimately the Community Church of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, where he found a home as a pluralist in his faith journey. Darrell has four adult children and six grandchildren. While he enjoys participating in a variety of sports, don't ask him about nutrition or exercise unless you have a lot of free time.
Mr. Ken Hall, Minister of Music
ken@thecommunitychurch.us
When the Community Worship Hour transitioned to become the Community Church in 2002, Ken was hired as the Music Director. A lifelong resident of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest, Ken developed a passion for music early in his life, and at Lake Forest High School was an award winning multi-instrumentalist. Ken’s music education continued at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he received a Bachelor degree in professional music, and at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. He has been an active church musician for over 25 years, and regularly plays vibes in performances and for recordings as well. Ken’s connection to other musicians in the Chicago area has created the opportunity for the Community Church to develop a unique music program, as we utilize both outstanding musicians and vocalists in our church family, as well jazz, blues, folk, and classical professional musicians from throughout northern Illinois.
In 2008, Ken was named Minister of Music in recognition of the spirit and skills he brings to his work. When not working with the church or playing professionally (www.kenhallmusic.com), Ken volunteers for a number of charities including KidsUganda and the C.O.O.L. Food Pantry. He loves to kayak, sail and play disc golf, especially at his favorite spot in Northern Michigan where he and his wife Chris have a condominium. Ken also cherishes Sunday dinner with his wonderful family—son Scott, daughter-in-law Lauren, and a brood of spoiled grandchildren who call him "Bebop."
ken@thecommunitychurch.us
When the Community Worship Hour transitioned to become the Community Church in 2002, Ken was hired as the Music Director. A lifelong resident of Lake Bluff and Lake Forest, Ken developed a passion for music early in his life, and at Lake Forest High School was an award winning multi-instrumentalist. Ken’s music education continued at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he received a Bachelor degree in professional music, and at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. He has been an active church musician for over 25 years, and regularly plays vibes in performances and for recordings as well. Ken’s connection to other musicians in the Chicago area has created the opportunity for the Community Church to develop a unique music program, as we utilize both outstanding musicians and vocalists in our church family, as well jazz, blues, folk, and classical professional musicians from throughout northern Illinois.
In 2008, Ken was named Minister of Music in recognition of the spirit and skills he brings to his work. When not working with the church or playing professionally (www.kenhallmusic.com), Ken volunteers for a number of charities including KidsUganda and the C.O.O.L. Food Pantry. He loves to kayak, sail and play disc golf, especially at his favorite spot in Northern Michigan where he and his wife Chris have a condominium. Ken also cherishes Sunday dinner with his wonderful family—son Scott, daughter-in-law Lauren, and a brood of spoiled grandchildren who call him "Bebop."
Ms. Pam Campbell, Office Manager
pam@thecommunitychurch.us
Pam graduated Eastern Illinois University ('85) with a B.S. in Consumer Affairs/Home Economics and a Minor in Business Administration. She spent 30 years in Sales and Marketing in several industries in Champaign and St. Louis but her last 14 years in Chicago were in the Title Industry.
She grew up in Presbyterian and Methodist churches. After searching for a church on the North Shore for 3 years she found her fit with the Community Church. She has been married to Doug since 2010, in a wedding presided by Dr. Tom Dickelman at the beach in Lake Bluff, with Ken Hall accompanying.
Pam has 6 stepchildren that she calls her "Brady Bunch," and she and Doug are blessed to enjoy 8 grandchildren. Her hobbies are spinning, biking, golf, water skiing, snow skiing, Pilates, birding and being the social director for her family. She is very excited to bring her work experience to assist with
whatever is needed at the church.
pam@thecommunitychurch.us
Pam graduated Eastern Illinois University ('85) with a B.S. in Consumer Affairs/Home Economics and a Minor in Business Administration. She spent 30 years in Sales and Marketing in several industries in Champaign and St. Louis but her last 14 years in Chicago were in the Title Industry.
She grew up in Presbyterian and Methodist churches. After searching for a church on the North Shore for 3 years she found her fit with the Community Church. She has been married to Doug since 2010, in a wedding presided by Dr. Tom Dickelman at the beach in Lake Bluff, with Ken Hall accompanying.
Pam has 6 stepchildren that she calls her "Brady Bunch," and she and Doug are blessed to enjoy 8 grandchildren. Her hobbies are spinning, biking, golf, water skiing, snow skiing, Pilates, birding and being the social director for her family. She is very excited to bring her work experience to assist with
whatever is needed at the church.
Dr. Matt Dewar, Wellness and Youth Director
mattdewar@yahoo.com
Matt Dewar, Ed.D. is a professional educator, author, and speaker working at the intersection of mindfulness, stress-management, and well-being. For almost two decades, Matt has served as an educator, well-being coordinator, and social-emotional learning coach at Lake Forest High School (IL), introducing students, athletes, and colleagues to research-based mindfulness practices through workshops, academic courses, school-wide programs, and professional development. Outside of Lake Forest High School, Matt has consulted with school districts nationally on implementing mindfulness and well-being programming. He is also the former president of The Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully (COSEM) and still serves on the board.
Beyond the field of education, Matt works with individuals and organization of all kinds, especially athletes and teams, teaching essential mindfulness and stress-management practices. Matt is the author of The Mindful Breathing Workbook for Teens (2021) and Education and Well-Being: An Ontological Inquiry (2016). His work has been featured on TEDx, NPR, Thrive Global, and the National Wellness Institute.
mattdewar@yahoo.com
Matt Dewar, Ed.D. is a professional educator, author, and speaker working at the intersection of mindfulness, stress-management, and well-being. For almost two decades, Matt has served as an educator, well-being coordinator, and social-emotional learning coach at Lake Forest High School (IL), introducing students, athletes, and colleagues to research-based mindfulness practices through workshops, academic courses, school-wide programs, and professional development. Outside of Lake Forest High School, Matt has consulted with school districts nationally on implementing mindfulness and well-being programming. He is also the former president of The Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully (COSEM) and still serves on the board.
Beyond the field of education, Matt works with individuals and organization of all kinds, especially athletes and teams, teaching essential mindfulness and stress-management practices. Matt is the author of The Mindful Breathing Workbook for Teens (2021) and Education and Well-Being: An Ontological Inquiry (2016). His work has been featured on TEDx, NPR, Thrive Global, and the National Wellness Institute.
Ms. Mary Jo Stevenson, Children's Ministries Co-Director
mmjas3@aol.com
Mary Jo began her teaching career in Southern California, which included five years as a Master Teacher at The Marianne Frostig Center for Children with Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances. She moved to Illinois in 1980 and has 30+ years experience teaching Kindergarten through Second Grade in Lake Bluff District #65.
She grew up in Michigan, with a religious affiliation in the Methodist Church and parents who also taught Sunday school. She married Michael, moved to Illinois, and they have a married son, Andrew. They searched for a church in the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest area and have been part of the Community Church family for over eleven years. Using A Joyful Path curriculum last year at Glen Rowan encouraged her to co-direct Children’s Ministry with her friend and colleague, Teddi Koch.
Mary Jo has a passion for teaching, and combining that with her faith, is thrilled to be part
of educating the young children in our church family.
mmjas3@aol.com
Mary Jo began her teaching career in Southern California, which included five years as a Master Teacher at The Marianne Frostig Center for Children with Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances. She moved to Illinois in 1980 and has 30+ years experience teaching Kindergarten through Second Grade in Lake Bluff District #65.
She grew up in Michigan, with a religious affiliation in the Methodist Church and parents who also taught Sunday school. She married Michael, moved to Illinois, and they have a married son, Andrew. They searched for a church in the Lake Bluff/Lake Forest area and have been part of the Community Church family for over eleven years. Using A Joyful Path curriculum last year at Glen Rowan encouraged her to co-direct Children’s Ministry with her friend and colleague, Teddi Koch.
Mary Jo has a passion for teaching, and combining that with her faith, is thrilled to be part
of educating the young children in our church family.
Ms. Teddi Koch, Children's Ministries Co-Director
teddikoch@comcast.net
Teddi Koch’s teaching career has centered on the arts in early childhood. She has directed and taught programs in music and movement, creative dramatics and storytelling both for children and teachers. For over twenty years Teddi was director and lead teacher at The Music & Movement Center at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Recently, she moved her program to Midwest Young Artists, the award-winning music school at Fort Sheridan. Currently, Teddi is offering twelve classes per week designed for parents/toddlers and preschool/kindergarten aged children. Teddi grew up in Chicago and was raised with a Catholic background. Married to Fred Koch, together they began their search for a family friendly spiritual home for themselves and their then young son, Matthew. They found The Community Church and have been attending for over ten years. She is excited about co-directing and teaching A Joyful Path curriculum with Mary Jo at the Glen Rowan House this year. Collaborating with other Sunday school teachers and working with the young people of The Community Church is a joyful path for Teddi, too.
teddikoch@comcast.net
Teddi Koch’s teaching career has centered on the arts in early childhood. She has directed and taught programs in music and movement, creative dramatics and storytelling both for children and teachers. For over twenty years Teddi was director and lead teacher at The Music & Movement Center at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Recently, she moved her program to Midwest Young Artists, the award-winning music school at Fort Sheridan. Currently, Teddi is offering twelve classes per week designed for parents/toddlers and preschool/kindergarten aged children. Teddi grew up in Chicago and was raised with a Catholic background. Married to Fred Koch, together they began their search for a family friendly spiritual home for themselves and their then young son, Matthew. They found The Community Church and have been attending for over ten years. She is excited about co-directing and teaching A Joyful Path curriculum with Mary Jo at the Glen Rowan House this year. Collaborating with other Sunday school teachers and working with the young people of The Community Church is a joyful path for Teddi, too.
Mr. John Corrigan, Sixth Man
john@thecommunitychurch.us
John Corrigan coordinates major events and manages the Jessen Office Building (JOB) for the Community Church. His official title is “6th Man,” which means his wide-ranging skill set is put to use in a variety of areas. The partner in an event company which owns and manages running races and triathlons throughout the midwest, John is an avid athlete who’s always up for a game of paddle, bocce, or a round of golf.
A long-time resident of Lake Forest, John and his wife Cindy are the parents of two college-age students, Jack and Patrick.
john@thecommunitychurch.us
John Corrigan coordinates major events and manages the Jessen Office Building (JOB) for the Community Church. His official title is “6th Man,” which means his wide-ranging skill set is put to use in a variety of areas. The partner in an event company which owns and manages running races and triathlons throughout the midwest, John is an avid athlete who’s always up for a game of paddle, bocce, or a round of golf.
A long-time resident of Lake Forest, John and his wife Cindy are the parents of two college-age students, Jack and Patrick.
Mr. Peter Wolff, Account Services
peter@thecommunitychurch.us
Peter is a retired insurance broker who specialized in health care professional liability and alternative funding. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and has three grown boys who were raised in Lake Bluff. Peter has been a participant in The Community Church since its inception, and is excited to assist with the church financial administration. He is passionate about people and sports, particularly cycling, skiing and golf.
He currently lives in Highland Park with his partner Wendy and their dog Lola.
peter@thecommunitychurch.us
Peter is a retired insurance broker who specialized in health care professional liability and alternative funding. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and has three grown boys who were raised in Lake Bluff. Peter has been a participant in The Community Church since its inception, and is excited to assist with the church financial administration. He is passionate about people and sports, particularly cycling, skiing and golf.
He currently lives in Highland Park with his partner Wendy and their dog Lola.
Ms. Lorry Gorski, Technology Manager
lorry@thecommunitychurch.us
Lorry Gorski’s technology career began in 2001 after graduating from Barat College with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. She has since been an Administrator for three small companies and is currently employed full time at Raintrade Corp. Her technical expertise spans just about everything that is related to a computer including website design, database design and hardware repair. In addition to her IT job, Lorry has also worked part-time for Kenny Karnazes at the LBCG for the last 14 years. Many of you may recognize her from the various functions the church has held at the Golf Course over the years. That’s where Lorry first learned about the Community Church and consequently led to her becoming part of our church family. Lorry is the proud mother of two sons, ages 29 and 25.
lorry@thecommunitychurch.us
Lorry Gorski’s technology career began in 2001 after graduating from Barat College with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. She has since been an Administrator for three small companies and is currently employed full time at Raintrade Corp. Her technical expertise spans just about everything that is related to a computer including website design, database design and hardware repair. In addition to her IT job, Lorry has also worked part-time for Kenny Karnazes at the LBCG for the last 14 years. Many of you may recognize her from the various functions the church has held at the Golf Course over the years. That’s where Lorry first learned about the Community Church and consequently led to her becoming part of our church family. Lorry is the proud mother of two sons, ages 29 and 25.
Mr. Elliott Delman, Communications Manager
elliott@thecommunitychurch.us
Elliott has been a fixture on the Chicago music scene for over forty years.
He brings his many talents—both audio and visual—to our church family, and his unbridled love of language extends to Spanish, French, some ASL (American Sign Language), and just enough Italian to show off in a restaurant.
Whether he's playing his uke or guitar, composing, capturing video or managing our website, his love for
our community continues to grow. His varied adventures can be viewed on his website.