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. Zachary Hancock, Minister
zach@thecommunitychurch.us
Zachary Hancock has been described as a Renaissance man. This description is a little much, but he’ll agree to Zach-of-many trades. From gardening and carpentry to literature, philosophy, brewing beer (Belgians are a favorite), raising chickens, and restoring an old airstream, Zach has insatiable curiosity for all that life holds and believes that ministry is an ideal profession for him, where the full spectrum of life is the subject at hand.
A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder (B.A. ’97), Zach also holds a Master of Divinity (’05) from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. Zach is rejuvenated by spending time in nature and enjoying friends and family. His favorite things to do are: hike, run, bicycle, ski, camp, fly-fish, travel, and hopefully sail, now that he lives near Lake Michigan.
Most important to Zach are his wife Lydia, their two-year old son Henry and infant girl Frances, and ten-year-old dog Béla.
zach@thecommunitychurch.us
Zachary Hancock has been described as a Renaissance man. This description is a little much, but he’ll agree to Zach-of-many trades. From gardening and carpentry to literature, philosophy, brewing beer (Belgians are a favorite), raising chickens, and restoring an old airstream, Zach has insatiable curiosity for all that life holds and believes that ministry is an ideal profession for him, where the full spectrum of life is the subject at hand.
A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder (B.A. ’97), Zach also holds a Master of Divinity (’05) from Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. Zach is rejuvenated by spending time in nature and enjoying friends and family. His favorite things to do are: hike, run, bicycle, ski, camp, fly-fish, travel, and hopefully sail, now that he lives near Lake Michigan.
Most important to Zach are his wife Lydia, their two-year old son Henry and infant girl Frances, and ten-year-old dog Béla.
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 two 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 two spoiled grandchildren who call him "Bebop."
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 and his wonderful wife, Paula, have 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 and his wonderful wife, Paula, have 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.
Ms. Mary Jo Stevenson, Children's Ministries Co-Director
maryjo@thecommunitychurch.us
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 ten 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.
maryjo@thecommunitychurch.us
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 ten 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
teddi@thecommunitychurch.us
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 nine 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.
teddi@thecommunitychurch.us
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 nine 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.
Ms. Terry Klausmeier, Church Administrator
terry@thecommunitychurch.us
Terry came to a Community Church service at the chapel several years ago, and joined our staff as the administrator in 2014. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Florida, South Carolina and Illinois, returning to Lake Forest eleven years ago. The majority of her career has been in the insurance industry—corporate training, claim handling, system development, disaster relief/catastrophe handling and program/policy management. Terry also worked for the Broward County school system in Florida, assisting children with both physical and mental challenges. She taught religious education classes for both elementary and middle school students, and was actively involved in the local craft guild as President and VP. Her many joys include quilting, traveling, especially to see her children—Emily (son-in-law Craig), Jake, and Aly, and twin grandsons, Patrick and Brady. Terry and Bob (Brown) currently reside in Lake Forest, along with their three rescue collies, Demi, Finn and Dakota.
terry@thecommunitychurch.us
Terry came to a Community Church service at the chapel several years ago, and joined our staff as the administrator in 2014. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Florida, South Carolina and Illinois, returning to Lake Forest eleven years ago. The majority of her career has been in the insurance industry—corporate training, claim handling, system development, disaster relief/catastrophe handling and program/policy management. Terry also worked for the Broward County school system in Florida, assisting children with both physical and mental challenges. She taught religious education classes for both elementary and middle school students, and was actively involved in the local craft guild as President and VP. Her many joys include quilting, traveling, especially to see her children—Emily (son-in-law Craig), Jake, and Aly, and twin grandsons, Patrick and Brady. Terry and Bob (Brown) currently reside in Lake Forest, along with their three rescue collies, Demi, Finn and Dakota.
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 27 and 23.
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 27 and 23.
Mr. Elliott Delman, Communications Manager
elliott@thecommunitychurch.us
The newest addition to our staff, 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, 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.
elliott@thecommunitychurch.us
The newest addition to our staff, 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, 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.