Pastor Dick began seminary in 1996 after 22 years working in the private sector. He has a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and two Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degrees* in Leadership (*ABD – all but dissertation): one from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and one from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. Pastor Dick is a passionate believer of lifelong learning. He is a husband of 33 years to Cheryl, a father to four children, a grandfather to four perfect grandchildren, and the “dad” to his rescue dog Shadow. He previously served as the District Superintendent for the Prairie Central District in the Northern Illinois Conference.

Pastor Sherry serves as the Minister of Faith Formation at Plainfield United Methodist Church. She is responsible for spiritual formation and educational opportunities for all ages, from infants in the nursery up through adults. After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University with degrees in music and religion, she moved to Nashville, TN in 1999. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School in 2004 and was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church in 2010. She now lives with her husband, Tedd, who is also United Methodist Pastor; her two children, Anna and Nathan; and her three stepchildren, Jadyn, Sophia, and Brooklyn.

Pastor Sherry is passionate about equipping people to use their gifts both within and outside of the church. She is active in the Plainfield Ministerial Association and serves as Co-Chair of the NIC Order of Deacons, as well as the President of the Board of the Ridgewood United Community Pantry and the Emergency Food and Shelter Committee with the United Way of Joliet. When not at church, Pastor Sherry can be found singing, dancing, chauffeuring her kids, laughing with friends, hanging out at the gym, hiking, and reading.

Pastor Fritz is a retired ordained elder in the Northern Illinois Conference. He started seminary after working 30 years at Caterpillar, his last position being that of a Machine Designer. Pastor Fritz graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity Degree (M.Div.). Before his retirement, he served at Green Garden UMC, Polo Emmanuel UMC, East Jordan UMC, Crete UMC, and Grace Joliet. Pastor Fritz has been married to his wife Judy for 46 years, and they have two grown sons, Ben and Matt. They also have an adorable grandson named Jack. Fritz loves to camp with Judy, to ride his Fuji road bike, to take photographs, and his reading interests include theology, fiction, poetry, and sometimes he even reads directions, but not always. He’s also very interested in birding.

Candace was born and raised in Alberta, Canada, and moved to the Chicago suburbs in 2005. She lives in Yorkville with her husband, two children, and two crazy rescue dogs. Having earned a certificate in Office Technology, she has spent her career working for a variety of organizations in administrative support roles, and most recently has devoted her time to being a homeschool mom. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with her family.

Karen has been with PUMC since June 2017 and tackles most of the day-to-day accounting functions and making sure the bills get paid on time. She lives in Oswego and enjoys being outdoors. When she isn’t working, she gardens, goes on nature walks, and likes to travel. Besides working at PUMC, she also has two other accounting jobs.

Nathan joined the PUMC team in August of 2023. He is currently the Director of Choirs at Plainfield Central High School, where he has taught for the past seven years. Nathan also serves as the Spring Musical Director at PCHS and has held that title for the last seven years. Since 2017, the PCHS Concert Choir has received Excellent Rating at the Joliet West Choir Contest in 2017-2020, including “Best Alto Section” in 2019.

Nathan has toured with his choirs around the United States, including performing at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida in 2017 and 2022, Nashville, Tennessee in 2019 and an upcoming tour in New York City in 2024. In 2015, he received the Plainfield 202 CAPE Award for Teacher of the Year and in 2019, was the recipient of the Plainfield 202 Award of Excellence. He is an active member of the Illinois Music Education Association and the American Choral Directors Association.

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Outside his musical endeavors, Nathan enjoys cooking, DIY home improvement, baseball, random trivia, and spending time with his wife, Jillian, their son, Jackson, and their 3-year-old Golden Retriever, Sona.

Kathleen has been an area resident for most of her life. She grew up in the Valley View school district and now enjoys retirement after working in that district as a teacher for over 40 years. Kathleen earned a Bachelor’s degree in music education from Elmhurst College. In September of 2022, Kathleen began her 50th year as organist at Plainfield United Methodist Church! She accompanies the chancel choir, serves as the pianist for the worship band, and is a member of Bellissimo, the PUMC handbell choir. An avid reader, she also likes knitting, sewing, and cross-stitch.

Jennifer started at PUMC in 2011 as a weekend custodian. She now is settling into her new role as Facilities Coordinator. Being a lifelong Methodist herself, she likes to volunteer as much as she can. On her off time, she enjoys time with her husband David, children, and grandchildren. 

Christina has been with PUMC for 5 years. She is a member of our custodial staff and helps maintain our beautiful building. Christina is the mother of one daughter who's the apple of her eye. 

Patti is a communications professional working with small businesses and non-profit organizations in the community. She joined the Plainfield UMC team in October of 2021.

Patti and her spouse, Larry, have lived in Woodridge since 1999 and have three grown children. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, spending time with family and friends, and trying new restaurants.