The Reverend Lark Hapke

Interim Senior Pastor

The Rev. Lark Hapke has been in the ministry of the United Church of Christ for over 45 years, serving in a variety of positions: pastor, senior pastor, and on conference staffs all over the country, including six years as the Associate Pastor at Winnetka Congregational Church during the 1990s.

In May of 2022, Rev. Hapke became the interim minister at First Congregational Church of Wilmette. Along with her pastoral roles, she will be working with the church to reimagine its presence as a historic faith community in Wilmette. “I am convinced that healthy congregations are needed more than ever to find our courage, embodying God’s love, and leading with God’s light. To quote the eloquent Amanda Gorman, ‘For there is always light if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.’” Rev. Hapke is originally from Michigan City, Indiana, so she is delighted to be in the Chicago area – especially on the shores of Lake Michigan.