Stephanie Perdew VanSlyke, M.Div., Ph.D.
Senior Pastor

Stephanie joined the pastor staff of FCCW in 1996 and has served as Senior Pastor since 2004. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, and life-long member of the United Church of Christ, she was ordained in the Nebraska Conference, UCC. Stephanie earned her B.A. in religion and women’s studies from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and her Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois. She serves as Affiliate Professor of Christian History at Garrett, where she teaches courses in early Christian history, early Christian art, and Medieval and Reformed church history. At FCCW, she oversees the professional and support staff; takes the lead role in planning worship and in preaching; leads the monthly women’s Mary Supper and women’s retreats; oversees pastoral and congregational care; and works with the Board of Trustees and church leadership on all aspects of church governance and stewardship.

Jason Okrzynski, M.Div., Ph.D.
Pastor for Mission and Education

Jason brings to FCCW over fifteen years of ministry experience in a variety of roles including youth minister, associate pastor, and theologian in residence. He earned his B.A. in Religious Studies from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN; Master of Divinity at Luther Theological Seminary in St. Paul, MN; and a Ph.D. in Christian Education and Congregational Studies at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston. Service-learning has been a significant influence on Jason’s life, and he has led national and international service-learning/mission trips. A native of Rochester, MN, he was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and holds Ordained Ministerial Standing with the United Church of Christ.  At FCCW, he oversees ministries for children, youth, young adults, and families; serves as point-person for hands-on mission projects; preaches occasionally and shares in weekly worship leadership. As part of FCCW’s work with Connections for the Homeless, Jason serves as a pastoral presence at their daily drop-in center on a weekly basis and leads a men’s spirituality group for the residents of Hilda’s Place Shelter each Tuesday night.

Kurt Mockenhaupt, B.M.
Director of Music

As Director of Music at FCCW, Kurt serves as the organist for all worship services, and directs the Chancel Choir and Handbell Choirs. With thirty-five years of church music experience, Kurt served three churches before coming to FCCW: Granville Avenue United Methodist Church in Chicago, Berry Memorial United Methodist Church in Chicago and St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in Skokie, Illinois. Kurt holds a Bachelor of Music in Education from DePaul University and taught general music (K-8) for eight years. He is a member of The Agape Ringers, an auditioned community handbell ensemble from the greater Chicago area, and has served on the state committee for Area VIII of The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR).

David Hogue, M.Div., Ph.D.
Men’s Ministry Facilitator

As FCCW’s Men’s Ministry Facilitator, David leads a monthly men’s gathering and an annual men’s retreat. In addition, he periodically presides in worship and preaches on Sunday mornings. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), David is a retired pastoral counselor and is retired from service as Professor of Pastoral Theology and Counseling at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois. His most recent book Remembering the Future, Imagining the Past: Story, Ritual, and the Human Brain (Pilgrim Press, 2003), draws on the brain sciences for a deeper understanding of worship and pastoral care, and he continues this research in his retirement.

Devin McCue, B.A., M.A.
Church Administrator

Devin McCue joined FCCW staff in September 2018. Prior, she worked as a program director for Lakeshore Lacrosse and The Illinois Girls Lacrosse Association. She is a native of Chicago and currently resides in Northfield with her three kids. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at Allegheny College and Master of Arts in Teaching from Northeastern Illinois University.