First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

Dr. Paris Donehoo, Senior Pastor, has served churches in Illinois and his native Georgia for more than thirty years. He holds degrees from Georgia Southern College, Southwestern Baptist Seminary, and Columbia Seminary. For eleven years Dr. Donehoo also served as advisor to students in the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program at Chicago Theological Seminary.

Rev. Lois A. Bucher has served as associate pastor of this congregation since 1996. She began her ministry here as a student pastor prior to being ordained by the United Church of Christ in 1998. In addition to a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, she holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in education from Illinois State University and Northern Illinois University respectively. Having had a career in the field of elementary education, Lois enjoys working with children as well as adults. Before coming to Elgin she served churches in Crystal Lake and Algonquin.

Jon Warfel, Director of Music, holds two degrees from Northern Illinois University. Since 1977 he has been Director of Choral Activities at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove. A respected accompanist in the Chicago area, Jon also serves as trombonist, vocalist, and arranger for the "BuffaloShufflers." Prior to joining the First Congregational staff he served churches in Geneva and Batavia.

Pam holds a BA in Communications from Midland Lutheran College, and has an extensive background in office administration, property management, community involvement, and customer service. She is an active member of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Streamwood.

Dr. John Kauffman, congregational associate in First Congregational UCC and licensed minister to the church and the Fox Valley Association, is vice president of marketing for a testing company. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Bradley University and a doctorate from the University of Iowa. He is active in the Illinois Conference UCC in addition to First Congregational, and has provided pulpit supply to several UCC churches.

Congregational Associate, Rev. Patricia Lindquist is a full time Regional Recovery Support Specialist. At FCC she offers support to individuals and families experiencing a mental health crisis. Pat teaches at the local, state and national level that recovery from mental illness is possible. Pat holds degrees from the University of Dubuque and Chicago Theological Seminary. Pat served churches in Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota before joining the pastoral staff at FCC.

Letty Jocius began teaching the Children's Choir at F.C.C. in the fall of 2008. She is a graduate of Concordia University-River Forest with a dual concentration in music and history. Letty has been singing hymns and liturgy in church from childhood on and has sung in various church and community choirs. She belives that as Psalm 100 proclaims, we all should make a joyful noise to the Lord -- no matter what the skill level.