I grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, where my parents still live. I have an older sister and a younger brother, who both live in the Carolinas. My family was very involved at First Congregational UCC in Janesville, in music, children and youth ministries, and leadership positions. The church and many of the adults and peers I met at youth events have been and continue to be an extended family for me. Church and youth events had been very important to me as I grew up, but I had not yet realized that I was called to ordained ministry.
After graduating from Janesville Craig High School, I attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. While working toward a degree in Music Education I discovered a passion for academic religious studies and eventually added a religion minor to my degree. These courses, along with participation in music organizations at the college and attendance at the local UCC church, were significant in my continuing faith development.
Most significant in discovering and discerning my call to ministry, though, was my summers working at Pilgrim Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Each summer while I was in college and for several summers afterward, I worked on counselor rotation (alternating weeks on maintenance and kitchen crew and as a cabin counselor) or as a program director, designing and leading program activities for various camps. This gave me a chance to explore various elements of ministry including, teaching, worship design and leadership, pastoral care, and programs, as well as my own development as an individual and a person of faith. It was at camp that I came out as a lesbian, and as someone called to ministry.
Joanie Moody, Church Secretary Phone: (773) 725-0121
Chuck Bezold Music Director
Phone: (773) 725-0121 Email: ccjpucc5320@att.net
Chuck grew up at Jefferson Park, starting in Sunday School at the age of three. He was confirmed as a member of the church in 1964, and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees, Diaconate, Board of Religious Education, as well as Associate Moderator, and Church Clerk, the position he currently holds. He started singing in the Junior Choir at the age of eight, and hasn’t quit singing since! He took voice instruction from the late Bernhardt Mendro, former CCJP Musical Director, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Northeastern Illinois University. Chuck’s career in choral direction began while serving in the U.S. Air Force, where he became involved with the Chapel program. He sang in, and/or directed, choral ensembles in the Chapel program during his twenty year career. He returned to Chicago in 1991 after retiring from the Air Force, and was appointed Musical Director in 2000. Chuck currently works full time for the Chicago Public Schools as an Attendance Clerk at Steinmetz Academic Centre. He sings with the Lutheran Choir of Chicago, and serves on their Board of Directors. He also serves as a member of the Mission and Spiritual Care Committee of Advocate Health Care. He enjoys cooking, participating in community theater, attending the Symphony with Jenny, his bride of 39 years, and of course, music (especially singing)!
Anita Ilika
Pianist/Organist
Anita holds a Master of Music degree from Roosevelt Univ, She has taught piano, choral music, music literature & theory at Elmhurst College & H.S. Dist. 218, supervised student teachers, served as adjudicator & accompanist for Illinois All-State Music Festivals, accompanist for Carl Fisher choral workshops & the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, and coached w/renown pedagogue & pianist, Rudolph Ganz. Anita has built & developed music programs in a variety of church settings, & served as Minister of Music & in other capacities for a variety of Protestant Denominations.
Anita has been a real estate broker for many years, was featured as “Who’s Who in Real Estate” in a national trade magazine, & was an instructor for Illinois licensing courses thru City College of Chicago. She holds several “green” designations, is a member of Sierra, Natural Resources Defense Council & Illinois Solar Energy Assoc. and is passionate about a greener, healthier environment, and better stewardship of God’s world.
One of the most rewarding times in her life was spent serving for several years as a full-time volunteer at People’s Church of Chicago, helping & being in community with the homeless & those on the margins of society. Her spiritual life has led her to believe that the God of Abraham has a heavy bias in favor of the poor. As a member of the Preston Bradley Board, she had full responsibility for marketing their wonderful 1600 seat auditorium & all other aspects of operation.
Anita loves the rich experiences of living in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic city and has many other interests. She is grateful for caring friends & finds great delight in 5 little nieces & nephew, ages 3-8. Even though she very much misses some of her now-departed loved ones, she does believe they can and have been her personal angels on occasion.
Phone-(773) 725-0121 E mail-ccjpucc5320@att.