Pastor Jane comes to Church of Peace UCC with over 30 years of experience as a Settled Pastor and as an Interim Pastor. She graduated with a Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago and was ordained as a minister in 1992. She has had training as an Interim Pastor and also as a Church Conflict Mediator.  Pastor Jane and her husband Dave Ward have four grown children between them, two sons and two daughters, as well as three grandchildren.  She is greatly enjoying reconnecting with and getting to know church members; and is honored to serve this church as they transition into the future and a new Settled Pastor!

Karen is a native of Milan, Illinois. She has a bachelor’s of arts degree in Elementary Education from Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona. Karen lived and taught fifth grade on the Navajo Nation Reservation in Chinle, Arizona from 1991 thru 1996; then returned home to the Quad Cities. She taught fifth grade at King Elementary School in Galesburg, Illinois, then moved on to the Training and Development Department of MidAmerican Energy Company in Davenport, Iowa. She retired after 20 years at MidAmerican and is currently the Communications Coordinator at Church of Peace in Rock Island. Karen is married to Chuck Sergeant; together they have six grown children, twelve grandchildren and they love living in Milan, Illinois.

Mary a graduate of the University of Missouri’s Nursing program and has her Master’s Degree in Community Health Nursing from Northern Illinois University. When she retired after more than 30 years in the Visiting Nurse Association, she chose to become a volunteer Parish Nurse at the Church of Peace. It is a great honor for her to work with our church members as they seek wellness of body, mind and spirit. It is a challenge she finds fulfilling and rewarding. The congregation continues to amaze her with their willingness to serve and support each other, our neighbors, and others who come to us.

Nancy Olson was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She earned a BM, BA from Augustana College in 1965, and Nancy became a Registered Nurse upon graduating from Scott Community College in 1988. Nancy has worked as a Mental Health Nurse for 21 years. She has been married and divorced and has three adult children and three grandchildren. In addition to nursing, Nancy is an accomplished vocal soloist. She has performed with Chamber Singers, Christian Science Church, Music Guild, and Genesius.

Jessica Waytenick is the Chancel Choir Director and a member of the Praise Team. The Chancel Choir is a part of the service each month from September to May. Jessica started leading the choir in 1994. Jessica says, “The Church of Peace feels like home, and the sanctuary is a beautiful place to sing.” Along with time at church, Jessica works for Visit Quad Cities.

Curtis Fischer-Oelschlaeger is the director of choral activities at Rockridge Junior and Senior High Schools. He is also active in theater and music groups throughout the Quad Cities. Curtis is a lifelong member of the Church of Peace and loves being a part of the music department that has the privilege to make music surrounded by gorgeous stained glass windows and watched over by the Good Shepherd painting!

Brian Wischnak was born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He has been at Church of Peace for over fifteen years. In addition to working as the Building and Grounds Coordinator, Brian also works as a Power Plant Mechanic at Trinity Medical Center. Brian and his wife, Kathy, have been married over 36 years. They have four kids and five grandkids.