OUR STAFF

Rev. Dr. Enrico R. Esguerra

Pastor

St. Mark United Methodist Church, Kankakee, and Wesley United Methodist Church, Bradley, have announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Enrico R. Esguerra, an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church. Esguerra comes to the area from Goreville and Creal Springs United Methodist Church in Southern Illinois.

Going by “Pastor Rico,” the reverend served the United Methodist Church in the Philippines for almost 25 years and in the United States for almost five years. He finished his Bachelor of Science in commerce, majoring in accounting at San Sebastian College, Manila, and continued his education by completing his Master of Business Administration at Philippine Christian University in Dasmarinas City, Philippines.

He entered the ministry in 1995 and completed his theological studies with a Master of Divinity with High Honors in 2001 then finished his Doctor of Ministry in 2014 from Union Theological Seminary, Philippines. Pastor Rico served as an associate pastor; an administrative pastor; administrative assistant to Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan, of the Manila Episcopal Area of the Philippines Central Conference; and as a District Superintendent of the Northwest Metro Manila District of the Philippines Annual Conference before coming to the United States to serve the congregations at Goreville UMC and Creal Springs UMC.

Pastor Rico is married to Myra D. Esguerra. They have three children: Henrick August, Enrico Micah and Marie Adelaine. The entire family is blessed with the gift of music.

“Wesley United Methodist Church and St. Mark United Methodist Church look forward to not only worshiping with Pastor Rico and his family but also working alongside of him as we reach out to the community in the love and kindness of God.”

Taken from Kankakee Daily Journal, 7/12/2023.

Shari Funk

Administrative Assistant

Shari Funk has been our Administrative Assistant since 2016. She is responsible for managing the church office and reception desk, taking care of administrative tasks, and organizing the Saint Mark Connections each week. She is also our Financial Secretary recording weekly church offerings and producing giving reports. She comes to us with fifteen years prior experience in a church office. Shari has a helpful and caring heart and loves to interact with the church family on a daily basis. She is married to John Funk and has two adult children: Megan and Kyle.

Gwen Fox

Director of music, Organist

Gwen Fox has been on staff since 2007 serving as our pianist/organist, and most recently has been serving as choir director. Gwen faithfully plays the prelude for our services, accompanies and directs the choir, works with and plays for the Praise Team, and plays the organ. She believes that music plays such an important role in the service of worshipping and praising God! Gwen is married to her husband, Michael J. Fox, and together they have 3 grown children: Casey, Ryan, and Rachel, as well as 5 grandchildren: Gwendalynn, Margie, Artie, Elliott, and Boyd.

Mary Smith

TREASURER

Mary Smith is the Treasurer here at Saint Mark United Methodist Church. She also volunteers with United Methodist Women, coordinates the Blessing Box, serves on Hospitality and Missions committees, and assists with the AV team. Mary enjoys helping out any way she can. She loves spending time with family and enjoys cooking, traveling, and being outdoors. Mary and her husband, Don, are blessed with two children and four grandchildren.

Judy Whitehead

Lead Custodian

Judy was born and raised in Kankakee and has been serving at Saint Mark as our lead custodian since March of 2023. She finds joy in serving the church. Judy is passionate about helping people and her goal is to help others to enjoy life whenever possible. Judy lives in Kankakee with her husband, Mark.