Our Team

Jim Denton

Pastor

Pastor Jim spent 25 years as a pharmacist before answering the call to ministry. He is passionate about growing closer to God, more Christ-like, and for journeying with others along the way of following Jesus. 

Brenda Petty

Administrative Assistant

Brenda has been with us since 2018. Before coming to Hope UMC, she worked as a legal assistant for over 15 years in Chicago, Illinois. She is married to her husband, Tim and enjoys hiking and sipping ​chai-tea latte.

Sarah Ward

Director of Praise Bells and A/V Team

My parents joined First UMC in 1976 and I have been part of our church family from day one. In 1989 I joined the handbell choir and soon realized I loved being a "ding-a-ling". Since 2004 I have been a member of a professional handbell choir, The Agape Ringers, and have been assisting with the handbell choir since 2010. 

David Bieschke

Choir Director

David has been involved in music and keyboard since the age of 7. David studied pipe organ at Rockefeller Chapel at the University of Chicago and at Roosevelt University’s Chicago Musical College. He attended Roosevelt University’s Chicago Musical College, Indiana University Bloomington, and St. Olaf College, majoring in music, in addition to earning a bachelor’s and master's degree in social work. 

Karianne Padilla

Director of Community Preschool and Childcare

Karianne joined the team at Community Preschool and Child Care in 2018. She enjoys seeing others smile, providing support to others, and giving back to her community.

Deb Mangerson

Bookkeeper

Debbie joined us April 2018. She is a Hammond native, born and raised in “da region”. She is married to Bill and has one daughter, Brianna.

Larry Alport

Treasurer

Rudy (Zeke) Serna

Night Custodian

Rudy not only serves to keep the church spotless, but he also fills in and helps out wherever needed.