Meet our Team
As one team, our Pastor, along with our ministry staff and Council leaders, cast and lead the vision of Grace UCC . Working together, we share the love of Christ throughout our congregation and community sharing the message… “No matter who you are, or where you are on Life’s Journey, you are welcome here."
Pastor Jim Hilker
Pastor Jim is serving as pastor in a shared ministry with Grace United Church of Christ in O’Fallon and Faith United Church of Christ in Wentzville, where he had been serving as a pastor for the last five years. Rev. Hilker grew up in the United Church of Christ in central Pennsylvania. He was active in his home church, Christ UCC where he was baptized and confirmed. He graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Eden Seminary in St. Louis in 1993 and was ordained in January of 1994. He has served 4 churches in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Missouri over that last 30 years. His ministry experience includes training in congregational revitalization, stewardship development, worship planning and leadership, creating faith formation opportunities for all ages and caring for people as counselor, teacher and pastor. Pastor Jim has 3 grown children and lives in St. Charles with his wife, Rev. Lisa Martin. His hobbies include riding his bicycle, model railroading and playing the drums.
Music Minister, Jon Garrett
Jon Garrett serves as our Music Minister and has been involved in church worship and production for over 25 years. He is also a recording artist, composer, collaborative pianist, musical theater director, conductor and operatic tenor. Jon is also the artistic director of the Gateway Men's Chorus, and has performed with Winter Opera St. Louis, Union Avenue Opera, the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus, Missouri Ballet Theatre, and Stray Dog Theatre. His compositions have been featured in performances by the Chamber Chorus, St. John UCC Chancel Choir, and Missouri Ballet Theatre. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, where he studied piano with Evelyn Mitchell and voice with Dr. Mark Madsen. He also received a Master of Music from the Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville where he studied piano with Dr. Kris Pineda and voice with Dr. Emily Truckenbrod. He lives in St. Peters and is the father of three lovely daughters.
Preschool Director, Patti Bergner
Patti Bergner is the Director of the Grace United Church of Christ Preschool. She has been a faculty member at the Preschool since the fall of 2010 and was promoted to the Director position in August of 2018. Patti previously taught in the 2’s, 3’s, and Pre-K classes. Prior to coming to Grace, Patti worked as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, and Instructional Specialist in the Hazelwood School District. Patti also worked in Fort Zumwalt School District in the Parents as Teachers program. Patti is involved with her church, as well as the PTO and school board at her children’s school. She is an active volunteer in the community. Patti resides in O’Fallon with her spouse, Greg, and their two sons, Ryan and Daniel.
Council Officers:
Sandy Silger, President
Dan Fahnestock, Vice President
Cindy Rose, Treasurer
Cheryl Howard, Secretary
Council Members:
Linda Clark
Sarah Miles
Mark Miller
Harry Peters
Laura Roberts