Rev. Marie S. Paterik has been our Interim Pastor since March 2007. She grew up in Caldwell, New Jersey with three brothers.

Marie graduated from Upsala College, East Orange, New Jersey, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion and Psychology. She received her Master’s of Divinity Degree from Drew Theological Seminary. Marie has completed her education and training as an Intentional Interim Pastor through the Interim Network Ministries in Baltimore, MD.

Theologically, Marie is what they call a mixture of Presbyterian, United Church of Christ and Lutheran. She is big on grace, forgiveness and gratitude. She places great emphasis on the example of Jesus Christ. Marie values tradition, and also innovation. She believes that sermons should be relatively short, but filled with meaning, practicality and humor. Marie has been an Interim Pastor with United Church of Christ, Methodist, and Lutheran denominations.

She shares great family and personal experiences in many of her messages. Marie advocates for joyful worship that blends a wide variety of music and experience – times of quiet and times of laughter.

Pastoral care is a passion for Pastor Marie. She carries a cell phone, and is in contact nearly 24/7/365. She also believes very strongly in the concept of the “Priesthood of All Believers” and so encourages all of her people to discover their own ministries, and to work together to make the world a better place!

Roy Paterik is Marie’s spouse and best friend of just 30 years. In the church, he is also a pastor, serving Bethlehem Church of Sutter, near Quincy, Illinois.

Their son, Andrew, is a Director of Music and Worship Ministries in Crete, Illinois. Andrew graduated from Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa.