2017-Christmas-Pageant

Staff Bios

Pastor John Dillon

The Rev. John Dillon has been Pastor at RCLPC since September 2010.

A native of Glasgow in Scotland he started his career in production and sales and served with I.C.I. Ltd, a multi-national chemical company, before becoming a minister of the Church of Scotland. In 1993 he transferred to the PC(USA) and has served congregations in California, Arkansas, Florida, and Maryland.

John holds qualifications in Business Studies from Slough College of Technology, a Bachelor of Arts in History of Modern Design & Architecture from the Open University, Milton Keynes, and a Bachelor of Divinity, Joint Honors in Systematic & Practical Theology, from Trinity College, University of Glasgow. He has been a member of the Iona Community since 1988 and is President of the Iona Community – New World Foundation USA. He lives in Crystal Lake with his wife Louise and their four children.

John is passionate about building community and mutual understanding between disparate groups in our society; social justice; care and support of the bereaved and hurting. He believes that diversity is one of God’s greatest gifts and that we tend to turn this into a barrier rather than a bridge. He is interested in classic rock, art and architecture and history and trying to keep up with his kids.

Raechel Sowa has been a member of RCLPC for 20 years and has participated in many areas of church life. She has been a SS teacher, nursery liaison, Confirmation leader, Elder, and most recently, our youth leader. After years in the non-profit world holding various positions, she has felt she could assist RCLPC by coordinating our Middle School and High School youth and she states she has “loved the experience.” Her goal is to help our youth leaders create a dynamic youth program that our youth want to invite their friends to.

Anthony Jay Houston has been Music Director at RCLPC since January 2022.

Anthony holds a bachelors in Music Education from the University of Dayton (2010) as well as a Masters in percussion performance with a focus on Jazz Studies from Roosevelt University (2014).

Anthony has grown up in Crystal Lake, and studied percussion under Sherri Dees, RCLPC’s former music Director before leaving for college. Since returning home in 2010, he has been a regular member of the RCLPC band before being appointed to Assistant Music Director, and beginning to assist more in worship planning, Sunday School, and WEe Time.

Anthony performs throughout Chicagoland as a Jazz Musician. His primary instrument is the Vibraphone, which differs from Marimbas and Xylophones due to its metal bars and unique fan system that creates a wah-wah sound. He regularly performs with the Stan Dard Jazz Project, and can also be heard playing drum set on various albums with Andrew D. Huber. Anthony also directs Jazz Band II and Jazz Combo Director at Crystal Lake Central High School, and is the current Music Teacher at South Elementary School in District 47.

Anthony is excited to continue growing the music department at RCLPC. He strives to include musicians of all ages and abilities, and bring enhancement to our Worship Services through unique musical experiences. When not working, he’s likely spending time with his wife Allison and daughter Cecilia, or playing a Star Wars game. Anthony can be contacted at anthonyh@rclpc.org

Lynn-Hoch-headshot

The administration team is excited to welcome our new Administrative Assistant, Lynn Hoch.

She comes to us with strong organizational skills, people skills, and computer skills. She will be in the office mornings on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday so you can stop in or call and ask questions.

Lynn will be responding to email sent to office@rclpc.org and lynnh@rclpc.org.