RCLPC logo blue

Ridgefield-Crystal Lake Presbyterian Church

8505 Church Street (in Ridgefield)
Crystal Lake, IL 60012
815-459-1132    |    Email

2017-Christmas-Pageant

Staff Bios

Pastor Nicole is a native of eastern Pennsylvania and has been serving in ordained ministry for 15 years.  She is a graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, PA and is currently completing her PhD in Religious Studies at Temple University.  After finishing her doctoral coursework, she relocated to Milwaukee to continue her life’s education. She has served a number of churches as a transitional leader and is the current Moderator of Milwaukee Presbytery’s Commission for Congregational Vitality. Nicole is passionate about spiritual growth and understanding, ethics, and the translation of belief into a lived faith.

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. In addition to music, Anthony is the Assistant Principal for Cary Junior High.

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.