Rev. Laura McLeod – Pastor
Divinity Degree – Andover Newton Theological School, 1989
I am delighted to be serving Brookfield Congregational Church since November 2016. I have been an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ since graduating from Andover Newton Theological School in 1989. I have had the privilege of serving churches in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Wisconsin. I have been a member of the American Pastoral Counseling Association and worked as a counselor as well as a church pastor. I was drawn to Brookfield UCC because of its mission focus and desire to remain vital. Since coming to BCC I have become a certified facilitator and trainer in ‘Sacred Conversations to End Racism’ from the National UCC. I continue to work with Rev. Dr. Velda Love in this effort and have led racial justice training with several area churches including BCC.
I am originally from the Chicago area and a diehard Chicago Cub fan. I live in Elkhorn with my husband Scott who serves the First Congregational UCC in Port Washington. We have two children – Ruth, who is working on the PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience, and Henry, who is at UWM. Aside from work, I enjoy theatre, dance and crafting.
Marilyn Cummins – Pastoral Assistant for Congregational Life
Graduate R.N. – Hazleton State General Hospital, Pennsylvania State University
B.S. Health Arts – College of St. Francis – Joliet, Illinois
25-year career of critical care nursing; with specialty in cardiac and neurosurgery. I have enjoyed a 12-year, part time position at BCC. I have been an active member since 1988. I love my position on staff and have come to grow in my faith and love of the community of this church.
As Pastoral Assistant for Congregational Life, I wear two hats. The first is the parish nurse role. Visiting our “at home’ members and making sure they are safe and cared for in their environments. I try to foster relationships of church members, by supporting their health care decisions and helping them navigate through the various health care systems. I offer a Blood Pressure ministry once a month. I assist Rev. Laura with pastoral care and support her in all ways in the work of the church. I provide educational opportunities about health through forums and a weekly newsletter article. I also write an “Amazing Graze” blog with nutrition information and healthy recipes.
The second hat is the Fellowship piece. I am the staff liaison for the Congregational Life team; assisting with all activities involving food, from various receptions to Sunday fellowship.
I developed and support the “Hearts to Hands” ministry ~ meeting twice a month and spearheading hand work projects from prayer shawls to embroidered pillow cases. I serve on the ‘Liturgical Arts” team, helping to fashion meaningful and interesting worship enhancing experiences. I support and promote the UW Christian ministries Lunch Bunch program.
In my personal life, I enjoy golfing, cooking, reading, gardening, walking, dancing, and learning new things. I joined the Handbell choir and really enjoy it. I especially like spending time with family, dear friends, and my son Frank, and his wife Sarah. I recently became a ‘Nanalyn’ to Evelyn Grace Cummins.
Bonnie Ilhardt – Pastoral Assistant for Membership and Stewardship
B.S. Biology – UW-River Falls, B.S. Biology, Master of Forestry/Hydrology – University of Minnesota
After a lengthy career with the U.S. Forest Service, I thoroughly enjoy my part-time position at BCC. I was an active member before joining the staff in 2013 and feel blessed to be part of a faith community where I can serve others and grow my own faith at the same time. After years of commuting using public transportation, I am thrilled to bike to work in the non-winter months! As Pastoral Assistant for Membership Development, I collaborate with the Senior Pastor, BCC staff, and specifically the Congregational Life and Stewardship Ministry Teams on activities that build, support, and grow our church community. Our weekly chair yoga class, which includes both members and non-members, is one example. Hopefully, we can soon resume our weekly lunch bunch outings. I maintain a current roster of members and their contact information and we recently published a new Pictorial Directory in collaboration with our Administrative Assistant. I am interested in most things outdoors including biking, gardening, hiking, and PTBall/Pickleball. I also enjoy cooking, reading, spending time with family and friends and especially our son and daughter-in-law and two cute grandsons, James Richard, and Samuel Mark, who live in Chicago.
Mary K Pofahl – Bookkeeper
Born in Seattle, WA but grew up in beautiful San Diego, CA. Graduated from Chapman University (Orange, CA).
Moved to Wisconsin in 1966 when my Wisconsinite Marine husband returned from Vietnam. We raised 1 son and 2 daughters. I was a stay home mom. Started doing some part time and substitute teaching when they were older. My field was Family and Consumer Education.
I started my second career in 1993 at Enterprise Credit Union. Retired in 2010 as V-President of Member Services.
My favorite career change is becoming bookkeeper at BCC.
We are enjoying our 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Gary McWithey – Director of Music – Organ
Gary McWithey joined the staff of BCC as organist/pianist in October, 1990. Over the years, Gary has served with several pastors and music directors. At times, he has directed the Chancel Choir. Presently, Gary provides the organ accompaniment for the hymns, occasionally plays with the choir & praise band and provides music for service preludes, offertories and postludes on most Sundays of the year, as well as other special services. With his guidance we recently purchased a new organ for the sanctuary. In addition to playing for BCC, Gary enjoys attending many organ concerts in the Milwaukee & Chicago area throughout the year. BCC opens its doors to small performance groups who might be looking for a venue. For information on facilities and availability, please contact: Gary McWithey, Organist ([email protected]).
Justin Kamp – Director of Music – Choirs
Justin Kamp impressed the Music Search Team with his resume and fun, collaborative spirit. Justin’s full-time job is as a K-5 General Music and 5th Grade Band Teacher at Whitewater Unified School District. He is currently Director of Choirs at Delavan Congregational United Church of Christ. Because of his commitment to his ministry there Justin will not be joining us until the spring, but he’s excited to be part of the team here at BCC.
You will have a chance to meet Justin and his wife Kayla (also a music educator) and their son Carson on Sunday, February 12 when they will join us for worship and Justin will provide the Offertory music with his primary instrument, the bassoon. By the way, Justin and Kayla are expecting their second child this April as well.
Brian Packham, composer and multi-instrumentalist, studied piano and composition at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Brian enjoys playing music in a wide variety of styles and genres, and is grateful to be a part of BCC’s music ministry.
Christian Education – Erin Wurtzbacher