Mark Nilson
Senior Pastor
Mark came to North Park Covenant Church in September 2011 after six years as senior pastor of First Covenant Church in Seattle, WA. Mark is a coach with the denomination’s Coaching of Pastors program and with Ministry Mentors, an ecumenical project. He is also a member of Covenant Retirement Communities’ Diversity Task Force. Mark is married to Robin, an interior designer, and they have two sons: Aaron of Araraquara, Brazil, and Chase, a freshman at North Park University. Email Mark.
Libby Piotrowski
Children’s Minister
Libby is a former high-school biology teacher and stay-at-home mom. She has been serving as children’s minister for the last several years and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Christian Formation. Email Libby.
Walter Schiller
Administrative Manager
Walt has been the administrative manager since 1994, when he retired from his position of elementary school principal in Evanston, IL. He has been a member of North Park Covenant Church since 1966. He has served on several boards and has been chairperson for three years. Walt works part-time and can be contacted by email or through the church office. Email Walt.
Terri VanDerVeer
Office Manager
Terri has been the office manager at North Park Covenant Church since 1986 and has worked alongside five senior pastors and a host of marvelous staff persons. She is currently serving on the Board of Deacons. One of her favorite things about the church office’s location is that it is across from the church preschool, which brings her the daily joy of small children. Email Terri
Laura Taglioli
Director/Teacher, North Park Church Cooperative Preschool
Laura is from the south side of Chicago (Mt. Greenwood) and currently lives in the city. She loves being at North Park and really appreciates the community aspect that North Park Church brings together. Many changes have been made to the class structure in order to keep the cooperative aspect of the program, about which Laura is very excited. Email Laura.
Christian Schuetz
Custodial Engineer
Charles M. Olson
Director, Chancel Choir
Chuck has been director of the Chancel Choir since 1982 after holding the same position at Irving Park Lutheran Church from 1972 to 1982. He has been a professional member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus since 1987. In 2008, he retired from his position as director of Career Planning Services and other areas in student development at North Park University. Prior to his employment at North Park University, Chuck was the general music teacher at Gemini School in Niles, IL, from 1967 to 1975. Email Chuck.
Sharon R. Peterson
Organist
Pianist for the Chicago Symphony Chorus since auditioning as a North Park College student in 1978, Sharon R. Peterson continues as accompanist for the CSC, as well as at Northwestern University and the North Shore Choral Society. Active as recitalist and coach, Sharon is also organist at North Park Theological Seminary and North Park Covenant Church. Email Sharon.
Linden Christ
Director, Chancel Bell Choir and Children’s Choir
Linden has been directing the Chancel Bell Choir since 2008 and the Children’s Choir since 2009. She also enjoys helping out with Vacation Bible School, directing the Christmas Ring and Sing, and the annual children’s musical. She provides voice lessons and beginning piano lessons at the church. Email Linden.
Ann-Marie Frisk
Editor, The Narthex
Ann-Marie was born into North Park Covenant Church and is a member of the Chancel Choir. A 1996 graduate of North Park University, she spends her days working for the Covenant denomination and running her own organizing business on the side. If you have something you’d like to submit to The Narthex, please contact Ann-Marie. Email Ann-Marie.
