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We are truly blessed to have these wonderful, talented and dedicated people at First Church.
To contact our church staff, phone 630-832-2580 or e-mail us at elmhurstucc@sbcglobal.net
Director of Christian Education: Marta Mendoza
 Martha Mendoza is a native of the Island of Puerto Rico, USA. She immigrated to Illinois as a child of about 7 years old. Martha's educational background includes an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also has about 18 years of experience working with children and youth. Martha believes that children and youth need to be global Christians that learn to follow Christ through Biblical scriptures, music, art and exposure to different cultures. Much of this is evidenced in the youth activities that she organizes and carries out with First Congregation's Youth Group and our Sunday School Curriculum. She has a very warm heart and a bright and loving spirit which all our children love. Her energy is unflagging whether she is leading the Children's sermon for all to enjoy on Sunday mornings, teaching Confirmation classes or organizing fund raisers to help our Junior High and High School kids get ready for the Youth Mission trip. First Church and our children are truly blessed to have Martha lead our Christian Education efforts.
Minister of Music: Richard Stultz
First Church is delighted to introduce its newest staff member, Richard A. Stultz.
For thirty years Dick combined two talents: chemistry and music. After spending his childhood in Nashua, New Hampshire, Dick pursued an advanced education at Tufts University, earning degrees in both chemical engineering and music. A third degree, a Master of Sacred Music degree from Southern Methodist University, was later obtained.
For thirty years, Dick developed the skills and experience necessary to become both an accomplished chemist and a distinguished musician. Throughout New England, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, he conducted church and non-church choirs, toured with choral groups as director and accompanist. Most recently, he directed a church choir in Arlington Heights and served as a staff accompanist at Lake Forest High School.
Dick, now a retired chemist, recently moved with his wife, Gerri, to Elmhurst, and even more recently, accepted an invitation to join the First Church staff as organist and choir director. Hopefully, this new position is just the beginning of another wonderful thirty years.
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Ernest Huntzinger
Reverend Ernest Huntzinger was installed as minister of First Congregational Church on April 16th, 1967. He served our congregation and the Elmhurst community faithfully for 35 years and in recognition of his service was named as Pastor Emeritus upon his retirement. Ernie's philosophy as minister was to "serve the people, to teach, and to share his life with all those around him". He also generously shared his considerable vocal talents with us by performing a "Sermon in Song" each May for which he became known as Elmhurst's "Singing Minister". He has made many contributions to our community as Chairperson of the Elmhurst Ministerium; the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Chaplain Search Committee, and is Chairperson Emeritus of the Elmhurst YMCA Board. He has acted as citizen-at-large of the Elmhurst School Board, Unit District 205 and participated in the installation ceremonies of Lee Daniels as Illinois Speaker of the House.
Ernie now enjoys retirement in Port Washington, Wisconsin where he lives with his wife Nancy. He has two grown children, Erin and Erica. He and his family make occasional visits to our church on Sunday mornings and his bright smile is always a warm sight to see.
Administrative Assistant: Margaret Bixler
 Margaret Bixler and her husband Craig, along with their three adult children have been residents of Elmhurst for 25 years. She has worked at First Congregational United Church of Christ since 1999, first as an Administrative Assistant and currently as the Church Office Manager. "Working at First Congregational has been the most rewarding work experience of my life, it has been a pleasure being in relation with the kind and welcoming members of the congregation as well as the genuinely caring clergy and staff members through the years."
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