DGFUMC Staff List

Associate Pastor

Our Associate Pastor, Andersen (Andi) Voinovich, is an Elder in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church. They graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. Prior to that, Andi received a degree in Spanish language and literature from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and minors in educational studies and gender studies. They have appreciated the unique ways in which these study areas have enriched their ministry! Prior to this appointment, Andi served as a licensed local pastor for multi-site ministry with Barrington UMC, First UMC of West Dundee, Bethel New Faith Community, and El Mesias, UMC in Elgin. Andi is thrilled to be part of this congregation and the greater Downers Grove community!

Communications Director

Deborah (Deb) Hinrichs, our communications director, has extensive experience in communications, publications management, print operations, marketing/advertising, website management, social media and digital communications, and public relations primarily for non-profit organizations and colleges and universities. She really enjoys learning about and telling the stories of our congregation!

Preschool Director

Nancy is our director of the First United Methodist Preschool (FUMPS) program. She taught in the four-year-old program before becoming director. Nancy is also a very proud graduate of the program, back in its earlier days. She has degrees in elementary education and accounting, so the director position is a wonderful job for her, combining both her passion for children with her enjoyment of management. Nancy is a life-long member of First United Methodist Church. She has been actively involved in the Sunday school program, has served on many work areas, and has played in the handbell choir for more than 25 years. She is married to Ed, a chiropractor who teaches at a local university. She and Ed are the proud parents of Olivia, a high school student who keeps them very busy going to all her sporting events – soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball.

Kitchen Supervisor

Carrie, a long-time member of our church, keeps our many kitchens and refrigerators clean and spotless throughout the year!

Sanctuary Organist

A graduate of Wheaton College in piano performance, Pattie Barnes also studied organ extensively. She went on to earn a master’s degree in piano performance at Indiana University and pursued several years of doctoral piano performance study there. She is enjoying more than 20 years as organist and director of handbell ensembles at DGFUMC. Under her leadership, the church's Chancel Ringers performed the closing concert for the 2002 AGEHR Directors’ Seminar in Des Moines, Iowa. Each Christmas season, the Westminster Ringers and Chancel Ringers perform a Hanging of the Greens Concert and each spring, the Ringers perform their annual Spring Ring.

Chapel Choir Accompanist

Elizabeth comes to us with a variety of experiences in accompaniment and performance. She is a current doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin—Madison pursuing her degree in piano performance and pedagogy with a minor in early music. Her vast experience includes degrees in vocal performance, viola performance, piano performance, and multiple awards for excellence. Elizabeth will be the Chapel Organist for the 8:30 worship service and accompany the Chapel Choir.