Late August is a time of transition–from summer to fall, and back to school–and First United is beginning a new chapter in its life this week, as well. the congragation welcomed the Rev. Dr. John Cole to First United Church on Sunday, August 30, as their new lead pastor.
John has already been spending some time this summer meeting with the church staff, the Council and some committees so he hit the ground running. He is very much looking forward to meeting many more of the church family in the coming weeks!
Here is a refresher on John’s background: He grew up in Daytona Beach in a family of Presbyterians and lawyers, and spent several years practicing environmental law and probate litigation in Florida before feeling an irresistible call to the ministry. John comes to First United with a strong spiritual, preaching, teaching and administrative background. He most recently served as Interim Head of Staff at Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, Iowa, but is now ready to “put down roots” here at First United. John and his wife, Tai, who is a pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights, recently bought a house here in Oak Park, and have spent the months of July and August becoming more familiar with our awesome village and its environs. They have four children: Jacob, 21, is a senior at Davidson College; Jessie, 20, is a junior at Smith College; John is 10, and Owen, 6. John has a passion for history, reading and writing theology, cross training, ACC basketball and Florida State football.
Click here for John’s full bio and Faith Statement. See you on a coming Sunday!
For more information about First United Church of Oak Park, please visit: www.firstunitedoakpark.com.
