Rev. Candice Wassell
As the Senior Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Pastor Candice Wassell preaches and works with the council and staff to set the vision and direction of the church’s ministries. Candice has a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Candice has lived most her life in Illinois, but has lived in Montana and Germany during her life as an Air Force wife. Candice loves chasing her youngest child, Julian, around O'Fallon parks, playing Cribbage with her middle child, Abigail, and talking Marvel Comics, Star Wars and LOTR with her oldest child, Garrett (who lives in California). She loves hiking, playing pool, and talking theology with her husband, Kevin, and playing golf with anyone willing to listen to her trash talk.
Jenny Roberts
As the Director of Youth Ministry, Jenny Roberts leads all youth programming from the cradle to High School and works with the Youth Faith Formation Board to set the vision and direction of the church's ministry to young people. Jenny hails from Luck, Wisconsin, the land of cheese and people who wish for snow in July. Jenny received her BA in History and Africana Studies from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She has a heart for service and has served as a missionary in Japan and Liberia. In her spare time, Jenny loves watercolor painting, crocheting, exploring museums, connecting with family and friends across the country, and snuggling with her cat, Kutsu.
Janet Hernandez
As the Administrative Coordinator, Janet Hernandez, oversees the day-to-day operations of the church campus and its ministries. But more than that, Janet is driven by a love for meeting new people and helping them find their place in the life and ministries of Faith. Janet is a Chicagoland native (you can tell by her no-nonsense, down-to-earth personality), but has called Southern Illinois home since 1998. Janet received her BA in Computer Systems Management from Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. She loves doing anything out of the ordinary with her three grown daughters, along with gardening, reading, crocheting and anything spicy. If you need to get connected at Faith, just connect with Janet.
Nicky Casberg
Our Church Secretary, Nicky Casberg, is the first smiling face and welcoming voice you're likely to meet at Faith. Nicky works behind the scenes each week to ensure worship runs smoothly on Sunday. She's passionate about connecting with people and keeping the congregation informed on all that's happening. Though Nicky loves Southern Illinois, this life-long Lutheran calls Minnesota home (you'll detect just a smidge of her roots when she talks!). She received her AAS in Administration from Northland Community College. Nicky is happily married to Pete, who she enjoys sharing the outdoors with. Her children are her heart's song and she loves to do anything with them, from running with her son, Leighton, to crafting with her daughter, Avery.
Wayland Schue
Organist and pianist, Wayland Schue, is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he received degrees in both organ and piano. As a pianist, he is equally active as a soloist and as chamber musician. Wayland is passionate about organ and church music. He has always wanted to use his musical ability and talent to glorify the Lord, just as the hymn text states: "When in our music God is glorified. " Wayland has served congregations in Indiana, Missouri, and Illinois. He maintains a long time affiliation with the American Guild of Organists, active in many capacities at both the local and regional level.
Programs for Young Children
Faith's part-time preschool has been loving and serving children ages Birth-5 and their families for 20 years with faith and play-based programming. Click on the logo for an introduction to our school and staff via our website.